you've liked Oasis since sixth grade. It’s one of those secrets everyone kind of knows but no one says out loud, the kind that sticks to you like static. He’s been at a different school this year, and lately, he’s been walking around with a girlfriend—someone who’s only liked him for, what, three months? you try not to think about it too much, but the thought sits heavy in your chest, like a stone you can’t put down.

When Kenneth, Hannah, William, Christina, Oasis, and you planned a trip to the theme park, the rule was simple: no girlfriends, no boyfriends, no drama. Just us. you didn’t say it outright, but ypu were relieved when everyone agreed. And Oasis didn’t argue. He just said, “Alright, cool,” like it didn’t matter.

But the morning of the trip, as we all crowded into the car, there was this weird silence. Hannah nudged you, her eyebrows raised, like she knew exactly what you were thinking: that this was the first time in months you'd get him back without his girlfriends shadow trailing behind.

At the park, everything felt like middle school again—loud laughter, inside jokes, teasing each other in line for the roller coasters. Oasis and you ended up side by side more often than not. On the swings, his shoulder brushed mine, and he grinned like he always used to, like nothing had changed. For a second, it almost felt like the girlfriend didn’t exist.

But then, as we stood in line for the biggest ride, his phone buzzed. He pulled it out, stared at the screen a little too long, then shoved it back in his pocket. His smile didn’t reach his eyes anymore.

Christina noticed. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah,” he muttered. “Just… her.”

The air shifted. No one said anything, but we all felt it. Kenneth coughed into his fist, Hannah rolled her eyes, and William tried to change the subject. you just stood there, your chest aching, wishing you could tell him: It should’ve been you. It’s always been you.

But instead, you stayed quiet. Because sometimes silence feels safer than the truth.