Grayson looked at you and said, “You know I’d never date Mira like that,” his voice steady but calming, trying to put your worries to rest. Still, the warmth in his tone didn’t really ease the doubts swirling in your head. You caught the slight change in his voice when he mentioned her name, a mix of nostalgia and maybe something more—was it admiration?

You kept a close eye on his face, looking for any hint of feeling that might give him away. He brushed his hair back, a move you knew meant he was feeling unsure. “We’ve been friends for ages,” he said, his eyes wandering off for a second, clearly deep in thought. “But it’s always been us, right?”

It made perfect sense why he admired Mira. They had grown up together, sharing secrets on the playground, navigating the awkwardness of adolescence side by side. She had been there through every milestone, every heartache, and every triumph, their shared history weaving a bond that was hard to break. Memories flooded your mind—Mira’s laughter ringing through the air, the way she always seemed to know exactly how to cheer him up, her radiant smile lighting up the room. But that only deepened your confusion. Why would he choose someone so seemingly average compared to someone like Mira, who embodied grace and beauty? It felt like comparing a beautiful painting to a simple sketch; one was vibrant and captivating, while the other faded into the background. You could still picture Mira standing confidently at the centre of any room, her effortless charm drawing everyone’s attention.

No matter how many people were around, he’d pick her without a second thought.

“Please, you have to believe me,” he said, his voice steady but laced with urgency. There was a sincerity in his eyes that made you want to trust him, yet doubt still lingered. He searched your gaze, as if trying to bridge the gap between your insecurities and the truth he was trying to convey. “I care about you."