Alex walked into class, trying to act normal.But his eyes immediately locked on Lina, chatting with Chris again.The sound of her laugh hit him like a jolt.
"Bro… you okay?" Jordan whispered.Alex didn't answer. He just kept staring.
Chris leaned casually against the desk, smiling like nothing mattered.Something about his posture… his laugh… it felt… familiar.Alex frowned, shaking his head. No, I'm imagining things.
Class went on, but Alex couldn't focus.Every glance Chris gave Lina, every laugh, every little nod — Alex felt his stomach twist.He tried to doodle in his notebook, but his hands kept shaking.
Alex (DM to Jordan):Who even is that guy? 😒
Jordan:Chill bro… he's just some new student
Alex ignored him. His gaze never left Lina.And then, Chris laughed at something Lina said — a laugh Alex swore he'd heard somewhere before.
Wait… that laugh… where…?
The bell rang.Everyone packed up.Alex walked behind Lina, pretending not to notice her walking slightly closer to Chris.
Alex (thinking):Why does it feel like… I should know him?
He tried to shake the thought, but it lingered.And then, Chris casually said:
"Hey, little bro, you've changed."
Alex froze.Little bro?
Heart pounding, he glanced at Chris.Nothing about his tone screamed brotherhood — just casual teasing.But something deep inside him shivered.
Later, walking home, Alex's phone buzzed.
Lina (DM):
Don't overthink, okay? 😅
Alex froze.Overthink?Funny word. People say that when they're hiding something.
Another buzz.
Chris (DM to Alex):
Bro chill, she's just being friendly 😂
Alex ignored it.Her laugh. Her smile. That shoulder.His heart burned, jealousy mixing with confusion.
Finally, the last message came.From Lina:
"We need to talk tomorrow."
Alex's hands shook.Tomorrow.That word didn't feel hopeful.It felt like trouble.
…and just like that, his phone went silent.