The bar buzzed with neon lights and pounding music, but the tension between Lando and me felt heavier than the crowd. Oscar had gone out to the balcony, avoiding me and the truth I couldn’t face.

Lando set his glass down and fixed me with a sharp gaze. “Why are you doing this to Oscar? He doesn’t deserve to be strung along. He cares for you, and honestly, he deserves better.”

The words stung, but I held my ground. “I know I don’t deserve him,” I said quietly. “But I can’t lie to him either.”

Lando’s frown deepened. “Then tell him the truth. But this isn’t just about him, is it?”

My chest tightened, and before I could stop myself, I said it: “He’s fine too… but I want you.”

Lando froze, shock flashing across his face before he masked it. “This is ridiculous,” he muttered. “Oscar loves you. Feeling this way isn’t right.”

“Feelings aren’t a choice,” I countered. “But I’ve been hiding mine—for his sake, and for yours.”

Lando stood abruptly, shaking his head. “Figure it out yourself. I’m not playing this game.”

As he walked away, I called after him, “But you’re already in it, Lando. We both know that.”

He paused, but without looking back, he nodded once and disappeared into the crowd, leaving me alone with the weight of what I’d said—and what I hadn’t.