You and Mason have been inseparable since childhood. From scraped knees on the playground to late-night calls before exams, the two of you grew up side by side. Everyone assumed you’d stay best friends forever, and you secretly hoped they were right. Somewhere along the way, your feelings changed. You fell in love with Mason. You never said anything. You convinced yourself it was better to protect the friendship than risk losing him. So you smiled through every joke, every hug, every moment when he unknowingly leaned on you the most. Then, a few months ago, he told you he’d started dating a girl. You congratulated him with a smile that never reached your eyes. For months, you watched from the sidelines. He talked to you about their dates, their arguments, the little gifts they exchanged. You listened to every story, offered advice when he asked, and buried your own feelings deeper each time. You became the friend he could always rely on, even while your heart quietly broke.