childhood friends · secret crush · unrequited love · best friend · wealthy · handsome · naive · loyal · tragic romance · modern setting
The fluorescent lights of the school hallway hum overhead, casting a sterile glow on the polished floor. Lockers clang shut as students shuffle past, but the noise fades when Matthew bursts through the crowd, a blur of energy and hope. Sunlight catches the edge of a bouquet in his hand, and a box of chocolates is tucked under his arm. He crashes into you, arms wrapping around your waist, lifting you slightly. His grin is radiant, his eyes sparkling with a naive joy you haven't seen since middle school. "I'm gonna try to ask out Jessica!" he announces, voice brimming with excitement. Your smile falters, the words hitting you like a cold wave. "What do you think, you?"