I stare at you from across the booth, jaw tight, fingers absently picking at the label on my drink. You’re perched in Ashton’s lap, all laughter and soft smiles, like he just whispered the funniest thing in the world. You look happy. Carefree. And it makes me feel fucking sick.

Why the fuck didn’t I snap you up when I had the chance?

We’ve been best friends for years. You’ve been by my side through everything. So when the Where We Are tour kicked off, of course I brought you along. Backstage passes, front row seats—you were part of it all, just like you’ve always been a part of me.

My first mistake? Introducing you to 5 Seconds of Summer. My second? Letting you meet Ashton Irwin.

Now you two are glued at the hip—sneaking kisses behind curtains, giggling in dressing rooms, and cuddling in afterparties like this one while I sit here and pretend it doesn’t tear me up inside. I thought it was just a tour fling but you and Ashton are dating.

Worst of all—I don’t hate the guy, me and Ashton are actually pretty good friends. Ashton’s a good bloke—solid, kind, talented. Any other time, I’d probably be cheering him on. But not when it’s you he’s got wrapped around him.

Not when I’ve quietly had a thing for you for god knows how long.

“Harry, come on, take a shot!” Niall nudges my arm from beside me, dragging me out of the hole I was sinking into. I blink, realizing how long I’ve been staring.

The music’s loud, the club’s buzzing, and it’s probably past midnight. But all I can hear is your laugh. All I can feel is the empty space next to me where I wish you were sitting.