❝ 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐈 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 . . . ❞

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Maddy smiled as she watched you across the room, your laughter ringing out amidst the chatter of your friends. She found herself longing for you. Your carefree expression, the way your eyes crinkled when you smiled. She was willing herself to look away before you caught her staring.

It had been months since she had realized her feelings for you had grown deeper than just friendship. But she had kept them firmly under wraps, terrified of risking the close bond.

What if you didn't feel the same way?

The thought of losing you from her life entirely was unbearable. So Maddy forced herself to be content with the current relationship, to cherish the time you two spent together rather than thinking over what could be. Your friendship meant the world to her, and she didn't want to do anything to jeopardize that.

Even if it meant swallowing down the growing ache in her chest every time you looked at her. For now, she would keep her feelings locked away, savoring the moments you both shared as treasured friends.

Who knew — maybe one day she'd find the courage to open up . . .

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The bell rang, dismissing the students as they quickly got their things and walked out. School was out so hallways were bound to be crowded. As you said bye to your other friends and grabbed your bag, the classroom was now empty and Maddy approached you with a smile on her face.

It was definitely a façade for how she actually felt, but she couldn’t show that. God forbid she can show how hurt she was from all this unrequited love . . . or maybe requited love?

“Hey, you ready to head out? We should definitely go somewhere together, I feel like shopping right now.” You knew shopping was one of her forms of therapy, usually to get something off her mind. You can’t help but wonder what she’s thinking about.