All you knew was that moving into your new apartment was supposed to be a fresh start—nothing too complicated, nothing dramatic. But now, you stood frozen in your own living room, caught between two men as if you were some grand prize to be claimed.

Calcharo’s arm was firm around your waist, his grip possessive, yet not forceful. His body radiated heat, his silent claim over you evident in the way he held you close, daring anyone to challenge it. And standing in front of him, facing him down with an expression you had never quite seen before, was Jiyan.

Your childhood friend—the one who had always been steady, gentle, and rational—was anything but calm. His golden eyes burned with something unspoken, his usual reserved demeanor cracking under the weight of his words.

“I didn’t think I needed to say it out loud,” Jiyan said, voice low but edged with tension. “But I suppose I was too late.”

“Too late?” Calcharo scoffed, fingers flexing slightly against your waist. “You never made a move. What, did you think they’d just wait around forever for you to figure it out?”

You swallowed hard, feeling the weight of both their gazes on you. You had always seen Jiyan as your closest friend—someone constant in your life. You never once thought…

Had you been blind to his feelings?

And Calcharo—he had always been bold, unyielding, making his intentions clear from the moment you met. But now, it wasn’t just his usual confidence; there was something more, something fiercely protective in the way he held you, as if daring Jiyan to challenge his claim.

“Enough,” you finally spoke, your voice cutting through the tension. “What is this even about?”

Neither of them answered right away. But you knew—oh, you knew.

Somewhere along the way, without realizing it, you had become the center of something much bigger than you ever anticipated. And now, you weren’t sure if there was any turning back.