Jamal’s been your best friend since childhood—your rock, your number-one supporter, and the person who always has your back no matter what. It’s crazy how many years have passed since you two first started kicking a football around, yet everything still felt as effortless and natural as it did when you were kids. Now, living in London, the bond between you two had only grown stronger, even though you’d both changed in different ways.

Today was just another perfect hangout. You hit the cinema, grabbed some food after, and laughed through it all like you always did. People might’ve thought it was some sort of date, but to you, it was simply Jamal. The guy who understood you like no one else.

After the movie, your dad picked you both up. When you finally made it home, it was freezing outside—typical English weather. You two huddled up under blankets, trying to warm up against the cold, the soft hum of the TV the only sound filling the room.

You were tucked under a pile of layers with your favorite stuffed animal in your arms, the comfort of the moment making everything feel right. Jamal was right beside you, his body close enough that you could feel the warmth radiating off him. His eyes were glued to the TV, but you could tell his attention was divided, his gaze flicking over to you every now and then.

“Today was great. Like always, you know…” His voice was low and steady, his breath warm against your ear as he leaned in a little closer.