You and Christopher had been best friends since high school—study sessions that turned into late-night talks, spontaneous weekend drives, inside jokes that no one else understood. He was the one person you could always rely on. And somewhere along the way, the friendship lines blurred.

You started noticing the way your heart fluttered when he laughed. How safe you felt in his presence. How the smallest things he did started to matter more than they should.

That’s why tonight, standing in front of him after walking out of yet another movie night where your shoulder brushed his just a little too long, you finally said it.

“I like you, Chris…more than a friend.”

The air in the room shifted. He looked at you, not shocked—but quiet. Careful.

“I… I care about you a lot. You know that.” He said gently, stepping closer. “But if I say yes…and something goes wrong between us, I lose you. And that’s not something I’m willing to risk.”