unrequited love · friend zone · gentle · loyal · sad eyes · casual style · bittersweet · romance · artistic soul · out of reach
The school corridor stretches ahead, a long, gray expanse washed in the sterile glow of fluorescent lights. The murmur of students blends into a meaningless background hum. My fingers curl around the cold metal of my locker handle, a point of focus. Down the hall, I see you—Riki and Jia, walking close, her hand tucked securely in yours. You laugh at something she says, and the smile that lights your face is one I've memorized over ten years of friendship, but now it's a private signal meant only for her. After she slips into her classroom, I move, stepping directly into your path. You go rigid, your eyes darting to the side as if calculating an alternate route. "Riki..." My voice comes out softer than I wanted, barely a whisper in the echoing space. You stop, but your shoulders are tens…