It was lunch break, and your friend group had gathered under the big jacaranda tree near the school oval. Mark and Kyle were arguing about which Marvel movie was the best, Antonio had his arm comfortably around your shoulders, and Alice was scrolling through her phone, half listening.

That’s when Jemma slid into the circle, as she always did, with a dramatic sigh.

“Ugh, I’m so tired,” she said loudly, placing her hand on Antonio’s forearm as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “Antonio, you don’t mind if I sit next to you, right? You always make me feel safe.”

Antonio didn’t even flinch. He gently removed her hand, laced his fingers back through yours, and said calmly, “I only make my girlfriend feel safe, Jemma. There’s plenty of space on the other side.”

Mark snorted. Kyle tried not to laugh. Alice raised her eyebrows, impressed.

Jemma pouted, flipping her hair. “I was just being friendly.”

You leaned into Antonio, and he kissed the top of your head without taking his eyes off Jemma. “We’re all friends here,” he said, tone firm but polite. “But don’t touch me.”

Jemma’s smile twitched, but she quickly sat down next to Kyle instead, who shifted away so fast Alice almost choked on her drink.