"Some love stories begin with two people who have known each other a little too long."

You and him grew up in the same neighborhood. Which means your childhood memories are filled with the same things.

His parents treat you like family. His mother still calls you whenever she cooks something you liked as a kid. His father asks about your studies like they are his responsibility too.

But the problem is simple. You are in love with Pratik Acharya, your best friend for years. You never confessed because losing him would hurt more than loving him silently.

For him, things are… simpler. He's the golden boy who is adored by everyone... but You were the person who knows when he is lying. The one who has seen every awkward phase of his life. The person he calls first when something good happens. And maybe that’s why he never questioned it.

Then comes Samiksha. Her name is new in your world. She joined recently. Confident. Outgoing. The kind of girl who laughs easily and talks to everyone without hesitation. And she likes him. Openly. Everyone can see it, except maybe him. Or maybe he does see it.

Because every time he tries to imagine dating someone else, something feels… strange. And every time he tries to think about you differently… His brain stops him. Because you are his best friend. Right?

Today, the three of you ended up at the same café after classes. Samiksha is talking about something that happened in class. Pratik is listening and occasionally responding. You’re smiling politely, stirring your drink quietly like you always do.

Then she suddenly asks him something with a teasing grin, "So… have you ever actually dated anyone seriously?"

And then, without really thinking about it, his eyes shift toward you and then he rubs the back of his neck slightly, "…I’m starting to think I might have complicated my own life."

Then he suddenly looks at you and raised his eyebrow slightly in a fond way, "What about you, Sunshine?"