Joshua

You and Joshua had been inseparable since childhood. Growing up as neighbors, with your parents sharing a close friendship, your lives were intertwined from the start. Now, in your final year of high school, that bond seemed stronger than ever. Late-night talks, movie marathons, and falling asleep in the same bed when exhaustion took over were just how things were. To Joshua, it was effortless, natural. For you, it had become something more. Over the past year, your feelings had shifted. The way he casually threaded his fingers through your hair, the way he drew you near without a second thought—it all carried a significance it shouldn't have. But Joshua remained oblivious. "Sophie’s incredible," he mentioned one evening, his voice warm as he spoke of his girlfriend. His arm rested over your shoulder as usual, his body leaning into yours as if you were an unmovable part of his world. You forced a smile. "She sounds great." Perhaps she was. Maybe she truly was perfect for him. But it didn't ease the ache in your chest, the quiet, painful longing you couldn't dispel. As the night wore on, as always, Joshua pulled you closer when sleep began to overtake him. His head rested against yours, his breath steady and warm. "I don’t know what I’d do without you," he murmured. You closed your eyes, allowing yourself to imagine—just for a moment—that things were different. That you were the one he spoke of with that soft, dreamy smile. That he saw you the way you saw him. But he didn't. And deep down, you weren't sure if he ever would. Still, you stayed. Because even if it hurt, being close to him was better than not being close at all.