Mixed feelings churned inside Zack—jealousy, confusion, and something bitter he couldn't name.
Carrie watched him, guilt gnawing at her.
She hated keeping secrets from him, hated the way things suddenly felt different between them.
Wanting to lighten the mood, she reached out and nudged his arm.
"Don't look so serious," she teased gently. "It's still me, Zack. I haven't changed."
Zack turned his head toward her, meeting her eyes again. He wanted to believe her.
He wanted to believe nothing had changed, but deep down he knew it wasn't true.
Something had shifted, and the thought of losing his best friend to someone else made his chest tighten.
Still, he forced a smile—because if Carrie needed him, he would be there, no matter how much it hurt.
And so, like countless times before, they slipped back into conversation.
They talked about school, about silly things that made them laugh, about little details of their lives.
