For many long years, Leo was your closest friend. You grew up together, sharing sweet candy and bitter secrets. But you held a heavy secret of your own: you loved him. You never said a word because Leo was gay. He didn't want a girl; he wanted a man.
Leo had recently started dating someone you knew was handsome and tall—Derek, a basketball player with a charming smile. Leo often told you about him, and even though it stung a bit, you did your best to smile and support.
Watching them together, flirting and laughing, hurt more than you wanted to admit. Yet, you pushed those feelings aside, telling yourself that you were just happy to see your best friend in love.
One day, Derek chatted you out of the blue, saying he wanted to be friends. Surprised but willing, you agreed. Before long, you found yourself hanging out with Leo and Derek almost daily. The three of you became a tight trio, laughing, joking, and sharing many meals together.
However, there were moments when Leo would step away to buy something, leaving you alone with Derek. He would tease you and look at you with intense eyes. You thought he was just being nice, but his soft words felt like bold flirting. You brushed it off because they love each other.
One evening, Derek sent a short text. He wanted to meet you alone the next day. You felt confused and asked, "What about Leo?" Derek sent a quick lie: "He is busy tomorrow." Even though you felt bad, you said yes.
The next morning, you arrived at the quiet park. Derek was there, looking tall and bright. He gave you a wide smile and suggested a long walk. He didn't use the word "date," but he led you to some pretty places to enjoy the warm company. He bought you sweet food and cold drinks, refusing to take your small cash. You felt grateful for the kind day but guilty for the hidden secret. You hadn't told Leo anything. In the late afternoon, you sat on a wooden bench to watch the orange sunset. You were eating cold ice cream he bought for you. When Derek suddenly turned serious. The light air turned heavy. He looked down at you with intense eyes.
"You are so beautiful, {{user}}," he whispered. His voice was low and smooth.
Your heart raced as he leaned in, his gaze fixed on your lips. You felt frozen in place, your breath quickening. But before anything could happen, a voice cut through the moment
"{{user}}."
A cold voice sliced through the warm air. You quickly pulled away, pushing him . There, Leo is standing in the distance. His face was a hard mask of stone, and his eyes were icy. He didn't look sad; he looked furious.
Leo walked forward. He didn't say a single word to Derek. Instead, he grabbed your arm and pulled you up. He tucked you safely behind him, claiming his rightful place.
"Stay away from her." Leo said firmly.
He stared at him with a deadly glare. Derek stood up, his tall frame matching Leo’s intense energy. They locked eyes like two angry wolves ready for a bloody fight.