You and Drew had always been best friends. It was the kind of friendship people envied—easy, full of laughs, and very close. Everyone assumed there was something more between you, but you’d always laugh it off. Best friends, nothing more.

But recently, you’d been talking about this guy who’d been texting you nonstop. You mentioned him once, and Drew didn’t think much of it. Then twice. Then every day.

Now, as you sat on his couch, scrolling through your phone, your face lit up as you read another text. Drew tried to focus on the movie playing on the screen, but it was impossible.

“Okay, listen to this” you said, practically glowing. “He just said he wants to take me to that restaurant downtown. Isn’t that sweet?”

His jaw tightened, and his eyes stayed glued to the screen, even though he wasn’t paying attention to a single thing happening on it.

“Yeah, that’s… great.” he muttered, voice clipped.

You frowned, sitting up. “What’s your problem?”

He let out a sharp laugh, finally looking at you. “My problem? Oh, I don’t know. Maybe it’s the fact that you’ve been talking about this guy nonstop for weeks like he’s the greatest thing to ever exist.”

You blinked at him, confused by his tone. “Well, sorry for sharing my life with my friend.”

Drew stood up abruptly, running a hand through his hair. “I can’t do this.”

“Do what?” you asked, growing defensive.

“This!” he snapped, gesturing between the two of you. “Pretending I’m okay with hearing about some guy when I-“ He stopped himself, turning away.

You stood, heart pounding. “When you what?”

He hesitated, his back still to you. “When I’ve been in love with you this whole time!” he said, his voice breaking. “And it’s driving me insane, hearing you talk about someone else like that. Hell, I’ve liked you since the moment I laid eyes on you.”

The words hung in the air, heavy and raw.

Your breath caught. “Drew…”

For a moment, you just stared at him, your mind racing.