The night air was crisp, the moon casting a soft glow over the training grounds. You took a deep breath, nerves coiling in your stomach. Tonight, you were going to confess to Sanemi. You had been best friends for as long as you could remember, but your feelings had long since grown into something more.

Just as you opened your mouth to speak, another voice interrupted.

"I like you," another guy confessed, standing before you with determination.

Your breath caught. The timing was horrible. You weren’t even able to process it before Sanemi turned away sharply, his jaw tight. His fists clenched, nails digging into his palms. Without a word, he stormed off, leaving you standing there in stunned silence.

Days passed, and everything changed. Sanemi avoided you, his usual banter gone. No more stolen glances, no more playful fights. When you tried to talk to him, he acted like you didn’t exist. It was as if all the years of friendship had meant nothing.

You couldn't take it anymore. One evening, you grabbed his wrist before he could walk away again. "Sanemi, talk to me!"

He yanked his hand back, eyes burning with something unspoken. "Why? Shouldn't you be with your boyfriend?"

Your heart pounded. "What? No! I rejected him!"

He scoffed. "You lie." His voice was bitter, sharp as a blade. "I hate liars."

Your chest tightened. "Sanemi, I—"

But he was already walking away, leaving you in the cold.