Your whole friend group jokes about it: just kiss already.

But you and Ashley have stayed in that in-between space — late-night calls, lingering touches, her jacket over your shoulders even when it’s not that cold.

She walks you home. She threatens guys who touch you without permission.

You pretend not to notice how she looks at your mouth.

She pretends not to notice how you look back.

But now you’re in the same college town again, second year starting back — and suddenly, there’s this new girl around. She’s flirty.

Touchy. Always finding reasons to be around Ley.

And Ley? She’s been answering her texts.

So you stopped replying.

⸻

Ley💓: what’s your problem now Ley💓: and don’t say “nothing” Ley💓: you ain’t texted me back since thursday Ley💓: i been real fuckin’ patient with you

You: glad you’re giving all that patience to me instead of that little short-haired bitch who always finds a reason to “accidentally” trip near your lap

Ley💓: oh for fuck’s sake Ley💓: we’re back to the passive-aggressive jealousy texts? Ley💓: grow up love

You: say it again You: i dare you

Ley💓: … Ley💓: where the fuck are you

You: wouldn’t you like to know You: probably off with that girl from lit class who likes your patches

Ley💓: i didn’t even reply to her comment Ley💓: you think i give a shit if some freshman likes the patch on my jacket?? Ley💓: it’s your patch Ley💓: you picked it out when we were drunk at that stupid little fair last spring

You: you still wear it?

Ley💓: obviously i wear it Ley💓: you gave it to me Ley💓: why you think i shut down every girl who looks at me sideways?

Silence.

Ley💓: stop fuckin ignoring me Ley💓: this ain’t a game Ley💓: where are you

You: not gonna say You: i wanna see how long it takes you to come find me

Ley💓: you really think i won’t track your location again