I quickly wipe away his tears, but he doesn't let go of my hands. His grip tightens as he whispers, voice trembling, "Answer me… do you love me too?"
My chest tightens. I don't know what to say. I never thought of Jimmy that way. He's my best friend—how could I…? But I don't want to hurt him either.
"Jimmy…" My voice falters. His eyes are locked on mine, searching desperately for an answer.
And for the first time in years, I feel it again—guilt. Scared. Scared of hurting him, scared because maybe I was the one who stepped into his life first, only to break something I never knew was fragile.
"Dane," he says again, more firmly this time, "why are you silent? Tell me—don't you feel the same? What do you want? I can do anything for you. I'll give you everything."
I stare at him, disbelief swirling inside me. "Jimmy… I don't feel like this for you. We're best friends."
His voice shakes, but he refuses to look away. "So what if we became lovers?"
