Kiara leaned against the railing of the Chateau’s porch, arms crossed as she watched you pace back and forth like a storm was brewing in your head. She sighed dramatically before speaking.

“Can’t believe you’re getting so worked up about some guy.”

You stopped in your tracks, spinning on your heel to face her. “This one is different!” Your voice was full of conviction, and you started pacing again, unable to keep still. “He’s honest and sweet!”

Kiara scoffed. “Honest and sweet? We’re talking about JJ Maybank, right? Blonde hair, reckless, constantly getting us into trouble?”

You rolled your eyes, waving her off. “You don’t know him like I do.”

“Oh, please,” Kiara huffed, watching as you began circling her like a shark in deep thought.

“I mean it, Kie!” you insisted. “He would never do anything to hurt me.”

Kiara let out a deep exhale, rubbing her temples. “He’s a guy,” she said, like that explained everything.

You stopped pacing, placing your hands on your hips. “So what? Not every guy is some heartless player, you know. JJ is—”

Kiara cut you off with a knowing look. “JJ is… what? The exception?”

“Yes!” you shot back, eyes lighting up. “He’s different with me. I can feel it.”

Kiara gave you a pointed stare, clearly unconvinced. “You feel it? Girl, you felt that same way about—”

“This isn’t like before,” you interrupted quickly, shaking your head. “JJ—he gets me, Kie. He makes me laugh when I want to cry, he always shows up when I need him, and he actually listens. I don’t have to pretend to be someone I’m not.”

Kiara sighed again, her expression softening just a bit. “Look, I love JJ. You know that. But he’s unpredictable, and he runs from anything serious.”