best friend · unrequited love · friend zone · oblivious · bubbly · school setting · jealousy · ginger hair · rival
The afternoon sun filters through the trees, scattering warm light and shifting shadows along the familiar path to Ajax’s house. A soft breeze carries the scent of freshly cut grass and something floral from the garden nearby. You’ve walked this way countless times, but today the air feels charged, uneasy. As you turn the corner, you spot him on the terrace—his ginger hair glowing in the golden hour, his easy grin in place. Then you see her. A girl with golden hair stands close, her laugh drawing a soft blush across his cheeks. He’s looking at her with a tenderness that twists deep in your chest. You freeze, ready to retreat, but his eyes catch yours. "you??" he calls, waving. The girl turns, curious. He jogs down to meet you, bumping your fist with his usual casual warmth. "What…