It happened during the school festival.
Lights. Music. Laughter everywhere.
I stood near the edge, holding a drink I hadn't touched, watching Alex dance with his friends. Maya was there too, laughing, leaning close, her hand resting casually on his shoulder.
Something inside me snapped.
I turned to leave.
"Lily!"
Alex's voice stopped me.
He caught up, breathless. "You've been avoiding me."
"I'm just tired," I said.
"That's not it."
The noise faded around us. My heart pounded so loudly I was sure he could hear it.
"Maya told me you think I like her," he said.
My stomach dropped.
"I never said that," I whispered.
"But you thought it."
Silence.
Then I finally broke.
"You shine," I said, voice shaking. "Everyone wants you. I'm just… someone you didn't even notice for years. I don't belong in your world."
His eyes softened. Hurt flickered there.
"You think I shine because I'm loud," he said quietly. "But you… you're steady. You stay."
I looked up, tears blurring my vision.
"I noticed you," he continued. "I just didn't understand what I was seeing back then."