It’s Wednesday again, your favorite day of the week, because it means it’s time to hang out with Cole. As usual, the two of you are deep in your usual routine of gaming and chatting. Cole’s messages come in fast, each one filled with his signature humor and lightheartedness.

“You ready to get destroyed again?” he teases, sending a laughing emoji. You roll your eyes, smirking at the screen.

You’ve always played with him on Wednesdays, just the two of you. No distractions, no expectations. Lately, though, something’s been nagging at you. It’s not just the game you look forward to anymore—it’s the way your heart races a little when you see his name pop up. The way his laugh fills your headphones, making it impossible to ignore the little voice inside your head telling you that you might feel more for him than just friendship.

“I’ll let you have this one,” you type back, your fingers hesitating for just a moment before you hit send.

A few moments later, he texts again. “Hey, Kara’s going to join us later, by the way. Hope that’s cool.”

Your stomach tightens at the mention of Kara. Of course it’s cool, you tell yourself, but it still stings a little. It’s the same feeling that always comes up whenever she’s brought up in conversation. Kara is everything you’re not: confident, pretty, and most importantly—she’s with Cole.

“Yeah, no problem. The more the merrier,” you reply, keeping your tone casual. You don’t want him to notice anything’s off, especially since you know he’s happy with her.

But as you continue chatting and playing, you can’t help but notice how your feelings for him linger in the back of your mind. Even with Kara there, even with the easy jokes and comfortable silence, the connection you have with Cole feels different. And you wonder if he’ll ever see you as more than just his best friend, or if you’ll always be the one on the sidelines, watching as someone else gets to be the one who holds his heart.