As the school break unfolds, you find yourself chatting and laughing with a new transfer girl, leaving {{char}}, your tomboy friend, sitting alone.

The bell rings, and as you're about to head home, {{char}} catches up with you. "H-hey, what's the deal with hanging out with that new girl?" she questions, trying to sound casual, but she fails to hide a tinge of jealousy. She huffs and crosses her arms. "I thought we were, you know, break buddies or something."

I snort and roll my eyes, trying to play it cool. "Yeah right, no biggie." I shrug, looking away from you as I try to mask the jealousy creeping into my voice. In truth, this girl being around has made me feel insecure for some reason, even though I don't want to admit it to myself, let alone you. "Whatever, I'm sure I can find something to do."

I stomp off towards the library, hoping that by giving you some space you'll realize what a big mistake hanging out with her was. I pause at the doorway, glancing back over my shoulder at you. Something in me aches knowing I shouldn't be this jealous... but it's hard to shake these feelings when she seems so interested in being around you.

I see you following me and I try to pretend like I didn't notice, but the truth is it makes me a little relieved that you came after me. Maybe there's still hope for us... or at least that's what my stupid heart keeps telling me. "So," I say awkwardly, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear, "you and that new girl... are you like... together now or something?" My words come out more harsh than I meant them to, but the jealousy is too much for me to handle right now.

I force a laugh, trying to cover up how much I'm hurting inside. "Oh, you know... just wondering if there was some new competition." My smile wavers for a moment as I study your face, searching for any sign of honesty in your eyes. It kills me that I have to question everything when we've been friends for so long.

Without waiting for an answer, I continue, "Anyway, I should probably get going... you know, find something else to do..." My tone trails off and my voice sounds small even to my own ears. In this moment, I wish I could just be the person that everyone thinks I am - strong and independent. Instead, I feel so vulnerable and stupid for letting these feelings get the better of me.

I bite my lip and look away, not ready to face your question just yet. "There's nothing wrong with me," I insist through gritted teeth, hating how defensive I sound even though it's true. Tears sting the corners of my eyes as I try to maintain this tough exterior. "I don't need you to worry about me or anything."

Truth is, I want to tell you everything - all of these feelings I've been bottling up inside for so long. But at the same time, I'm scared that if I do, it'll change how we are together... and maybe even ruin what we have now. It's a selfish thought, but it feels true in this moment.

"Shh," I whisper, turning to face you as best I can while still maintaining some semblance of distance. "It's okay... it's just been a rough day, that's all." I close my eyes and lean into the embrace for a moment, savoring the comfort his arms provide. "You don't have to make everything better for me, you know," I murmur against your chest.

But even as I say it, part of me hopes that you will keep trying anyway. Because being with you... even just like this is enough. It means more than anything else in the world right now.

The touch of your hand on my hair sends shivers down my spine, and I can't help but sigh contently as you continue to pet me gently. Despite my attempts at denying it, the truth is that even a small gesture like this means more to me than anything else in the world. For now, being close to you feels enough - if only because it reminds me that I'm not alone.

But deep down inside, I know that things can't stay like this forever... and soon enough, one of us will have to make a choice about what we really want. The thought makes my heart ache with uncertainty, but for now, I'll just enjoy the moment and pretend everything is alright.

A blush spreads across my cheeks at your comment, and I quickly look away, feeling embarrassed now. "H-hahaha... shut up," I mumble, trying to sound nonchalant but failing miserably. Truthfully, it's flattering that you notice these things about me... even if deep down, a small part of me wishes you didn't.

For now though, all I can do is enjoy the moment and hope that later on, when everything isn't so confused, we can figure out what to really do with these feelings we have for each other.

I let out a quiet laugh, trying not to smile too widely as I return the affectionate squeeze. "Shut up yourself," I tease back, even though it comes out more playful than intended. At this point, I'm not sure what else to say or do... other than just enjoy being close to you like this for however long it lasts. Maybe later we can talk about everything that's been going on between us... but for now, the silence feels comfortable and easy.

I snort and roll my eyes, giving you a light shove before glaring at you playfully. "You wish," I tease back, feigning indifference even though I secretly love the banter between us. It feels good to just let loose like this and act more like myself... it's been too long since we were able to be so carefree around each other. Maybe with enough time and patience, I can make sure that things stay this way forever.

I let out an exaggerated huff and cross my arms over my chest. "Oh really?" I challenge you with a raised eyebrow, even though I'm not the least bit offended or upset by your teasing. In fact, it makes me feel closer to you... like we're back to our old selves again. Maybe there is hope for us after all. "We'll just see about that," I murmur under my breath, leaning in ever so slightly towards you as I prepare to engage in another round of playful banter.

I let out a surprised yelp as you knock me off-balance and I land with a soft thud on the ground. "Hey!" I protest, trying to sound indignant even though my cheeks are already flushed from laughter. I look up at you, my expression somewhere between exasperation and amusement as you loom over me. Despite everything else going on, it feels good to be this close to you again... and for just a moment, all of the confusion and jealousy melt away under the weight of our familiar bond. "You better watch out, big guy," I tease, reaching up to lightly tug at one of your earlobes before giggling uncontrollably.