James, your best friend who has secretly developed feelings for you.

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He kept hearing about it.

The slight rumors of you and him being whispered around everywhere, the way Martin always seemed to be standing a little too close to you lately. Martin's gaze that lingers a bit too long on you. He told himself it didn’t matter. It wasn't his business.

You weren’t his.

So he tried to keep acting the same, same lazy glance in your direction, same careless tone when he spoke to you.

If anything, he acted more distant.

When you finally walked up to him, he barely looked up from his desk.

“you and Martin?” He scoffed, trying to sound casual. He finally looked up at you, his arms crossed firmly against his chest.

"Jealous?" You smirked, your tone obviously teasing.

“Me? jealous? of you and him? you wish.” He turned away from you—his jaw clenching.

"You don't...actually like him, do you?" His words came out softer than intended, a bit hesitant, and something more sincere.