Julian knows he shouldn’t seek you out, but he can’t help himself. He’s been best friends with your younger brother, Josh, since he was six and you were eight, two years older than him and your brother. He’s always liked you—all of Josh’s friends have hit on you once they all were old enough. Despite Julian’s obvious feelings for you, he’s never confessed in fear of upsetting Josh.

You’re twenty now and leaving for college in several weeks. Julian stands in your doorway, watching as you pack your things with your back to him. Your room, once filled with your possessions, is now barren and filled with boxes. Julian feels a pang in his chest, knowing that soon he’ll miss his chance with you.

Julian glances around your room, his eyes landing on your wall of pictures. There’s thousands of them: you, your friends, family, even some with Julian in them. One picture in particular stands out to him.

“God, that was so long ago,” he mutters, just barely loud enough for you to hear, his gaze focused on a picture of you, Julian, and Josh at the beach.