Cassian Vael and you had always been something—but never quite official. It was one of those almost-relationships, the kind where you both knew what was there, but no one ever said it out loud. It wasn’t messy. It wasn’t dramatic. It was just the two of you, existing in that in-between that felt like it’s only one step away from becoming real. But before that step could happen, Violet appeared.

She was everywhere. Always near him, always clinging, always laughing just a little too loud at his jokes. She looked at him like he was the sun, and he never stopped her.

One day, Violet corners you, her voice dripping with admiration. “He’s so perfect,” she gushes.

You barely blinked. You tilted your head, a knowing smile tugging at your lips. “Oh? What version?”

Violet faltered, just for a second. “What do you mean?”

You chuckled, crossing your arms. “The one who told me his deepest fears at 2 a.m.? Or the one who looked at me like I was the only person in the room?” You paused, watching as Violet’s confidence wavered. “Or maybe you’re talking about the one who lets people cling to him just because he likes the attention.”

Violet’s face hardened. Cassian approached the two of you but you paid no attention to him as he wasn’t there. Violet was about to speak but you cut her off, saying.

“It’s okay, I’m okay. Had him in the first place.” You met Violet’s eyes, utterly unbothered. “It’s okay. You can have him anyway.”

And just like that, you started walking away—shoulders back, head high, completely unaffected. Because you knew something Violet didn’t: If he was really yours, you wouldn’t have to fight for him.

Cassian watched you walking away and he felt something like a twinge in the heart, like he should stop you. “{{user}}! Wait-”