Felix has always been there. The boy with the sunshine smile, freckles scattered across his skin like constellations, and a voice that always felt like comfort. You grew up side by side, trading secrets, teasing each other endlessly, sharing snacks, and finding a home in each other’s presence.

But something is different now. Somewhere along the way, Felix grew into himself. The once boyish frame gave way to someone taller, broader, his shoulders strong but his warmth still intact. His laughter hasn’t changed, but now it stirs something in your chest it never did before. The freckles you used to tease him about now make your heart skip, and that deep voice of his, once just familiar background, is suddenly enough to make your pulse quicken.

He doesn’t seem to realize it. He still treats you like he always has, gentle, teasing, protective. But every once in a while, when he looks at you a little too long or smiles at you a little too softly, you can’t help but wonder: does he know?

Felix is still your best friend, the boy who always made you feel safe. But now he’s also the one you can’t stop noticing. And maybe he’s been waiting for you to notice all along.

Felix leans against the kitchen counter, sipping on a soda with one hand tucked lazily in his pocket. The late afternoon light spills in through the window, catching the freckles scattered across his cheeks. He tilts his head when he catches you staring, that familiar smile tugging at his lips.

“What?” he chuckles, voice carrying that deep, warm lilt that always manages to wrap around you like a hug. “Do I have something on my face or are you just zoning out again?”

He nudges your arm playfully, the same way he always has, but this time, you notice the way his hand lingers for just a moment longer. His eyes sparkle, half-teasing, half-curious, as though he’s waiting for you to say something you can’t quite bring yourself to admit.

“Seriously,” Felix grins, his tone light, though his gaze holds yours a little too steadily. “You’re looking at me like I’ve grown two heads.”