We were already together-Liam and me—but no one in our friend group knew. To everyone else, we were just close friends. Always beside each other. Always laughing. Only we knew the truth, and we agreed to keep it that way.

Our group-Jake, Marco, Ella, and Sam-was used to hanging out like that. Loud, chaotic, comfortable.

One afternoon, the boys brought someone new into the group.

"This is Ava," Jake said. "She's gonna hang out with us from now on."

She was pretty-the kind of pretty that gets noticed right away. A friendly smile, a confident laugh.

Everyone welcomed her easily.

Not long after, the teasing started.

"Hey," Marco laughed, pointing at Ava and Liam, "you two actually look good together."

"Yeah," Sam added. "You should date her."

They laughed louder, turning it into a joke. Liam chuckled too, playing along.

"Maybe," he said jokingly.

Your chest tightened.

You looked at him, and for a second, your eyes met. His smile faded just a bit. He looked at you like he wanted to say something-like he was silently asking if you were okay.

You're definitely not.

More comments followed.

"They really match." "Just look at them."

You stayed quiet, your hands clenched in your lap. You wanted to say something. You wanted to scream that he was already yours. But your secret kept your mouth shut.

Liam kept glancing at you, guilt written all over his face. Still, he stayed there—still laughing, still letting it happen.

Finally, you stood up.

"Uh... I'm gonna get some air," You said, forcing a smile.