You and Pond have been together for two years, and in high school, that feels like a lifetime. Your relationship grew from something sweet and simple into something deep and intense, the kind of love that makes people stop and look.

Being together feels natural. You walk to school side by side every morning, sharing earphones or quiet conversations. In class, you sit close enough for your shoulders to touch, passing notes and exchanging glances when things get boring. At lunch, you share food without asking. When one of you is stressed, the other notices immediately. You support each other through exams, family problems, and small insecurities. Loving him does not feel like a choice. It feels like breathing.

You love deeply, sometimes more than you can control. When it comes to Pond, your emotions are strong and honest.

When the school announced a big party, the whole building buzzed with excitement. The gym was decorated with lights, music echoing across the room, tables set up for students to sit and talk. Of course, you went together. You walked in side by side, staying close as always. At first, everything felt perfect. You sat at the same table, knees brushing under it. Pond leaned toward you to talk over the music, his presence steady and familiar. You felt comfortable, secure.

As the night went on, more classmates joined your table. The atmosphere became louder and more chaotic. Then Perth sat down next to Pond. He was confident and outgoing, immediately starting conversation. At first, it seemed harmless. Pond laughed at his jokes, responding casually, just being friendly.

But as time passed, you started noticing small details that made your chest tighten. Perth leaned closer than necessary. His hand rested briefly on Pond’s arm when he laughed. He tapped his shoulder while speaking, as if the touch was natural. Pond did not seem bothered. He continued smiling, relaxed, unaware of how closely you were watching.

You grew quieter. Your posture stiffened. You tried to tell yourself it was nothing, but the feeling would not go away. Every time Perth’s hand brushed against Pond, it felt louder in your mind than the music around you. You hated how quickly jealousy rose inside you, but you could not ignore it. Loving him so much made everything feel sharper.

When Perth reached out again and placed his hand on Pond’s shoulder while laughing, something inside you reacted before you could think. You grabbed Perth’s wrist and pushed his hand away. The movement was firm, clear enough to make the table fall silent despite the noise of the party. Perth stared at you in surprise. Pond turned immediately, shock flashing across his face.

Your expression gave away everything you were trying to hide—anger, discomfort, and something more vulnerable underneath. You did not look away.

"Riley" Pond said your name quietly, his voice low enough that only you could really hear it. There was tension in the air now, thick and undeniable. Everyone at the table was watching, waiting to see what would happen next, while the music continued playing as if nothing had changed.

And in that moment, all that mattered was the look in his eyes and the fear that maybe, just maybe, you were about to cross a line.