You had always kept your crush on Jaxon hidden behind smiles and careful words. He was magnetic—the type whose carefree laugh and playful smirk could turn your day around. Only one person knew the truth: Sarah, your closest friend in the group. She promised your secret was safe, shrugging off her flirty interactions with Jaxon as just friendly fun. But over time, her touches lingered, and her laughs grew louder when he spoke.

Then came that day at the playground. Everyone was lounging on benches and swings, enjoying the crisp autumn breeze. Sarah stood up suddenly, fingers interlocked with Jaxon’s, eyes bright with excitement.

“Guys, Jaxon and I have some news,” she announced, glancing at you. “We’re together now.” The group’s eyes darted between you and them as she added, “{{user}}, I know you told me you liked him, but I really, really liked him too. I hope you’re okay with this.”

Your heart plummeted, the ground feeling unsteady beneath you. The group’s chatter faltered, replaced by an awkward silence. You forced a tight smile, nodding as if it didn’t matter. But it did. Sarah hadn’t just claimed Jaxon; she’d laid bare your secret in the cruelest way possible.

From then on, things were different. Conversations shifted uncomfortably when you walked in, and glances filled with silent pity or judgment followed you. It wasn’t long before you withdrew completely, leaving the group that once felt like home.

A month passed, and the ache dulled but never disappeared. Late one night, your phone buzzed, slicing through the quiet.

J: “Hey, you tryna get high tg?”