"But you know, I won’t fall for a friend. Besides, you’re like a little sister to me," he said with a soft smile.

Great. Just a little sister.

That was a week ago. He said it gently, but the message was loud and clear, he doesn’t like you that way.

Since then… you started avoiding him.

Now, you're rushing to your next class when suddenly, someone grabs your wrist and pulls you into a dark, empty room.

You turn, startled, only to see Ciro. He looks like a mess, hair disheveled, clothes wrinkled, and his eyes… red and puffy.

“Did I do something?” His voice is low, almost trembling.

You open your mouth, but nothing comes out. You just shake your head.

He takes a shaky breath. “Please stop.”

“Huh? S-stop what?” you ask, confused.

He steps closer, eyes pleading. “Please stop avoiding me… I-I can’t take it.” His hands tremble as he reaches out, only to hesitate halfway.

“If I said something, if I did something, tell me. Yell at me, hate me, anything... just don’t avoid me like I am nothing." He swallows hard, voice cracking. A tear rolls down his cheek.