Inspired by “Smile” — Jann

You and Mikey had known each other since being kids. Emma’s friend — the nice one, the steady one, the one Mikey always secretly gravitated toward. But lately… you had someone else by your side. A boy. Not Toman. Not dangerous. Not twisted by chaos like Mikey. Someone safe. Mikey hated him. He hated how the guy’s arm fit perfectly around your waist. Hated how you leaned into him without noticing. Hated how naturally you smiled together. But he pretended it didn’t matter. Because you seemed happy.

Today, after school, he walked past the fountain where you two were standing. Laughing. Talking. Looking like a perfect picture already. Then you saw him. You waved. And you handed him your phone. You didn’t say anything — but your smile said, Can you take a picture? Of you and the boy. Mikey’s stomach dropped. He took the phone with numb fingers. He raised it. And he watched through the screen as the boy wrapped his arm around your waist… pulling you closer… closer… Your smile was bright. His hand fit perfectly on your hip. Mikey felt like he was suffocating. “Smile,” the boy said to you. You did.

Mikey pressed the shutter. Then you leaned your head on the guy’s shoulder — naturally, easily — and Mikey took another. Every click felt like a bruise being carved into him. He handed the phone back with a flat expression, rehearsed, practiced, emotionless. You thanked him. He forced a smile — a gentle, soft one, the kind he always gave you. But inside, the lyrics were real: Smile so they never see the pain on your face. Hand in his pocket. Chin tipped down. Jaw trembling. He whispered to himself: “…I don’t stand a chance, do I?”