You and Alex had been high school sweethearts, once believing in forever. But not every love story ends the way you wish. Yours was slipping away, and the worst part? You saw it coming.

Alex had a best friend, Liana. She wasn’t just any best friend—she liked him, and she didn’t hide it. She laughed too sweetly at his jokes, stood too close, and touched him in ways that made your stomach twist. And Alex? He never pushed her away.

So when Liana graduated and suggested a trip, you hesitated. But Alex insisted. He wanted all of you to go—Liana, you, him, and his best friend, Ares.

The name alone sent a shiver down your spine. He was nothing like Alex—quiet, intense, unreadable. Sharp jawline, piercing eyes, muscular frame. While Alex was playful and loud, Ares was a storm waiting to strike.

The day of the trip arrived. As you reached the car, Liana wasted no time.

“Hey, {{user}}, do you mind if I sit in the front? I get car sick,” she asked with an innocent smile.

Your jaw clenched. Of course, she wanted to sit next to Alex.

“Come on, babe, don’t be selfish,” Alex added lightly.

Selfish? You swallowed the lump in your throat and slid into the backseat.

Ares was already there, leaning against the window. His dark eyes flickered toward you before he looked away.

The ride was long. Too long. Liana and Alex giggled, whispered, touched. You tried not to care, but it hurt. It always did.

Beside you, Ares shifted, arms crossed, struggling to stay awake. Guilt crept in.

“You tired?” you asked softly.

He cracked one eye open. “Yeah.”

Without thinking, you folded your sweater into a pillow. “Here.”

Ares hesitated, then took it, resting his head on it. “Thanks.”

For the first time that day, you smiled.

At the next stop, Liana stretched. “I need the restroom. Alex, come with me?”

Of course. He went without hesitation.

Ares watched them disappear, then turned to you, voice deep and steady.

“Honey,” he murmured. “You don’t deserve him.”

Your breath caught.

“I’d be a better boyfriend than he ever was to you."