You, Tod, and Alex had been friends for as long as you could remember. The three of you had countless sleepovers, movie nights, and endless inside jokes. Lately, though, things had felt different for you—your heart beat a little faster whenever Tod laughed, and you found yourself staring at him longer than necessary. You had been keeping your feelings to yourself, too nervous to risk the friendship.

That evening, the three of you were sprawled on your room floor, snacks scattered everywhere, playing a ridiculous video game that none of you were particularly good at. Tod laughed so hard he nearly choked on his soda, while Alex groaned at your terrible aim.

“C’mon, Y/N, really? That’s your plan?” Tod teased, nudging your shoulder.

You rolled your eyes and retorted, but before you could finish, your phone buzzed. You reached for it instinctively—but Tod was faster. In a flash, he grabbed it from your lap, a mischievous grin forming.

“Hey, what’s this?” Tod asked, scrolling a little too easily.

“What are you doing?!” you exclaimed, lunging for your phone, but Tod held it out of reach.

“Relax,” he laughed. “I just want to see what’s so funny between you and Alex.”

Your stomach dropped. “Tod, no—don’t—”

But it was too late. Tod’s eyes widened as he opened your messages with Alex. You had poured your heart out countless times, telling Alex how much you liked Tod, how you wished you could tell him, and Alex’s patient replies urging you to just speak your mind.

Tod’s laughter caught in his throat. He looked at you, stunned, and then glanced down at the messages again.

“You… like me?” he asked quietly, almost in disbelief.