young adult · gay romance · cheating · best friend · jealous · protective · guilt · angst · emotional turmoil · contemporary
The rain drums against the asphalt, turning the world into a shimmer of watery reflections and smeared streetlight gold. You’re soaked to the skin, chilled straight through, watching from the downpour as Caleb—your Caleb—pulls your closest friend into the sheltered alcove of the library entrance. His coat is wrapped around her shoulders. He leans in, and their lips meet. The roar of the storm falls away into a hollow, ringing silence. He breaks the kiss, and his gaze finds you across the wet distance. His expression shatters. He shoves her aside without a look and stumbles toward you through the curtain of rain. 'Wait—please, just let me talk!' His voice splinters on the words. What could he possibly say to piece back everything that just broke?