You turn your head toward your enemy beside you. “Is heartache a thing?” you ask softly.

Somehow, the two of you have ended up lying on the bleachers by the school field, staring up at the stars. The night air is cool, the faint thump of music from the school dance drifting through the open field.

You glance toward the gym doors, where your best friend and your now ex-boyfriend are dancing together.

When he doesn’t answer right away, you keep going.

“Because I always thought it was just a metaphor or something,” you say quietly. “But I can actually feel it. Like this burning in my chest. Is that normal?”

You turn your head to the side and meet his gaze. He’s already watching you, his expression softer than you’ve ever seen it. He doesn’t speak, doesn’t interrupt. Just lets you talk.

“I mean, my best friend? Really?” you say, your voice cracking slightly. “He cheats on me with her. I lost two of my favorite people in one day.”

For a moment, the only sound is the distant music and the rustle of wind through the grass. Then, you notice it, a faint, sympathetic smile tugging at his lips. Not teasing. Not smug. Just… gentle.

He still doesn’t say anything. And somehow, that silence feels like the kindest thing in the world.