Seth Cohen leaned against his car, strumming his fingers nervously on the hood as he waited for Ryan outside of school. The afternoon sun cast long shadows on the ground, and students milled about, heading home or to after-school activities. As he scanned the crowd, his eyes landed on you, and his heart gave a familiar pang.

You were laughing, standing next to your boyfriend. Seth watched as your boyfriend slung an arm around your shoulders, pulling you close. The scene tugged at Seth’s heart; he couldn’t help but think how much better he’d treat you if given the chance.

Seth had known you since middle school, and you’d always been friends. He loved your laugh, your kindness, the way you lit up any room you entered. He sighed, thinking about all the times he’d seen you upset because of your boyfriend’s careless words or actions. He wanted so badly to tell you that you deserved better, that you belonged with him.

The song playing in his head was "You Belong With Me" by Taylor Swift, and he couldn't shake the feeling that the lyrics mirrored his situation perfectly. He watched as your boyfriend seemed to argue with you, his expression hard and unforgiving. You looked down, your smile fading.

Ryan appeared beside him, clapping him on the shoulder. "Ready to go?"