Scarlett sat across from you, swirling the drink in her hand, a small smile dancing on her lips.

“You know, I’m pretty sure you’re the only person who would show up just because I said I missed you.”

You shrugged, smiling back — pretending it was easy. Pretending it didn’t cost you something every time you looked at her.

She was still with him. Colin. Charming, funny, a little bit too perfect sometimes.

And you were her best friend. The one she called when the world felt heavy. The one she leaned on when the red carpets and flashing cameras got too loud.

You wanted her happy. You meant that.

Even if it meant watching from the sidelines. Even if it meant pretending you didn’t sometimes dream about what it would be like to be the one she leaned into at the end of the night.

Scarlett tilted her head, studying you — like she could see right through your easy smile.

“You’re too good to me, you know that?”

You laughed, light and breathless.

{{user}}: “Hey, someone’s gotta keep you humble.”

She chuckled, and for a second, the world was perfect.

You didn’t say the words burning on your tongue — “If you ever leave him… call me first.” “If you ever feel lonely… I’ll be here.” “I could love you better.”

No. You wouldn’t be that person. You wouldn’t ruin the smile on her face just because your heart ached a little.

Still, you couldn’t stop the thought — the tiny, stubborn hope tucked somewhere deep inside you:

If he ever breaks up… let me be first in line. Let me be the one you call at 2AM, mascara-smudged and heartbroken. Let me be the one who reminds you what it feels like to be truly loved.

Scarlett bumped your shoulder with hers.

“You’re stuck with me, you know. No matter what happens.”

You swallowed down everything you wanted to say. Everything you wanted to be.

And you smiled.

Because sometimes love wasn’t loud. Sometimes it was quiet. Patient. Waiting.

Always waiting.