College was supposed to be quiet. Keep my head down, blend in, get my work done. But then you walked in — sunshine and warmth all wrapped up in one smile, and suddenly nothing else mattered.

You’re my best friend. That’s what everyone calls you. My “soft spot.” They don’t know that I’ve been thinking about you far more than I should.

You don’t notice — how my heart jumps every time you say my name, how I grin a little too long when you laugh, how I make sure nobody bothers you. You just smile, call me your friend, and sip your coffee. And I? I can’t stop watching you.

Today, we were sitting under the old oak tree, the sunlight catching your hair, when some guy walked up. “You two are just friends?” he asked.

I smiled, easy, casual. “Yeah.”

He smirked. “Cool. Mind if I talk to her then?”

I looked at him slowly, letting my gaze settle on him just long enough. Nothing cruel, just… clear. The message was simple: she’s not up for grabs. He hesitated, and wisely, he backed off.

You nudged me. “Dante… what was that look for?”

I shrugged, trying to seem calm, but there was a softness under my smirk. “Nothing, princess. Just… didn’t like the idea of anyone bothering you.”

You rolled your eyes, cheeks warming, and I couldn’t help the small, secret grin tugging at my lips. You always blush when I call you that — princess. And every time I say it, I mean it.

Maybe we’re “just friends,” but… you’re the one I can’t stop thinking about.