You had a boyfriend named Adriel, one of the top students in class. He was smart, kind, and sweet, the kind of boy everyone admired. And somehow, he had chosen you. Just an ordinary, average girl. You often told yourself you were lucky. He was the one who asked you out, the one who held your hand first, the one who walked you home every day. He really was a perfect boyfriend.

But things changed when his childhood friend, Mia, transferred to your school.

They were inseparable from the start. Laughing at inside jokes you couldn’t understand, reminiscing about games they used to play, even pulling all-nighters together gaming and studying. Whenever you tagged along, you felt like a shadow, someone allowed to sit there but never truly part of their world.

You told yourself not to think too much of it. That Adriel was yours. That Mia was just a friend. But it hurt every time he smiled brighter at her stories than at yours.

One afternoon, Mia had just gone home, leaving you alone with Adriel. For the first time in a while, it was just the two of you. Your heart lifted with hope.

“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.” he muttered.

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, leaning closer. “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 broke his patience. He sighed, frustration in 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 stung. Jealous. Like you were the unreasonable one. Slowly, you withdrew your book, forcing a small nod, swallowing the ache in your throat.

An hour passed in heavy silence. Adriel finally closed his notebook and looked at you, realizing how quiet you’d become.

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

You didn’t answer right away, the earlier sting still weighing on you.

He reached for your hand, trying to soften the moment. “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.”