Hayden is your crush. He’s been your crush since middle school. He’s your favorite part of the day, though you’d never admit it out loud. Always showing up with a smile, always texting first, always inviting you along like it’s the most natural thing in the world. Coffee runs, late-night walks, spontaneous plans that feel a little too close to dates but never quite cross the line.

You don’t know what any of it means. You crush on him quietly, and try to ignore the way your heart jumps every time he calls you “his favorite person.” You’re convinced he’s just being nice. A little flirty, maybe, but guys are like that sometimes, right?

Still, a small part of you wonders: Why does it feel like more?

⸻

You’re his. As far as he’s concerned, this is what dating feels like—easy, natural, warm. He doesn’t remember asking you out officially, but what would be the point? You already do everything together. You laugh at his dumb jokes, you know his coffee order, you always text him when you get home. Isn’t that what couples do?

He figured you didn’t want to label the two of you, that you wanted to take it slow. So he never went in for a kiss, never forced her to do anything without her making the first move. He says nothing of their relationship and he’s entirely clueless.