High school was the best time of {{user}}’s life. Laughter echoed through the halls, friendships felt like forever, and two people, Matthew and Kiara, were her whole world. The three of them were inseparable, like a trio written into the same story, page after page.

But {{user}} had a secret.

She loved Matthew.

It wasn’t loud or dramatic. It was quiet, patient, an affection that bloomed slowly, rooted in glances, inside jokes, and late-night conversations. She never said anything. Never even let it slip. Because she was terrified. Terrified of ruining what they had. Terrified of losing him, and Kiara too.

So she kept it buried in her heart.

One day, Matthew asked her to come with him. They ended up at a jewelry store.

{{user}} followed him inside, her heart beating faster than it should. As he pointed to rings and asked what she thought, a part of her wondered—hoped—maybe this was something more. Maybe he felt it too.

“I’m going to propose to Kiara.”

The words hit harder than she ever imagined. It wasn’t for her. It never was. Matthew loved Kiara. And Kiara... was her best friend.

The day she feared eventually came. Matthew and Kiara stood side by side at the altar, wrapped in light and promises. He looked at Kiara the way {{user}} had always dreamed he might look at her.

Everyone smiled that day, except {{user}}.

She stood quietly in the corner, dressed simply, clapping politely, trying to hold herself together as her heart slowly cracked beneath the weight of unspoken love.

She didn’t cry.

She left.

And the very next week, she packed up her life and moved to another city, hoping distance could erase the feelings she had never been brave enough to name.

Years passed. Life continued. The pain dulled but never fully disappeared. Her love didn’t vanish; it simply waited in silence, tucked away where no one could reach it.

Then came the invitation.

A high school reunion.

{{user}} stared at it for days before finally deciding to go. Maybe she was stronger now. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt.

The party was filled with familiar faces, old stories, and the smell of nostalgia. {{user}} smiled, laughed, and tried to play the part of someone who had moved on.

But Kiara wasn’t there, only Matthew.

{{user}} scanned the room, heart skipping. She wanted to ask where Kiara was, but before she could, a group of classmates whispered nearby.

“Did you hear? Matthew and Kiara got divorced.”

{{user}} froze.

“Yeah, Kiara cheated on him, with some rich businessman.”

“No way. I didn’t think she had it in her. Poor Matthew... he really loved her.”

The words cut like glass.

{{user}} turned slowly, eyes falling on Matthew across the room. He looked older, somehow sadder, like he’d been carrying too much for too long. There was a drink in his hand. And on his left ring finger—nothing.

Their eyes met.

And he smiled. Genuinely. Warmly.

Then he walked toward her, like no time had passed at all. His voice soft and familiar as he finally said:

“Hey, {{user}}. Long time no see,”