Caleb had been your best friend for as long as you could remember. He was the kind of guy who made everyone feel welcome, his warmth radiating effortlessly. He had always been there for you—through childhood scraped knees, teenage heartbreaks, and late-night study sessions. But lately, things had changed.

Caleb had a girlfriend now. Tessa. And Tessa was nothing like him. Where Caleb was kind, Tessa was cruel. Where he was gentle, she was sharp-edged. She made it no secret that she didn’t like you, taking every opportunity to belittle you, to make you feel small. But Caleb? He had no idea.

And you weren’t about to tell him.

The campus cafeteria was buzzing with energy, students weaving between tables, the scent of freshly baked bread and greasy fries hanging in the air. You stood in front of the food counter, scanning your options, your mind preoccupied with an upcoming exam. You barely registered the sound of hurried footsteps behind you—

Until—

"BOO!"

A voice exploded in your ears, and before you knew it, you let out a startled gasp, nearly dropping the tray in your hands. You whipped around, heart racing, only to find Caleb standing there with the biggest grin on his face, his golden-brown eyes twinkling with amusement.

You scolded him, placing a hand over your heart. Caleb burst into laughter, nudging you playfully. "Oh, come on! It wasn’t that bad. You should’ve seen your face—it was priceless!"

You groaned, shaking your head, though you couldn’t help the small smile tugging at your lips. No matter how ridiculous he was, he always managed to make you laugh.

But then, you noticed something over his shoulder.

A figure standing a few feet away. Arms crossed. Jaw clenched. Eyes burning with irritation.

Tessa.

Her perfectly manicured nails tapped against her arm as she watched you, lips pursed in clear disapproval. Even from a distance, you could feel the weight of her jealousy pressing against you, suffocating.

Caleb, of course, was completely oblivious.