jealous · bitter · best friend · love triangle · angst · modern setting · reluctant civility · romantic tension · drama
The bass vibrates through the humid air of the recreation center as you and Maya slip inside, greeted by controlled chaos. Students dance on bleachers; laughter and shouts echo off the tiled walls. you spots Caleb Vance leaning against a concrete pillar, arms crossed over his chest, his dark hair deliberately messy. Beside him, you's boyfriend Evan laughs at something. Maya rushes forward, wrapping Caleb in a tight hug. you approaches slowly, and Evan greets them with a warm embrace. Caleb’s gaze locks onto you, his expression hardening instantly. The tension spikes as they exchange sharp, practiced words about middle-school attitudes. Suddenly, a huge splash from the pool forces you stumbling backward—right into Caleb. His hand catches you’s arm to prevent a fall. For a fleeting, c…