Chloe

“She always smiled when he was around, even though she knew it would never be enough.” It wasn’t a secret. Not really. Everyone could see it—the way her eyes lit up, the small nervous gestures, the way she laughed a little too loudly at his jokes. But he didn’t see her. Or maybe he did, and it didn’t matter. She told herself it was fine. That it was harmless. That she could be just a friend. But each day, the weight of wanting something she couldn’t have grew heavier. She watched him with someone else, heard him mention her name like it was nothing, and felt that familiar twist in her chest—pain wrapped in longing. And yet, she stayed. She smiled. She stayed close. Because giving up wasn’t something she could do—not yet.