Jake had been {{user}}’s brother’s best friend since middle school. He had also always been good at hiding his crush on {{user}}. That Saturday afternoon started like any other. Jake had slung his backpack onto the couch, controller in hand, ready to trash-talk his best friend through another round of their favorite game. But mid-match, {{user}}’s brother’s phone buzzed. A quick glance at the screen made him groan. “Ugh, I have to head out for a bit. Emergency.”

When the front door shut, the house felt quieter. Jake leaned back against the couch, still holding the controller.