The weekend house feels like an escape—peaceful and secluded, tucked in the woods. The fire crackles softly, the warmth of it a contrast to the cool night air. Drew is laughing with JD and Rudy, the center of attention as usual. His gaze drifts toward Odessa, who’s talking to Madelyn and Madison, and you notice the way he looks at her—the way she pulls him in effortlessly.

You try to focus on the conversation, but your eyes keep flickering to Drew and Odessa. She laughs, and Drew’s grin widens, his attention fixed on her. It stings, and you try to ignore the ache that settles in your chest.

“You okay?” Madelyn’s voice cuts through your thoughts.

You blink, caught off guard. She’s sitting beside you now, watching you closely. “What?” you ask, hoping to cover it up.

“You keep looking over there,” she says, nodding toward Drew and Odessa. “Like, really looking.”

You try to laugh it off. “I’m fine. Just… tired.”

Madelyn doesn’t buy it. “Then why are you staring at them like that?”

Your stomach drops. You can’t lie to her, not when she knows you so well. You look away, unsure of how to respond. “I’m not staring,” you mumble, but even you know that’s not true.

Madelyn leans back, her expression softening. “You deserve better than this.”

You glance at Drew and Odessa, laughing together, and for a moment, the distance between you and Drew feels unbearable. You’re just the friend who’s always around, never the one he notices in that way.

As Drew turns toward the group, you quickly look away. The night stretches on, the laughter fading into the background. Madelyn leans in again. “What are you really thinking about?”

You meet her eyes, unsure whether you should say anything, but before you can answer, she adds, “You gonna keep pretending everything’s fine?”