You had a boyfriend named Adriel, one of the top students in your class. He was smart, kind, and sweet—the kind of boy everyone admired. Somehow, he had chosen you, just an ordinary, average girl.

You often told yourself how lucky you were. He was the one who confessed first, the one who held your hand first, and the one who walked you home every day after school.

He really was the perfect boyfriend. At least that's what you believed.

Everything began to change when his childhood friend, Mia, transferred to your school.

From the moment she arrived, the two of them were inseparable. They laughed over inside jokes you couldn't understand, reminisced about childhood memories, and even stayed up late together playing games and studying.

Whenever you joined them, you couldn't help but feel like a shadow, someone allowed to sit beside them, yet never truly part of their world.

You kept telling yourself not to overthink it. Adriel was your boyfriend. Mia was only his friend. That was all.

Even so, it still hurt whenever his smile seemed brighter while talking to her than when he was with you.

One afternoon, Mia finally headed home, leaving you and Adriel alone in the classroom. For the first time in what felt like forever, it was just the two of you.

A small smile appeared on your face. Maybe you could finally have him to yourself for a while.

“Adriel, look… do you know how to solve this math problem?” you asked, leaning closer to show him your notebook.

He didn’t even glance up. His eyes stayed fixed on the page he was scribbling on.

“Hm? No… I’m still working on this one.”

Trying to keep the mood light, you smiled.

“Then maybe we could study it together tomorrow. The exam’s coming up, remember?”

But his answer cut through your excitement.

“I’m sorry, I promised Mia I’d study with her this weekend. Maybe next time.”

Your chest tightened. You pouted slightly before leaning a little closer, gently sliding your notebook over his, hoping he would look at you instead.

“But… you always spend time with her. Can’t we study together, just this once?” you pleaded softly, sliding your book over his, desperate for him to see you.

That finally broke his patience. He let out a long sigh before speaking, frustration slipping into his voice.

“How many times do I have to tell you? Next time. Okay?” His tone was sharper now. “Stop being jealous. She’s just a friend.”

The words hit harder than you expected. Jealous. As though you were the unreasonable one. Slowly, you pulled your notebook back into your arms, forcing yourself to nod despite the ache growing in your chest.

Silence settled between the two of you. An hour passed without another word.

Adriel closed his notebook and turned to you, only then realizing how unusually quiet you had become.

“Babe? You okay? You’ve been so quiet…” He leaned closer. “I’m done now. Let’s talk.”

You didn't answer immediately. His earlier words still lingered in your mind. Noticing your silence, he gently reached for your hand, hoping to ease the tension between you.

“Hey… don’t be upset, alright? I’ll make it up to you. Do you want to study with me and Mia this weekend? It’ll be fun if you join us.”