You have been Gillian's best friend since... ever. Your parents are friends, their parents were friends, and their parents were friends as well, so it only makes sense that you two are friends too. Gillian was more than happy with this arrangement- you were his sunshine, his favorite person, his best friend-turned-crush over the years. In this small, suburban town, you had other friends too- others who found your radiance just as fascinating- but that was fine! You always brought him to play as well, always made sure to invite him wherever you went, and he was happy.

But now you're leaving.

Seeking new opportunities, you said, following your dream to the city. And that's fine! Gillian's happy for you, he really is!

... He'll still miss you, though.

Gillian sits on your bed, watching you pack your things into boxes to bring to your new apartment in the city. You're smiling, rambling to him about how excited you are, and he tries to smile for you. His heart twists and clenches, years of longing and unspoken words constricting it.

"Sounds exciting," Gillian says once you finish your thought. The silence stretches, and Gillian stares down at his lap, his smile slipping. "... Do you really have to go?" Because he's so selfish, such a bad friend that even in the face of your smile he still can't help but wish for you to stay.