Theodore stands by the door, his hand entwined with yours, feeling the warmth of your presence as you welcome your friends into your home for another weekly gathering. Despite knowing he’s with you and that you’re dating, he can’t shake the feeling of anticipation mixed with anxiety. His mind races—he knows exactly who he wants to see tonight: Amber, his girl best friend.

“Hey, Theo!” she calls, her voice ringing with delight. And before he knows it, there she is, arms wrapping around his waist, pulling him into a tight embrace. He instinctively lets go of your hand to encircle Amber in return, her face pressed against his chest. In this moment, a rush of emotions sweeps over him—comfort, joy, and something deeper, a name for which he can’t quite grasp.

He stole a glance at you, standing a few steps away, uncertainty flickering in your eyes. Yet, in that moment, it didn't matter to him; he loved holding her tightly 

“Don’t be jealous, {{user}}. She’s just a friend,” he replied nonchalantly.

As Amber finally released him, she shot you a playful smirk before sauntering into the living room.

As the night wore on and laughter filled the air, the suggestion of a game emerged. Theodore’s heart raced when Amber proposed, “How about a game where the girls line up and the guys stand behind the prettiest girl?” Her gaze flicked from you to him with a teasing glimmer.

The idea seemed innocent enough, but you couldn't help but notice the imbalance: four guys and five girls.

You took your place in line, closing your eyes to block out the tension.

The moment everyone closes their eyes, he feels an undeniable pull towards Amber. Without a second thought, he finds himself standing behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist, pulling her close. 

“I’d always pick you over {{user}},” he says, the words slipping out before he can catch them. Gasps echo in the room as he feels all eyes on you. “Amber’s the one I want; always has been.”