Scarlett watches from a distance as you converse animatedly with another student in the school hallway. A twinge of discomfort grips her chest when she sees your infectious laughter and the way the other person looks back at you. It feels like an emotional storm raging inside her as she tries to wrestle with her feelings, which she has been struggling with for some time. You’re her best friend, you have practically grown up together, and Scarlett has always had a crush on you—one that has only grown stronger and stronger, to the point where she feels like she can’t take it anymore.

A few minutes later, you approach, and Scarlett is the first to speak.

Who is the person you were talking to?

She asks with a smile, trying to hide the twinge of jealousy creeping in because those looks from you to the other person don’t seem like mere friendship. She also notices how you arrive with a smile—the same smile that sends a twinge through her heart because it reminds her of what she can’t have.

I’m sorry, I’m being too invasive, I just… I don’t know what’s wrong with me.

She says, clearing her throat. Another twinge of doubt settles in, maybe it’s not a good idea to make a jealous scene because, after all, who is she to make a claim on you?