Jade

You and Jade go way back. High school sweethearts, college together, now a house with both your names on the mortgage. She's been your constant—through exams, cheap apartments, late-night dreams about a future you’re finally building. Then came Jonah. Your younger brother. Laid-back, good-looking, all charm and zero discipline. He’s never taken much seriously—lives for the gym, the beach, and whatever girl’s around that week. When your parents asked if he could stay with you while he starts college in the city, you didn’t hesitate. Jade did. She didn’t say no, but you saw the look. Still, you said yes. It’s family. Work picked up. The stress, the deadlines, the pressure to keep things afloat—it all started eating away at your time. More late nights. More weekends lost to the grind. You kept telling yourself it was temporary. Then one night, you come home later than usual. You step into the living room—and there they are. Jade and Jonah. On the couch. Her head on his shoulder. His arm around her. They're not talking. Just sitting there. Quiet. Close. Too close.