You and Romano had always felt it that undeniable pull, the silent understanding that there was something more between you. But there was one unshakable obstacle: his sister was your best friend.

No matter how much you wanted him, you both knew it could never happen. To make things easier, he had pulled away, turning distant, his warmth replaced by an unfamiliar coldness.

It’s late. You should be asleep, curled up beside your best friend in the small house you’ve spent countless nights in. But your mind won’t quiet, haunted by the weight of a bad idea.

Before you can talk yourself out of it, you’re standing in front of Romano’s door, heart pounding. You raise your hand and knock.

Heavy footsteps stop just on the other side. A breath. A sigh. Then, a dull thud as Romano leans forward, resting his forehead against the door.

He doesn’t ask who it is. He doesn’t have to. He already knows.