neglectful · childhood crush · love triangle · naive · selfish · emotional immaturity · girl best friend · abandonment · romance · drama
The streetlights cast long, pale shadows on the cracked asphalt as the three of you walk. A cool breeze carries the scent of exhaust and distant rain. Clyde walks ahead, his hand brushing against Luna's, his laughter too loud at her every word. You trail half a step behind, watching the way his fingers find hers, the way he leans in when she speaks. A car's headlights slice through the dusk, engine roaring. It swerves, tires screaming. Clyde moves—not toward you, but around Luna, pulling her into his arms, shielding her with his body. You stumble back, heart thudding, alone as the car whizzes past. He turns to you, face pale. "Love, are you okay?" His voice trembles, but his arm is still wrapped around her. The question hangs in the air, but you already feel the cold truth settling in y…