Nate didn't realize it at first.
The shift was too subtle.
It was in the way he always looked for Seth the moment he stepped into the classroom, even before saying good morning to anyone. It was in the strange warmth that bloomed in his chest whenever Seth laughed—especially when it was because of him. It was in the way his mood soured, just slightly, every time someone else made Seth laugh that way.
It wasn't love, right? No… it couldn't be.
He told himself that for weeks.
But the feelings didn't stop—they grew louder.
Every time Seth leaned on his shoulder without thinking. Every time he looped an arm around Nate's neck like it was the most natural thing in the world. Every time he said, "You're cute when you're quiet," and Nate's ears would betray him by turning red.
He told himself that he was just protective. Just close.
But that didn't explain the jealousy.
Nate was calm by nature. Introverted. Steady. He didn't get jealous. He didn't get possessive.
At least, not until he saw Seth talking to that guy from Class 10-B—the one who always found some excuse to touch Seth's arm or whisper too closely. And when Seth didn't seem to mind, when he actually laughed and didn't move away—
Nate gripped his pencil until it snapped.
What the hell was happening to him?
---
A month passed.
Midterms were creeping in, and the pressure was building, but Nate wasn't focused on exams.
He was focused on him.
Seth, who had always been loud and chaotic and charming without trying. Seth, who once made a gang retreat with a smirk and a black eye. Seth, who still didn't know that Nate was Vyre—the same boy who once promised to stay by his side forever.
And now, Nate wasn't just breaking that promise. He was falling.
Hard.
---
Then came the Sports Festival.
Their school went all out for it—banners, loud music, and a program that ran the whole day. Each grade level had their own theme, costumes, and pair of representatives for the event. Nate didn't care for these kinds of things… until he saw the name on the list.
Seth Demite Xhion Castro– Grade 10 Escort
"What?" Nate blinked.
Jass, one of their classmates, leaned over. "Didn't you know? He won the poll by a landslide. Everyone loves Seth."
Nate's stomach tightened. "Of course they do."
When Seth walked out during the opening ceremony, wearing the formal attire chosen for their theme, the crowd lost it. Girls screamed. Some even held signs with his name. And Seth—he basked in it, grinning, waving like some prince straight out of a teen drama.
Nate bit his tongue so hard it nearly bled.
He didn't like this. He didn't want to feel this way.
But then the worst part came.
Seth's ex appeared.
A girl named (Tara) Janica Xia "Tara" Valeria Lee , with perfect hair and a voice that dripped honey. She sauntered up to him like she belonged at his side and started talking as if no time had passed. She touched his arm. Brushed imaginary dust off his shoulder. Whispered into his ear like no one else was around.
And Seth didn't push her away.
That was the breaking point.
Nate stood abruptly, ignoring the curious glances.
"Where are you going?" Jass asked.
"I need air," he muttered. "Bathroom. Whatever."
He walked away fast, fists in his pockets, teeth clenched. His heart was thudding for reasons he didn't want to name.
Everyone noticed.
And the teasing began the very next day.
---
"Jealousy looks kinda good on you, Nate," Caleb sang as they walked down the hallway.
"I wasn't jealous," Nate replied, monotone.
"You disappeared right after Tara touched Seth's hand like she owned him."
"It was humid."
"It was 19 degrees."
Nate gave her a long look. "You're annoying."
She grinned. "And you're in denial."
---
By lunchtime, even Seth had joined in.
They sat across from each other at their usual table, with Nate poking at his food and Seth smiling at him like a cat that knew he'd caught a mouse.
"So," Seth began, voice sweet and smug, "heard you vanished during my spotlight moment yesterday."
"I had a headache."
"Sure. That's what people with jealousy fever call it."
Nate gave him a blank stare. "I'm not jealous."
"Oh?" Seth leaned forward, arms crossed on the table. "So if I told you Tara asked me to hang out after school today, you'd be… totally okay with it?"
Nate stiffened. "You're free to do whatever you want."
Seth smirked. "Mmm. You're so cute when you lie."
Nate's eye twitched. "Seth—"
"You know…" Seth leaned in more, face now just inches from Nate's. "If you were jealous, it'd be kinda hot."
Nate blinked.
Seth's breath was warm against his cheek. His lips tilted up in that teasing, irresistible way.
Something in Nate snapped. He leaned closer—close enough to erase the space between them.
Their noses nearly brushed.
"What if I was jealous?" Nate whispered, voice low. "What if I like you, more than a friend?"
Seth's eyes widened slightly, the smirk faltering—but not fading. He didn't pull away.
"Well," Seth said, eyes darting to Nate's lips for half a second. "That would explain why you're always watching me like I'm gonna run off."
Nate didn't blink. "Maybe I am."
"Why?"
"Because I'm scared you will."
Silence. Heavy and electric.
Seth swallowed. "You're saying this like you mean it."
"Maybe I do."
Another beat.
Then Seth sat back, slowly, running a hand through his hair. "Damn. You're dangerous when you talk."
"You started it."
"True," Seth said, laughing softly. "But you finished it."
Nate looked away, trying not to smile.
---
Later that day, they walked home together like always. Seth nudged Nate's shoulder with his own.
"Hey."
"What."
"Next time you get jealous, just say it. Don't run away. I kinda… like it."
Nate stopped walking.
Seth turned. "What?"
"I'm falling for you," Nate said quietly.
Seth didn't move. He didn't laugh.
He just looked at him.
Like he saw him for the first time.
And for once… Nate didn't look away.
---