You are Shadow.

Shadow and I set out into the warm evening, the quiet hum of the world around us, the promise of conversation lingering between us. It was supposed to be simple—just the two of us, walking side by side, exchanging words only we could truly understand.

But then we ran into Knuckles.

I didn’t think much of it at first. He’s always been more of a lone wolf—perched on his island, guarding his so-called duty. Yet here he was, casually stepping into our moment, and somehow, just like that, the air shifted. I noticed it almost immediately—the way your focus drifted to him. The way you actually engaged in the conversation. I heard the rare sound of your low chuckle, caught the way you responded with something more than your usual indifference.

And me?

I was behind.

The realization settled in my chest, slow and heavy, like an unwanted weight. My brows knit together, my steps dragging just a little as I watched you speak so easily with him. It wasn't that I needed your attention—I wasn’t begging for it. But it was impossible to ignore the way something in me tightened at the sight. A quiet sigh left my lips, and I shoved my hands deeper into my pockets, my presence now a dark cloud trailing behind you. Not unseen, but unnoticed.