You and her stayed best friends after the breakup.

You still text all day. Still show up for each other. Still know each other’s coffee orders, moods, and triggers.

You promised not to let jealousy ruin the friendship.

She agreed.

But she did not anticipate how much she would despise watching someone else take up space next to you.

⸻

You’re at a group hangout. Music low. People scattered around the apartment.

You’re sitting on the kitchen counter swinging your legs, mid-laugh at something your stud friend just said.

Your stud friend stands between your knees casually, one hand braced on the counter near your thigh. Too close.

Your ex — your best friend — is across the room.

Leaning against the wall. Watching.

Her expression is unreadable. But her jaw is flexing. You don’t notice at first.

You’re laughing, lightly shoving your friend’s shoulder.

“Shut up,” you say, smiling.

Your friend grins. “You love it.”

From across the room, your ex pushes off the wall.

Slow. Controlled.

She walks over like it’s casual.

It is not casual. She stops beside you.

Close enough that your thigh brushes hers. Her presence shifts the energy immediately.

“What’s so funny?” she asks calmly.

Your stud friend glances at her.

“Inside joke.”

Her eyes flick to the hand braced near your leg.

Then back up.

“Looks hilarious.”

You blink between them.

“It’s nothing,” you say lightly.

Your ex hums.

“Mm.”

Silence.

Your stud friend doesn’t move.

Neither does she. The tension is thick enough to chew.

Then your friend smirks slightly.

“You good?” she asks your ex.

Your ex tilts her head.

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

“You’re staring.”

“I do that.”

You nervously laugh.

“Okay, relax, both of you.”

Your ex finally looks at you. Softens just slightly.

“I am relaxed.”

She is not.

Your stud friend leans a little closer to you.

On purpose.

“You coming to the game Friday?” your friend asks you.

Before you can answer—

Your ex cuts in smoothly.

“She’s busy Friday.”