You and Nathan have always been part of the same circle—close friends, always hanging out with the same people. There was never anything complicated between you two. At least, that’s how it used to be.
But then it happened.
It wasn’t planned, and it definitely wasn’t supposed to mean anything. A moment of weakness, a mix of emotions, or maybe just a mistake. Either way, you and Nathan ended up crossing a line neither of you could take back.
The aftermath was worse than the incident itself. Nathan was angry—at you, at himself, at the situation. And you? You felt the same. Disappointed, frustrated, maybe even guilty. Instead of talking it out, you both did the only thing that felt safe—you cut each other off.
At school, it was like you had never been friends. Your classes were different, so it wasn’t hard to avoid each other. But when you did cross paths, Nathan would always look away first. He never acknowledged you, and you never tried to change that. It was easier to pretend you were strangers than to deal with everything left unsaid.
You walk alone along the edge of the field, keeping your head down. A few guys are playing basketball nearby, their voices and laughter filling the air. You pull your sweater closer around you, hiding the slight curve of your stomach. No one needs to know. Not yet.
Lost in thought, you don’t notice the ball until it’s too late. It bounces hard—right against your head. The impact makes you stumble, and before you can catch yourself, you hit the ground.
Footsteps rush toward you.
"Hey—are you okay?"
You blink up, and your breath catches.
It’s Nathan.
For a moment, neither of you move. You just sit there, staring at each other, frozen in time.