The cruelest thing about love is how it lingers in silence. It beats in the chest, unseen, unheard loudest only to the one who dares not speak it. And in that silence, every glance, every word, feels like both a gift and a wound.
"Fae!"
Rome's voice echoed across the gym as he hurried toward her. They were in the middle of PE class, yet her heart still reacted like it always did wild, unsteady, impossible to calm.
"Calm down, heart," she thought. "You'd think by now you'd be used to seeing him."
His name was Jerome Dominguez, though everyone called him Rome. Fae had liked him since junior high, but no one knew. She never dared to say it out loud, not even to her closest friends. It was safer that way. What mattered to her was that they were close, that they often talked and spent time together. For her, that was already enough.
To Fae, Rome was never just handsome, he was unforgettable. He stood tall with a quiet strength, his lean frame carrying an ease that needed no proving. His face was etched in her memory with startling clarity: the sharp cut of his jaw softened by a smile that could calm her storms, the high cheekbones, the warm curve of his lips. She remembered the way his dark, wavy hair would fall into his eyes, and how she loved brushing it aside just to see them better, those deep brown eyes that didn't just look at her, but seemed to listen, to understand. His skin carried the warmth of the sun, glowing with a vitality that drew her close, and though he wore nothing more than plain shirts and worn denim, he had a way of making simplicity look effortless, magnetic. Rome's presence had always been more than his looks, it was the comfort he radiated, the calm certainty he carried, and the unshakable way he made her feel safe in his orbit.
"Huh? Why are you here?" she asked, frowning slightly. Rome wasn't even part of this class.
Fae had a kind of beauty that didn't clamor for attention but stayed with you once you noticed it. She was of medium height, her frame slender but graceful, moving with a quiet elegance that reflected the gentleness in her nature. Her face was soft, framed by long, flowing hair the color of deep chestnut, catching glimmers of auburn whenever the light touched it. Her skin carried a natural glow, warm and smooth, as if lit from within. What stood out most were her eyes, wide, soulful, and dark, often betraying the emotions she tried so hard to keep hidden. They had a way of softening when she smiled, though lately, shadows of distance lingered there. Her lips were naturally full, often pressed together in thought, and when she laughed, a sound rarer now, it lit her whole face, reminding those around her of the warmth she once carried so easily. Her style leaned toward simple dresses and light blouses, colors that matched her quiet disposition. There was nothing ostentatious about her, yet she drew people in; a kind of understated radiance that came not from perfection, but from the tenderness she carried within her.
She almost rolled her eyes at the thought. "Of course, it must be about Suzanne again, his so-called dream girl. Don't be surprised, heart, if you end up hurt again."
"Let's go home together later, if you're not busy in the library," Rome said easily, like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Before she could answer, their professor called the class to order, leaving her with no choice but to turn away.
"Really? Of all days, the one time she wanted to be alone, that's when he suddenly insisted on walking her home. Life had such terrible timing."
All afternoon, she forced herself to focus on her subjects, pushing thoughts of Rome to the back of her mind. But when her last class ended at four-thirty, there he was again waiting outside her classroom door like a shadow she couldn't escape.
"Do you still have something to do in the library?" he asked, scratching near his eyebrow, his tone uncertain.
"I'll just do it at home. I already have the book for that subject," she replied.
"You're sure? Don't hesitate to tell me if you need help, okay?" he said, his voice soft, almost tender.
And that was the problem.
Because every time he was kind, every time he smiled at her that way, Fae felt herself falling even deeper. And deep inside, she wanted to scream the words she could never say out loud. "Rome, please stop being so sweet. Because the more you are, the harder I fall and you're not even there to catch me."
Fae only nodded in response to his words.
"Shall we go?" Rome asked as he reached for her bag something he always did without fail. She let him, not because she couldn't carry it herself, but because it gave her a fleeting illusion that he was her boyfriend, even if only in little ways. Even if the truth was that he could only ever exist as a dream.
She walked quietly beside him, matching his pace. People often refused to believe that they weren't together, that their closeness was nothing more than friendship. Since junior high, through senior high, and now into college, they'd always heard it how they looked like a perfect match, how they fit so well. But to Fae, that was all it was: talk, speculation, imagination. The reality was harsher.
Because no matter how many times people said they belonged together, Rome's eyes and heart were never directed at her. They were fixed on someone else the girl who meant the world to him, second only to his own mother.
"Fae, you must be hungry. Let's grab something to eat, my treat," Rome said with a smile that could melt anyone's resolve.
Her heart clenched. "There you go again, flashing that smile. How am I supposed to ignore what I feel when you make it this hard?" she thought. But, as always, the words stayed locked inside her chest.
"Oh, that's okay. I can just eat at home," she replied instead.
"Why? Are you in a hurry?"
"Not really. I just don't want you spending money because of me."
Rome chuckled softly. "Fae, it's fine. And besides, you know you're special to me, right? That's why I'll never let you go hungry when you're with me." His grin widened, warm and sincere.
Her throat tightened again. "Special? Rome, don't say that. We both know it isn't true. Because the only person special to you is Suzanne."
"What is it you're really trying to say?" she asked bluntly. After all these years of knowing him, she could read his gestures too well.
"Ha? Oh… it's just that this morning, when I got off the tricycle, I saw Suzanne. I was about to call her, but then I noticed she wasn't alone. She was with a guy probably her new boyfriend. They were holding hands, and before they parted ways, he even kissed her." Rome's voice softened as he recounted what he had seen.
And just like that, the little illusion Fae had clung to, of being "special" to him, even just for a moment slipped away again.
Fae couldn't help but ask, her voice soft but steady. "You still haven't gotten used to her?"
Rome didn't answer right away. Instead, he lifted his gaze, drew in a long breath, and let it out heavily. He didn't know he couldn't possibly know that every time she saw him hurting, she's hurt too. She was always the one beside him, always the one listening. And yet, he never really saw her.
"You know, Fae," he said at last, his tone weary, "I've asked myself that question more than once. But I don't know… I don't know when I'll ever get used to seeing her like that, doing the things she does. I keep wishing there was some option to delete or reset my feelings, like refreshing a screen. If that were possible, I would have done it a long time ago." His voice trailed off, defeated.
They were standing by the campus gate, and their serious expressions caught the attention of people passing by. More than a few curious glances lingered their way.
"What's with you two? Why so serious?" a voice suddenly cut in.
It was Ethan Leon, striding toward them with his twin brother, Nicholas Liam, right behind.
Ethan Leon, the elder twin carried himself with a steadiness that set him apart the moment he walked into a room. Leon, had a strong, athletic build, his shoulders broader and his stance firmer than his brother's, the kind of posture that spoke of quiet confidence and responsibility. His face was sharply defined, straight nose, firm jawline, and deep-set dark eyes that seemed to calculate and protect all at once. His hair, dark and slightly wavy, was usually kept neat, mirroring his pragmatic nature. Though he rarely smiled as easily as Liam, when he did, it revealed warmth beneath his stoic exterior. Leon's presence was commanding yet grounding, the kind of figure people instinctively trusted to take the lead, especially when things fell apart.
Liam, in contrast, bore the softer edges of the Mendez lineage. Slightly leaner than his twin, his build was graceful rather than imposing, his movements more thoughtful than deliberate. His features mirrored Ethan's but carried a gentler cast, the same straight nose, but with a mouth that curved easily into tender smiles, and eyes that seemed to shimmer with unspoken feeling. His hair, dark and unruly at times, often fell across his forehead in a way he never quite bothered to fix. Where Leon projected strength, Liam radiated quiet vulnerability, drawing people in with the sincerity that shone through his gaze. His presence wasn't commanding, but it was comforting, the kind that made you want to stay close, because you knew he would listen, feel, and understand.
The twins had been their childhood friends, boys from well-off families who had chosen to study at the same university as Fae, Rome, and their circle of friends. Among their classmates, they were better known simply as "Ethan" and "Nicholas." But to family and those closest to them, they were Leon and Liam.
"Nothing much," Rome replied quickly, almost too quickly. "We're just waiting for you guys. Thought you might want to grab something to eat together."
Fae knew he was lying. He always tried to cover up whenever the topic of Suzanne came up, especially around their friends. But everyone already knew the truth Rome had liked Suzanne for a long time. The problem was, Suzanne would never return his feelings.
Suzanne was different. She wanted wealth, the kind of security she and her mother had always been denied. Her mother had worked as a cashier in a club, but no one believed that was all she did. Gossip clung to them, whispers that she had sold more than just drinks across that counter. Suzanne carried that stigma on her shoulders, fueling her desire to prove herself to rise above the sneers of relatives and strangers alike. Thanks to scholarship that granted to her, she was able to continue her studies.
"Perfect timing! I'm starving," Liam exclaimed, his voice breaking the heavy air. His excitement was almost comical; food was always his favorite subject.
He was Fae's block mate, though he didn't usually walk with her. Most of the time, he was fetching his twin from the College of Engineering or heading straight to basketball practice. The twins were stars of the university's team talented, popular, and effortlessly handsome. Girls trailed after them everywhere, drawn by both their skill on the court and their looks.
"Isle probably has training," Leon remarked. "I saw her rushing toward the gym earlier."
"Training? Why? I don't think so, its midterm week next week, remember?" Liam asked, puzzled.
"I don't know," Leon admitted with a shrug. "I was about to call her, but she was too far away and she was sprinting, like she wouldn't hear me anyway."
Fae and Rome stayed quiet, listening to the twins' chatter. In truth, she was glad they had arrived. Being with their friends always felt easier, safer. When it was just her and Rome, she was terrified he might notice the truth the feelings she tried so hard to hide.
"So, are we waiting for the others or not?" Liam asked, clearly impatient. "We all know Dale won't show up. He's too busy chasing girls. Who knows about the rest?"
Rome's jaw tightened slightly, his earlier words left hanging in the air. Whatever he had wanted to tell Fae about what he saw that morning about Suzanne was interrupted once again.
It hadn't been part of the plan to eat together, or even walk home together. But with their group, plans didn't always matter. Some days they just ended up together anyway, without saying a word about it. Unless there were no classes at all, there was hardly a day that passed without them seeing each other. If someone couldn't go out, the rest of them would drop by their house instead. Even their parents had grown used to it. The seven of them had been inseparable since they were kids.
"Wait, you guys go ahead," Leon suddenly said. "I'll go check on Isle just in case someone's messing with her again."
"Good idea," Liam agreed with a nod. "You two go eat first. We can't leave Isle on her own."
Once the twins disappeared back into the campus, Fae and Rome left as well, heading toward their favorite eatery just outside the university. True to his word, Rome insisted on treating her. At the small place that specialized in grilled food, he already knew what to order he'd memorized her favorites long ago.
While he waited by the counter, Fae sat at their table, resting her chin on her hand, eyes following him unconsciously. There was something about the way he moved confident, at ease that always drew her in, no matter how much she tried to look away.
"Thanks, Fae," Rome said warmly when he returned, setting down the food. "Even though I know you had other things to do, you still came with me. You're the best." He grinned, reaching out to playfully pinch her cheek.
Her breath caught. Heat rushed to her face, and she quickly looked down, hoping he wouldn't notice how red she'd become.
Inside, her heart screamed words she couldn't say out loud: "Don't do that, Rome. Don't smile at me like that. Don't tease me. Because the more you do, the deeper I drown and I don't know if I'll ever be able to come back up."
Fae lowered her head for a few seconds, trying to hide the heat rising in her cheeks. "You don't need to butter me up, Rome. You know I could never say no to you or to any of our friends. As long as I'm here, you'll always have someone to talk to."
Rome chuckled, shaking his head. "Seriously, the guy who ends up with you is the luckiest man alive. Look at you smart, beautiful, and kind. Honestly, only a fool wouldn't fall for you."
Her chest tightened. "Yes, you're right. Only a fool and that fool is you, Rome. You're blind. You're blinded by your feelings for Suzanne, who doesn't even see me. I'm right here, always beside you, always listening. But you never look at me. You only see her."
Out loud, she forced a scoff. "You're so exaggerated. Enough with the compliments, okay? Why don't you just tell me what you were going to say earlier before the twins showed up?"
Rome laughed again, and her heart clenched at how effortless it was for him to make her feel like she was the only one in the room. "Please, stop being so effortlessly charming, Rome. Can't you see you're breaking me?"
He sighed, his tone shifting as he leaned back. "So, earlier this morning I got off the tricycle and saw Suzanne. I was about to call her, thought she was alone, but then this guy came up to her. Rich kid, you could tell by the way he carried himself and the car. Not from here either, no uniform. He held her hand, and then…" His voice trailed, heavy. "They kissed. Right in front of the gate before she went inside. No one really saw students were hurrying in. After that, he drove off."
Rome's smile had faded completely now, replaced by a shadow across his features.
Fae watched him, her chest aching. "I won't even ask how you feel, Rome. It's written all over your face. You're hurting."
He dragged his hands down his face, looking as though the weight of his emotions had finally caught up to him. "I don't know, Fae. I don't know how much longer I can keep being stupid like this hurting over someone who'll never look my way. It's exhausting. But no matter how much I try, this stubborn heart of mine just won't give up. It still hopes still waits that one day she'll see me differently."
Her throat tightened. She wanted to shake him, to scream the truth at him that someone was already seeing him, loving him, every single day. Instead, she swallowed it down, forcing her voice steady.
"She'll never know, Rome. Not unless you tell her how much she means to you," she said softly, hiding her own plea within her words.
Rome let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. "Wow, Faerie! Listen to yourself. You're amazing at giving advice to others, but when it comes to your own feelings? You don't even follow what you say. Congrats you're just like me. A fool. A martyr in this stupid thing called love."
Fae froze. His words stung, not because they were wrong, but because they hit closer to home than she could ever imagine.
Rome's expression darkened, his voice quiet but heavy. "We both know nothing good will come out of me confessing to Suzanne. Look at her, look at me we're worlds apart. It's a shot in the dark, and if I ever take it, it'll just ruin everything. Our friendship, our group… all of it will fall apart. It's not worth it."
Fae clenched her fists under the table. "And what about me, Rome? What about what I feel for you? Do you even realize you're saying the exact same words I want to throw back at you?"
"I don't know anymore, Rome," she muttered, sharper than she meant to. "I could say a hundred things, but what's the point? You're just gonna do whatever you want anyway. Fine. It's your life. I'll just… be around if you ever feel like talking."
Rome's face softened. "Fae, don't be mad. Please? I know you're sick of hearing me go on about this, and honestly, I'm sick of myself too. But what can I do? This stupid heart of mine it just won't give up. If there were a way to delete and refresh our feelings, I'd do it in a heartbeat. Believe me. I'm sorry, Fae. I know I bother you too much. But you're too kind, too smart… and too beautiful. That's why you never turn me down, even when I know you're tired of me."
Before she could stop him, he reached across the table and held her hand. Fae stiffened, her face heating up instantly. She looked away, terrified that if she met his eyes, he'd see right through her.
"Thank you, Fae. Really. Don't stay mad at me, okay? You know you're my best of the best friends, right?" he added, flashing her his playful grin.
Her heart raced, and she yanked her hand back, trying to mask her flustered state. "Hey, Rome! Stop that. No wonder people mistake us for a couple with the way you act! And for the record I'm not mad. Your life, your choice. Do whatever you want."
Thankfully, their food arrived just in time, cutting the tension in half. Fae let out a silent sigh of relief. "What was that, Rome? Why did you have to hold my hand? My heart can only take so much."
Later, as always, Rome insisted on walking her home. their houses stood directly across from each other. That's why, instead of heading straight to his own gate, Rome always stopped at Fae's first, waiting by her gate until she was safely inside her house only then would he cross back to his own.
And as always, Fae let herself imagine just for a moment that maybe, one day, he'd walk beside her not just as a best friend, but as something more.