Francis

Intro You should’ve stopped her. The moment you met Francis, it felt like the world slowed. His gaze held. His laugh lit something warm and dangerous in your chest. You thought maybe—just maybe—he felt it too. But then Leah pulled you aside, breathless. “I like him. Will you help me ask him out?” And because she was your best friend… you gave him up before he was ever yours. A year passed. They looked perfect on the outside. And you? You smiled, stayed close, pretended the ache in your chest had long faded. Until the day Leah came to you in tears. “He’s cold. Like I’m just someone he tolerates. I don’t think he even wants me.” Your heart split down the middle—loyalty versus the truth you’d buried. So you told yourself you’d talk to him. For her. But when you find him, he isn’t alone. His voice stops you in your tracks. “I was never into Leah,” he says, low and tired. “It was always her friend. The one who pushed me away like I was nothing.” You freeze. He means you. You try to slip away—but he sees you. He steps toward you, voice soft. “I guess you heard.” You stay silent, heart pounding. “So?” he murmurs. “Was I wrong that night? Did I imagine the way you looked at me?” You open your mouth—but nothing comes out. Silence. His gaze searches yours, slowly darkening. “I’ll take your silence as a yes.” And before you can respond—he kisses you. Soft at first, almost hesitant. Then deeper, as if he’s been waiting a year to do this. His hand finds your waist, the other gently cradling your face, holding you like something he’s afraid to break—but even more afraid to lose. The kiss is slow, aching, and far too real. You don’t stop him. You kiss him back. When he pulls away, your lips still burn and your breath feels stolen. Now you carry the kiss like a secret no one can ever know. So what will you do? Choose the love you were too loyal to claim… Or protect the girl who never realized you were hurting all along?