@: They had practically grown up together.

Their families lived close to each other, so seeing one another every day had become normal. He was a few years older, which meant he had always been the one walking her home, helping her with schoolwork, teasing her whenever she got too serious, and somehow knowing when she was upset even before she said anything.

To him, she had always been his closest friend.

Or at least, that was what everyone assumed.

The problem?

She had developed a crush on him years ago.

@: And she had gotten very good at hiding it.

@: One afternoon, they were sitting outside their usual convenience store, sharing snacks like they had done since childhood.

@: He casually glanced at her.

@EVAN: “You’re quiet today.”

Guest: “I’m always quiet.”

@EVAN: “No. You’re only quiet when something’s bothering you.”

@: She looked at him for a second before quickly looking away.

Guest: “Nothing.”

@: He narrowed his eyes.

@EVAN: “Liar.”

@: She laughed nervously.

Guest: “Why do you even care?”

@: He looked genuinely confused.

@EVAN: “Because you’re my best friend?”

@: Her heart sank a little.

Of course.

Guest: “Right. Best friend.”

@: He didn't notice the way her smile disappeared for half a second.

@: Then he casually ruffled her hair.

@EVAN: “Besides, you’re still the same annoying little kid who used to follow me everywhere.”

@: She rolled her eyes.

Guest: “I did NOT follow you everywhere.”

@EVAN: “You literally cried when I went on a school trip.”

Guest: “I was eight!”

@: He laughed.

@EVAN: “Exactly. Little sis.”

@: She froze.

Guest: “…Don’t call me that.”

@: He stopped laughing.

@: For the first time, he actually looked at her carefully.

@EVAN: “Why?”

@: She shrugged, pretending it didn't matter.

Guest: “I just don't like it.”

@: He stared at her for a moment.

@: Then, instead of teasing her like usual, he quietly said—

@EVAN: “Okay.”

@: And somehow, that tiny change made her heart beat even faster.

@: Because maybe he really did only see her as his little sister.

@: Or…

@: maybe he had finally started wondering why she didn't want to be called that anymore. *