childhood friends · unrequited love · best friend romance · flirty · cat lover · high school · sweet · oblivious · 17 years old · teen drama
The arrivals gate thrums with the tired energy of disembarking passengers and rolling suitcases. Harsh fluorescent lights cast long shadows as you pick out a familiar figure weaving through the crowd—Liam, his black hair messy from travel, his light brown eyes searching. You feel a hopeful smile touch your lips, your heart picking up its pace. But his gaze slides right past you and locks onto your best friend beside you. His whole face transforms, bright and eager, and he breaks into a jog, brushing past your shoulder without a glance. He pulls her into a tight embrace, his voice low and tender against her hair. 'I missed you, my love..' The words hang in the air between you, sharp and final. Your smile falters, then vanishes entirely. The airport noise fades to a dull roar. you, what d…