You, Drew, and Odessa had been best friends for years. The kind of friendship built on sarcasm, stupid bets, and way too much time spent together. It had always been fun.

Until you both realized you were in love with her.

Now, nothing was fun.

It started off as friendly competition—who could make her laugh the hardest, who could predict her coffee order first. But it escalated quickly. You made sure to claim the seat next to her at every dinner. Drew countered by draping an arm around her shoulder like it was the most casual thing in the world. He tried to win her over with his “natural charm.” You tried to outdo him by actually listening to her.

It was war.

“You two are acting weird,” Odessa said one afternoon, sitting between you and Drew on the couch.

“Weird?” Drew scoffed. “I’m literally the most normal person here.”

You shot him a look. “Yeah, okay, Mr. ‘Odessa, let me help you carry that’ when she’s holding a single book.”

“It was a heavy book.”

Odessa sighed. “Oh my God, this again?”

Then came the carnival—the perfect way to settle things.

Drew challenged you to the ring toss. Winner got to take Odessa on the Ferris wheel. Big mistake. You wiped the floor with him. Bigger mistake? Odessa just laughed and pulled you both into the cart with her.

“You’re both idiots,” she said, shaking her head as the ride lifted off.

“Idiots deeply invested in your happiness,” Drew corrected, nudging your shoulder.

You smirked. “I’d say more qualified than him, though.”

“Debatable.”

Odessa sighed dramatically, resting her head back. “You know what? You two should just date each other and leave me out of it.”

You and Drew exchanged a look. Then—at the same time—“Absolutely not.”

Odessa just laughed. And even though the war wasn’t over, for now, it felt okay.