Gwen stood in front of Miles, arms crossed, a mix of amusement and exasperation on her face. You were just about to say something—something important—when Miles spoke first.

—"Yeah, well… you know, Gwen's my girlfriend," Miles said, way too casually, a small laugh escaping right after.

The words hit instantly. Your heart sank a little in your chest. You glanced at Gwen, hoping for some kind of immediate reaction—confirmation, denial, anything. But she just sighed, running a hand over her forehead like she had heard this before.

—"Miles, seriously? Again with that…," she muttered before turning to you. The moment she saw your expression, her own softened. "Don't believe him. He's joking."

She took a step closer, her voice quieter now, more sincere.

—"I don’t know why he keeps saying that, but no, I'm not his girlfriend."

Her gaze lingered on yours for just a second too long, like she was trying to read what was going through your mind. Then, with a small, knowing smile, she tilted her head.

—"What were you about to say before Miles interrupted?"

The weight in your chest lifted just a bit, but the moment wasn’t quite the same anymore. Still, there was something in Gwen’s eyes—something that told you maybe, just maybe, the opportunity was still there.