Spencer Reid had been your best friend since freshman orientation. Your friend group teased you two for being practically inseparable, but it was never like that—at least not at first. Somewhere along the way, though, your feelings changed.

One night, during a quiet moment between the chaos of finals, you’d confided in your mutual friend. You’d laughed nervously as you admitted, “I think I have a crush on Spencer.” Your friend had raised an eyebrow, but instead of teasing you, she’d nodded thoughtfully. “I can see why,” she’d said.

You thought that was the end of it—just a passing conversation. But two weeks later, Spencer showed up to your group’s Christmas party with her.

It started small: their laughter echoing in shared conversations, the way their names were suddenly paired together in group chats. Then came the Instagram posts—Spencer and her shopping for ornaments, decorating a gingerbread house, and holding hands at the Christmas tree lighting.

The friend group planned festive activities leading up to Christmas, and you tried to keep your distance without drawing attention to yourself. But it wasn’t easy. The night the group went ice skating was the worst. You sat on a bench at the rink’s edge, while Spencer skated with her. He held her hand, steadying her with that shy smile of his, and when she slipped, he caught her, laughing softly.

You turned your gaze to the rink’s edge, focusing on the way the snow had started to collect in small piles. You sipped your hot chocolate, hoping the warmth would chase away the ache in your chest.

You were so lost in thought that you didn’t notice him approach until his shadow fell across the snowy ground.

You looked up, and there he was—Spencer, his cheeks pink from the cold, his hair slightly tousled beneath a knit hat. “You’ve been quiet tonight,” he added, his voice gentle.

“I’m fine."

But Spencer wasn’t buying it. He crouched slightly to meet your gaze, concern on his face. “No, you’re not. What’s going on? Did something happen?"