Kade had been slipping away from me, slowly but clearly.
It started with shorter replies.
Then delayed texts.
Then messages that only came when he wanted something… and it was always the same type of "something."
No conversations.
No checking on me.
No warmth.
Just wanting me when it suited him and pretending the rest of my life didn't exist.
The more distant he became, the more I found myself trying harder.
Trying to talk to him.
Trying to get him to open up.
Trying to feel that closeness we used to have.
But it was like throwing words into an empty room.
I was walking to class when I heard Sarah's voice from behind me. She was talking loudly, as usual, and Denzel was beside her.
They weren't close to me, but they were impossible to not notice.
When I walked past, Denzel gave a small nod and said quietly, "Nice hair today."
It wasn't flirty, just a simple acknowledgment — the kind of compliment that didn't expect anything back.
Sarah, who barely knew me, added, "She's always pretty," shaking her head like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
I smiled politely and kept walking.
Later, Lily burst into the room with the biggest grin on her face.
"I have news!" she announced.
I raised a brow. "You always have news."
"This one is special," she insisted, plopping onto my bed. "Max and I are making it official!" she said with a wide grin.
I blinked. "Wait… what?"
I guess I'm being distant that I didn't realize how close she was with Max already.
She started showing me pictures, messages, and voice notes. She looked genuinely happy — glowing in a way I hadn't seen in a while.
Part of me was thrilled for her.
Another part felt a little hollow.
Everyone else's relationships seemed so easy, so natural.
Meanwhile, mine felt like trying to hold water in my hands.
And the worst part?
I didn't know how to let go.
That evening, Ivy invited me to her room. She said Zoey and her friend Adam were also there, just hanging out. Her room was always warm, filled with soft scents and fairy lights — a perfect escape from my thoughts.
When I arrived, Zoey was lying across Ivy's bed scrolling through her phone, and Adam was seated on the floor, leaning against the wall with headphones around his neck.
"You came," Ivy said, pulling me into a quick hug. "Good. You need a break."
I sat down on the edge of the bed. "I'm fine."
Zoey snorted. "Girl, you look like someone who's been overthinking everything."
Adam glanced at me politely. He wasn't talkative, but he had a calm vibe that made the room feel balanced.
They started talking about random things — classes, cafeteria drama, upcoming school events. I tried to join, but my mind kept drifting.
Every few minutes, my phone lit up.
Every time, it wasn't Kade.
He hadn't called all day.
He hadn't asked how I was.
He hadn't said anything unless it had to do with the one thing he seemed to want.
I stared at the screen like it owed me an explanation.
"You're quiet," Ivy said softly, sitting beside me.
"I'm just tired," I said.
But that wasn't the whole truth.
I was tired, yes — tired of pulling, tired of hoping, tired of waiting for someone who didn't seem bothered by my silence.
Zoey tossed a pillow at me. "Come back to earth. You're too pretty to be stressed over one guy."
Adam added lightly, "Anyone making you feel small isn't worth the energy."
I didn't respond, but their words stayed with me.
Hours later, after the small hangout faded into watching videos and eating snacks, I stepped out to the hallway for air. The building was quiet, the corridor dim.
I leaned against the wall, letting out a slow breath.
Kade used to call just to hear my voice.
He used to want to talk, want to be around me, want more than just the physical parts.
But now?
If the conversation wasn't leading in that direction, he wasn't interested.
I wasn't sure when things changed…
But I was starting to feel the distance like a weight on my chest.
And for the first time, I wondered if I was holding onto something that wasn't even there anymore.
When I returned to Ivy's room, the others were still laughing at something Adam said. The sound felt warm, safe — different from the tension constantly sitting at the back of my mind.
I slipped back inside, and Ivy gave me a soft smile.
"You're fine?" she asked quietly.
I nodded, even though the truth was more complicated.
Tonight wasn't magical or dramatic.
But it opened something in me — a realization creeping in slowly:
I couldn't keep losing myself just to feel close to someone who kept pulling away.
And maybe… just maybe… the world around me was starting to show me people who noticed me in ways he no longer bothered to.