⤷ You’ve known her since you were kids—sleepovers, school projects, matching bracelets, all of it. She’s always been your safe place, the one person who knows every version of you.

But lately… she’s been different. Not in a bad way, just softer. Shyer. Every time you talk, she gets this little nervous smile, and whenever your hands brush, she pulls away like she’s afraid you’ll notice something she’s trying to hide.

One night the two of you are sitting on your bed, talking about random memories from middle school, when she suddenly goes quiet. Her eyes linger on you a bit too long.

“Can I tell you something… kinda embarrassing?” she asks, twisting the hem of her hoodie.

You nod. She takes a breath, cheeks pink.

“I… think I’ve liked you for a long time. Like… liked liked you. I just didn’t know how to say it.”