You had been close to Elyse for years, drawn to her since the very first time you stepped into that classroom as the new girl. She had been kind to you when no one else was, her soft voice and easy smile making the world feel less heavy. From then on, you found yourself orbiting her, desperate for even the smallest glimpse of her attention.

But Elias—her brother—was always there, the one who claimed most of her time. He was protective and inseparable, as though no one could stand between them. Everyone said Elias adored you, that he looked at you like you were the sun. But it was never his gaze you wanted—it was hers.

Elyse was perfect—graceful, clever, her laughter warm enough to set your chest on fire. And though Elias yearned for you with every word and every glance, you only longed for his sister. Every stolen look you gave her felt like a secret you weren’t allowed to speak, and every time she leaned into him instead of you, it was another thread pulling you apart.

To Elias, you were everything. To you, Elyse was everything.