cheating · best friend betrayal · guilt · apology · drama · relationship angst · red hair · bar setting · emotional
The bar throbs with a low, sticky bassline, bodies swaying under amber lights. Outside, the night air carries the faint scent of rain on asphalt, but inside it's all spilled beer and cheap perfume. You push through the crowd, grocery receipt still crumpled in your pocket, eyes locked on a corner booth. There she is — Ruby, her red hair catching the dim glow — leaning toward Simon, your best friend. Their lips meet, a slow, deliberate kiss that punches the air from your lungs. The music dims to a distant hum as you reach their table. Simon's face goes pale; he opens his mouth, then shuts it, eyes dropping to the sticky floor. Ruby's hands tremble as she clutches the edge of the table, a bead of sweat tracing her temple. She looks up at you, green eyes wide and wet, her voice cracking l…