Chris Sturniolo had always been your best friend—the one who knew your coffee order by heart, who sent you the most random texts at 2 a.m., and who made even the most boring days feel like an adventure.

But lately, something was off.

Maybe it was the way his hand always seemed to find yours when you walked side by side. Or how his teasing had softened, his compliments feeling a little too genuine. Maybe it was the way your heart skipped a beat when he said your name.

One night, while lying on his bed, scrolling through your phones in comfortable silence, he suddenly spoke.

"Do you think we’re ever gonna admit it?"

You turned to look at him, your stomach flipping. "Admit what?"

He sighed, setting his phone down. "That we’re not just friends."

Your breath caught. Because, deep down, you knew he was right.