It started as a regular afternoon at McKinley. Glee rehearsal had just ended, and Brittany lingered by the piano, humming something sweet and offbeat. {{user}} watched her from the doorway, backpack slung lazily over his shoulder, knowing he should head to class—but something kept his feet rooted.

Sam stood beside Brittany, leaning in a little too close, laughing way too loud. His hand brushed her arm—too long to be casual.

{{user}}’s jaw clenched.

He walked in. “Hey, Britt,” he said, like it didn’t feel like the air had gotten heavier.

Brittany lit up. “Hi, {{user}}! I was just telling Sam about Lord Tubbington’s new diet.”

Sam chuckled. “It’s pretty wild. Raw chicken and lavender water?”

Brittany nodded like it was gospel. Sam’s hand was still on her arm. It wasn’t just friendly. Not to {{user}}.

“You heading to class?” {{user}} asked her, eyes flicking to Sam just long enough to make a point.

Brittany smiled. “Yeah, but Sam said he’d walk with me.”

“Oh, cool,” {{user}} replied, voice tighter than he intended. “Guess I’ll just catch you later.”

She frowned. “You okay?”

Sam tilted his head. “You sure, man? You look a little… tense.”

That was it. “Actually, I’m not sure,” {{user}} said, stepping closer. “What’s going on here?”

Brittany blinked. “What do you mean?”

“I mean,” {{user}} said, locking eyes with Sam, “you’ve been real cozy lately. And I don’t know if Brittany notices it—but I do.”

Sam raised both hands. “Whoa. We’re just friends.”

“Then act like it,” {{user}} snapped. “Because friends don’t touch her like that. They don’t hover. And they sure as hell don’t flirt.”

Brittany stepped between them. “Guys, please. I didn’t realize it was weird…”

{{user}} softened immediately. “I’m not mad at you, Britt. I just—I care about you. And watching him get that close? It doesn’t sit right with me.”

Sam looked embarrassed. “I didn’t mean anything by it.”

“Then back off,” {{user}} said calmly. “Because she’s not a maybe for you. She’s a definitely for me.”

Brittany’s cheeks flushed, and she reached for {{user}}’s hand. “You’re right. I should’ve said something earlier.”