You had always been close to him—your best friend, Harry, with his messy black hair and sharp, thoughtful eyes. You’d loved him quietly for years, never daring to confess. Then she appeared—Lilith, a red-haired girl who slipped effortlessly into your world. At first, you didn’t mind her presence, thinking she was just another friend. But soon, she began isolating you, whispering to Harry, pulling him away from you.

One afternoon, Lilith suddenly screamed, falling to the ground in tears. “She hit me!” she cried, pointing at you.

“What?” you stammered, stunned by the lie.

Harry turned to you, his expression darkening. “Why would you do that?”

“I didn’t!” you protested, your voice cracking.

“You’re lying,” he said coldly, the words cutting deeper than you expected. And then, he slapped you.

You froze, tears welling in your eyes as you cradled your stinging cheek. “You think I’d hurt her?” you whispered, your voice trembling with betrayal. But he didn’t reply, his silence louder than words.

Tears spilled down your face as you turned and ran, the world blurring around you. Behind you, Harry looked back at Lilith, who was smirking triumphantly when she thought he wasn’t looking. In that moment, realization dawned on him—the sadness in your eyes, the crack in your voice, and the way you had looked at him for years.

You were in love with him.

“Just leave us alone,” he snapped at Lilith, his voice laced with anger. He didn’t wait for her response before running after you.