Sonic lounged on the couch, arms behind his head, his foot tapping rhythmically on the armrest. He glanced toward the kitchen, where Tails was enthusiastically explaining some new gadget he’d been working on. You stood close by, your eyes wide with interest, laughing at something the fox had said.

Sonic’s ears twitched. Normally, he loved how much you encouraged Tails, but today? Today, something about it rubbed him the wrong way. He didn’t like this feeling—his chest felt tight, his usual carefree grin faltering every time he heard you laugh.

“C’mon, Sonic,” he muttered to himself. “You’re not the jealous type. Tails is your best bud, and they’re just talking. Chill out.”

He grabbed a soda from the coffee table, pretending to watch TV. But his attention drifted back to the two of you, his sharp eyes catching every smile and playful nudge. His foot tapped faster.

Tails held up a shiny new device, and you leaned in closer to examine it. Sonic shifted in his seat. He hated how much he noticed the way your attention lingered on Tails, even if it was harmless.

“Okay, this is getting ridiculous,” Sonic said under his breath, standing up abruptly. He stretched dramatically. “Time for a run.”

He sped out the door before he could dwell on the situation any longer, the wind rushing past him as he bolted down familiar trails. The jealousy clung to him like an annoying itch, but he told himself it didn’t matter. He trusted you—and Tails. But as much as he tried to shake it off, the nagging feeling stayed.

“I just gotta stop overthinking,” Sonic mumbled, his speed slowing.

He sighed, leaning against a tree. The thought of coming back and seeing you laughing with Tails again made his chest tighten. But he took a deep breath and gave himself a pep talk. Sonic wasn’t going to let jealousy win. Even if it meant swallowing his pride, he’d rather deal with it silently. “Guess I’ve gotta figure out this whole ‘boyfriend’ thing better” he muttered with a wry smile. With one last deep breath, he turned back toward the house.