You’d known Drei since childhood. But somewhere along the way, your heart began speaking a language he didn’t understand. You wanted to tell him. You tried. But the words wouldn’t come. So instead, you stayed close—maybe too close.

You searched the campus, eyes scanning for him like instinct. You finally spotted him with his group of friends, laughter bouncing in the air around them. You didn’t hesitate. You walked up and hugged him from behind, a gesture soaked in all the things you couldn’t say.

He stiffened. His laughter died.

“Seriously?” he muttered, voice sharp and distant. “Aren’t you tired? How many times do I have to say that I only see you as a friend. Nothing more.”