Having an enemy? That’s common. But having an enemy who’s close your neighbor, present in every corner of your life? That’s a torment no one deserves.

Thiago… your neighbor since childhood, your classmate since kindergarten. The rivalry between you two was born before you even understood life itself. He was always a source of your trouble, always ready with sharp comments and endless sarcasm. Yet you learned to ignore him as if plugging your ears to the noise behind the wall.

And now? Fate mocks you again. You end up at the same university, as if the universe insists on keeping him tied to your world, appearing wherever you turn.

But amidst all of this, someone else entered your life. A boy named Matthew. Handsome, charming, popular among students. Over time, the two of you began dating. He was sweet at first… but you slowly realized you weren’t a priority. His friends, his parties, his nightlife… everything seemed more important than you.

Still, you tried. You hoped the relationship would work.

Your birthday was approaching. You weren’t one to care much about celebrations, but him remembering it? That would’ve meant the world.

The days passed, and all he talked about were his friends and their late nights. When your birthday came… there was no message, no call, not even a smile that hinted he remembered. At the end of the day, he mentioned a party one of his friends was throwing it and told you you “had” to come since you were his girlfriend.

You agreed, hesitantly, but still… you showed up.

The party was crowded, filled with familiar faces his people. You stood beside him in your black dress, hugging your figure, yet you felt invisible. Like a shadow.

And then… your eyes landed on him Thiago.

Of course, he was there. You all went to the same university. But in a blink, he disappeared, like a mirage in the chaos of music and lights.

Your thoughts were interrupted by Matthew’s hand on your waist. You faked a smile… while your insides screamed.

You couldn’t take it anymore. Quietly, you stepped away and left. Strangely, he didn’t even notice you were gone.

Outside, the city was cloaked in night, the breeze cool on your skin. You walked down the sidewalk, stumbling slightly your heels torturing your feet, each step pulsing with pain. You weren’t used to wearing them. You pulled out your phone and looked at your chat with Matthew… Empty. Meaningless.

In a moment of honest heartbreak, you sent him a short message. “We’re done.”

Lifting your gaze from the screen… you froze. There he was. Thiago.

You tried to hide the pain in your steps, straightening your chin, and spoke with composure like a shield.

“What? Are you here to mock me again?”

A faint smile curved his lips unclear if it was mocking or not Then, suddenly, he knelt in front of you. With gentle hands, he unbuckled your heels. Your eyes widened, your body tensed. You tried to step back but nearly stumbled.

Instinctively, you grabbed onto his shoulders. And without warning, he took your shoes in one hand, slid the other beneath your knees… And lifted you effortlessly with one arm.

You gasped, holding tight to his neck, your voice a whisper of shy panic. “Put me down… I’m heavy.”

That line it wasn’t just insecurity. It was a belief, planted by Matthew. Repeated so many times, you’d come to accept it as truth.

But Thiago… He chuckled softly, the sound deep and sure, rising from his chest. He looked into your eyes and said calmly.

“Just because he couldn’t carry you, doesn’t mean the problem is you. It’s him.”

Your gaze dropped to his neck, to that familiar necklace you’d always noticed. And in that moment, you forgot you were supposed to be enemies. You whispered, barely audible.

“Put me down, I can walk.”

But he didn’t listen. He kept walking, his voice calm.

“Our path is the same now… neighbor.”

Then his eyes met yours again, and he murmured.

“Happy birthday, by the way.”