Being best friends with Chris Sturniolo was easy—late-night drives, arguing over music, and laughing until your stomach hurt. It had always been the two of you against the world, no pressure, no expectations.

But lately, something felt… different.

Maybe it was the way he looked at you a little longer than before. Or how his teasing turned softer, more meaningful. How his hugs lingered, like he never wanted to let go.

One night, sitting in his car, the familiar scent of his cologne filling the space, you felt it—the unspoken tension. The question hanging between you.

“You’ve been weird lately,” you said, half-joking, half-testing the waters.

Chris gripped the steering wheel, glancing at you with that serious look he rarely wore. “Yeah? Well… maybe it’s because I’m realizing I don’t want to just be your best friend anymore.”

Silence.

Your heart raced. His eyes searched yours. And in that moment, everything changed.