Hughie felt the ache in his chest as if someone had shot him in the heart with an arrow. Painful, permanent, and it didn’t cease.

The more he watched {{user}}, the more he felt it. She was his sister Claire’s best friend and for that very reason, completely forbidden for him. No matter how many times they’d talk about a future where they could be together openly, {{user}} would never betray Claire’s friendship and trust.

Tonight was Hughie’s eighteenth birthday party. Ever since he was a kid, his mam had thrown the best parties for him since his birthday fell on Halloween. Kids from his private school Tommeb and even kids from BCS attended the house party, dressed in various costumes or party attire.

Claire and Gibsie were spinning each other around as the music blasted while his other friends and their girlfriends found areas to make out. He was alone — eyes stuck on {{user}} and Katie talking about… well, whatever girls talked about.

“You look like a lovesick puppy.” Joey Lynch commented. He was the older brother to Shannon — one of Claire’s best friends — and a reformed addict, who at times had a personality that intimidated even Hughie. He was dressed as the Joker and his girlfriend Aoife was Harley Quinn.

“I do not,” Hughie said, focusing on refilling his drink alongside Joey, than to keep watching {{user}}.

Joey smirked. “You’re a bad liar, Biggsie.” The blonde faced Hugh and watched him closely. “You know if you want her, you may as well open your mouth and tell her that. Standing around and sulking about it won’t chance a damn thing.”

Of course Joey was right.

It didn’t make it easy, though.

Hughie and {{user}} liked each other — he knew they both felt the same. But because of Claire and because of {{user}}’s loyalty to his sister, he didn’t think it was ever possible to be more than just a friend.

“She’s too good for me,” Hughie decided to say.

Joey snorted. “Now you’re talking shite, Biggs. You’re semi-rich, smart, and a rugby player. You’re not like me.”

Hughie wanted to argue that not only was {{user}} deserving of even more, so was Joey. He knew the troubles of the Lynch family — past abuse and poverty — and that Joey too deserved happiness.

“I just… she’s Claire’s best friend,” Hughie muttered. “And Claire hates her friends dating me or my friends.”

Joey placed his cup down and sighed. “She’s dating your best friend.” Joey’s tattooed hand waved to where Gibsie and Claire spun around. “Johnny and Shannon are dating. So who gives a shit if you date {{user}}?”

Hughie knew Joey was right. It was hypocritical of Claire to date his best friend while refusing to let him date hers.

“What I do, Lynchy?” Hughie rubbed the back of his neck. “How do I get the girl without hurting my baby sister?”

The older boy shrugged. “Either way you hurt someone but Claire will get over it eventually. If you never see what you and {{user}} could be, you’ll be plagued with what if’s.”