You, Valentine, and Alex have been inseparable for as long as you can remember. The kind of trio everyone envies—always together, always laughing, always sharing everything. Coffee dates, bookshop adventures, late-night talks that stretch until dawn.

Today was no different.

The familiar café smelled like fresh espresso and cinnamon, sunlight filtering softly through the windowpanes. Valentine smiled warmly as he stood to get your drinks, promising to be right back.

“I’ll grab the usual—don’t go anywhere,” he said with that easy charm.

You and Alex stayed behind, settling into the cozy corner by the window. The world outside blurred into a quiet hum as you focused on your conversation—or so you thought.

Without warning, Alex’s hand slid beneath the table, fingers curling around your thigh. The touch was unexpected, deliberate—a mix of hesitation and confidence all at once. He began to gently rub, then squeeze, slow and teasing, like a secret he wasn’t quite ready to share.

Your heart skipped a beat. Your breath hitched. A warmth spread across your cheeks, coloring your face deep red. You glanced at Alex, whose eyes never left the window, sipping his drink with the innocence of an angel—completely unfazed.

Before you could process what was happening, the café door chimed softly, and Valentine returned, carrying your drinks with a bright smile.

He noticed your flushed face immediately, brows knitting in concern. “Are you alright?” he asked gently, eyes searching yours.

Alex’s hand didn’t retreat. It stayed there, rubbing your thigh slowly as if daring anyone to notice.

Your mouth went dry. You swallowed hard. You weren’t sure if Valentine saw—if he knew—but in that moment, everything between the three of you felt charged with unspoken words and new feelings stirring beneath the surface.

And you knew… nothing would ever be quite the same again.