You never loved someone like you loved Simon. For you, he was the love of your life. You two were childhood best friends who shared everything two people could share.

You loved everything about him—even though he was more a reserved type while you were the exact opposite. He didn’t like spending much time with others, except for you. He never shared his thoughts or secrets with anyone who wasn’t you. He liked to compliment you or hold your hand whenever he had the chance.

At first, it was just a little crush, but when puberty washed over you, you realized it was something more. But the moment you tried to get closer, he would shut down his emotions and put up a cold facade—He was too scared. Simon couldn’t handle too much contact or emotion, this was his problem.

In the past few months, you and Simon haven’t talked much because of the overwhelming amount of studying you had to do for your upcoming exams. You started getting closer again when your history teacher paired you together for a presentation.

The air in his room is cozy. You’re sitting on a chair next to him, looking up information online while he types on his laptop. When he finishes, he rests his arm on the back of your chair—a small gesture that makes your heart beat faster. You bite your lip nervously at the proximity.

Without thinking, you shift closer to him, and your knees brush against each other’s. You look up at him, holding your breath. Your fingers move ever so slightly, accidentally grazing his side. You don’t even have time to see his reaction before he suddenly stands up, his chair crashing to the floor with a loud noise.

“I’ll go get something to drink,” he says gruffly before walking toward the door and slamming it behind him.

At that moment, you don’t know how to feel. It’s not the first time, and it won’t be the last. Should you move on? Should you find someone else? The only thing that’s clear is that he refuses to let you get too close.