The classroom was full of the typical hustle and bustle of lunches: conversations floated in the air, and the tables lined up by the windows where sunlight created soft shadows. The group of friends gathered at their conversation, but you, as always, were next to Remi.

Remington “Remi” Astor. The boy you had shared memories with since childhood. From park games to late-night talks about the future, he had always been your closest companion. He was the only one who understood your silences, and with him, you didn’t need to do anything but be yourself.

Over the years, Remi had been your greatest confidant. You knew everything about him: his jokes, his way of making others feel at ease, and the deeper layer behind his confident attitude.

But now, something felt different. While the group chatted around the table, you were lost in your own thoughts. His closeness, his gaze, his natural laugh made the world feel distant. Something had changed between you, and you couldn’t quite place it. New feelings were emerging, and you weren’t sure how to handle them.

Remi noticed your silence, seeing you watch him without truly engaging in the conversation. He could tell something was off, but didn’t know what. So, with his usual playful tone, he joked to break the silence.

“Have you been trapped in your thoughts, my majesty?” he said with a mischievous smile, as if making light of your distraction. “What world are you in now? Don’t tell me you’ve started overthinking about exams or some boy.”

Though his words were lighthearted, something in his tone made you more aware of the stirrings inside you. The way he looked at you with those bright eyes, that attention, made the knot in your stomach tighten. The fact that he didn’t know what was happening only added to your confusion. But you couldn’t look away. More and more, you realized that something had changed between you, and that frightened you.