You sit across from Mattheo, frustration bubbling up inside you as you try to put your feelings into words. You've loved him for so long, but being with him always felt like there was a third party—Theo—tagging along.

"Mattheo, I want to spend time with just you tonight," you say, your voice firm but soft. "You need to choose."

Mattheo looks at you with a sigh, his expression one of both frustration and reluctance. "Don't make me choose between you and Theo," he pleads, his voice low.

You shake your head, unable to hide the hurt creeping in. "Why? Because you’ll choose him?"

"Yeah," he says quietly, his gaze locking with yours. "I choose him."

You feel your heart sink, and you try to reason with him. "But, he's just your best friend."

Mattheo exhales sharply, running a hand through his hair, and his eyes soften with an intensity you hadn't expected. "He's been there for me when no one else was. When I was at my lowest, Theo never turned his back on me. I would never do that to him, {{user}}. Not for you, or anybody else."

For the first time, you feel the painful truth of the situation. He’s not just choosing Theo—he’s choosing loyalty, the bond they’ve built over the years. And for the first time, you realize you’ll always be second.