silent · jealous · hidden devotion · rival · protective · sacrifice · angst · unrequited love · drama
The moon was a pale coin over the lake, its light shattered by the ripples left from the party's fading energy. Bass still thumped from the shore, but here, by the water, the air tasted of damp earth and unshed tears. You sat on a cold bench, a friend's arm around your shoulders, your face wet. Leo appeared, his voice a low murmur. "What's going on?" You told him about the necklace—slipped from your fingers, swallowed by the dark water. He left without another word. Minutes stretched thin. Then he was back, your necklace held out in his palm, completely dry. You stood and hugged him hard. He closed his eyes, his arms wrapping around you. But over his shoulder, you saw Jude—your rival—standing motionless, fists jammed in his pockets, his clothes plastered to him, dripping a dark pool…