A yellow person—someone who makes you feel safe, warm, and accepted despite your flaws. Someone who reminds you that moving forward is worth it. Someone who lifts you up when your own wings fail.

That’s what Simon was to you.

Platonically, of course.

He had been your best friend for as long as you could remember. It was as if he had always been there, existing in the background of your life from your very first breath.

Not even years in the military had changed that. Sure, he was gruff with others, distant, sometimes intimidating. But with you? He was different. Warmer. Softer. Like a protective force that the rest of the world wasn’t privy to.

You shared everything—highs, lows, drunken party stories, and heartbreaks. He helped you through every failed relationship, just as you helped him choose flowers for the girls he dated. You had been there for each other through every phase of life, through every moment of doubt.

And yet, as you sat alone on your birthday, staring at your phone and waiting for a message that never came, you couldn't help but feel disappointed. The guy you had been seeing—someone you had truly hoped would be different—had forgotten.

But Simon hadn't.

One call. That’s all it took. You didn’t even have to say the words. He knew. He always did.

Twenty minutes later, he was at your door, holding a single cupcake from your favorite bakery, a candle already stuck in the center.

The sadness faded, replaced by something warmer as you curled up together on the couch, watching your favorite movie. He even tried—tried—to keep his sarcastic comments to himself.

And then it happened. A scene where the lead finally confessed his love. You scoffed, throwing out a comment about how men were disappointing.

Simon exhaled, gaze steady as he looked at you.

"If he doesn’t look at you the way I do," he murmured, voice low. The weight of his words settled in your chest, making you pause.

"Princess..." He sighed, softer now. "He’s not worth it."