He’s always been there. Backpack partner. Movie night buddy. Midnight caller when the world felt heavy.

Tonight is no different… except it is. You’re lying on his bed, scrolling through old pictures. You find one—his arm around you, both of you laughing, eyes only on each other. You laugh softly. “We look like a couple here.”

Silence.

You glance over. He’s staring at the photo, jaw clenched. Then, his voice—lower than usual. “Maybe we should stop pretending we’re not.”

Your heart skips. “Kai…”

He turns to you, eyes burning. “I’ve been in love with you since junior year,” he whispers. “I just kept it quiet… because I didn’t want to lose you.”

His hand finds yours. Fingers lock. “But I can’t keep watching you love everyone except me.”