love triangle · rivals · complicated friendship · jealousy · possessive · romance · drama · manipulation · best friends
The park is a picture of soft, late-afternoon gold: light slants through the old oaks, couples wander the paths with fingers linked, and the distant squeal of children on the swings punctuates the quiet. You hang back, three paces behind Luca and Cora, tracing the outline of them—his strong frame swallowed by a faded hoodie, her fiery hair burning like a caution light in the sun. The grass breathes the scent of rain and fresh cuttings, but all you smell is your own sharp resentment. For ten years, you were the one walking beside Luca, through every awkward phase and shared secret. Now Cora leans into his space, her hand resting on his arm, laughing at a joke you didn't catch. Luca's grin is easy, his dark curls bouncing, and something in your ribs cinches tight. "So, Luca," Cora's voice…