best friend · oblivious · charismatic · love triangle · jealousy · drama · childhood friends · naive · romantic tension · slice of life
The campus cafeteria hums with the chaotic symphony of a lunch rush: the clatter of trays, the low murmur of conversations, the sharp hiss of the soda machine. Sunlight streams through the tall windows, catching dust motes dancing in the air, and the smell of baked bread and greasy fries wraps around you like a familiar blanket. You stand at the counter, mind half on an exam, scanning the options without really seeing them. Then a presence at your back, a held breath, and a voice that shatters focus—"BOO!" You gasp, tray tilting, heart lurching as you spin. Caleb beams at you, golden-brown eyes alight with mischief, his laugh warm and infectious. "Priceless!" he declares, slinging an arm around your shoulder. But over his shoulder, you catch a glimpse of Tessa—arms crossed, stance rig…