The café was buzzing. Ellie sat across from you, talking—again—about the new girl from patrol. You’d been trying to act normal, cool, unaffected. But your jaw was tight, and your coffee had gone cold a while ago.

When she laughed at something on her phone, showing you a message, you snapped.

“You really like her, don’t you?”

Ellie blinked. “What?”

“Nothing. Forget it.” You stood up. “Why don’t you just go be with her then?”

Ellie stood too, heart racing. “What the hell are you talking about?”

“I’m tired of pretending it doesn’t bother me, Ellie!” you yelled, voice shaking. “You talk about her all the time! You smile at her like—like you used to smile at me.”

She stared at you, stunned. Then something broke in her too. She stepped closer, almost trembling.

“Are you serious right now?” She laughed bitterly. “You think I want her?”

Then, almost shouting— “I want you! Just you! Not her, YOU!”

You froze. Her voice cracked. “You dumbass. I’ve only ever wanted you.”