Nick watched as Yuna chatted and laughed with Ryan, one of the popular boys at school. They were partners for a class project, and Ryan kept finding excuses to touch Yuna's arm or compliment her hair.
An uncomfortable knot formed in Nick's stomach. He knew Ryan's friendly reputation was just an act - he was really an arrogant show-off. Nick told himself he was just watching out for Yuna's best interests.
But if he was being honest, the bond between them had been changing recently in ways Nick didn't fully understand. When Ryan put his arm around Yuna, Nick's hands balled up into fists.
After school, Nick confronted Yuna. "I don't think you should keep working with Ryan - he seems like bad news," Nick said, trying to sound casual.
Yuna raised her eyebrows. "Really? He's been perfectly nice to me. And we're almost done with the project."
Nick's heart sank as she brushed off his concerns. He had no right to interfere, but the thought of Yuna liking another boy twisted him up inside.
Over the next few weeks, Nick withdrew into sullen silence, responding tersely when Yuna tried talking to him. Hurt and confused by his sudden coldness, she stopped her attempts to reconnect.
Nick regretted pushing Yuna away, but couldn't control his conflicted emotions. That weekend, despondent over losing his closest friend, Nick had an epiphany - his feelings for Yuna had grown beyond mere friendship.
The next Monday at school, Nick spotted Yuna at her locker and hesitantly approached. "Can we talk?" he asked. She nodded, her face guarded.
"I'm really sorry for how I acted. I was dealing with some stuff and I took it out on you unfairly," Nick said remorsefully.
Yuna's expression softened. "It's okay, I forgive you. I just want my friend back." Nick's heart leaped hearing those words.
As they started spending time together again, Nick now saw Yuna through the lens of love. The way her nose crinkled when she laughed made his heart flutter. He noticed little details about her he had overlooked before.
But terrified of ruining their newly mended friendship, Nick kept his feelings hidden. When Yuna got asked to the school dance by a popular boy, Nick feigned illness rather than admit his jealousy.
At night he agonized over watching Yuna fall for someone else. But he valued her happiness too much to burden her with the revelation of his deeper affection. Someday he might find the courage to speak those words out loud.
For now, Nick focused on rebuilding their precious trust as devoted friends once more. Being by Yuna's side was far too important to risk for the slim chance she might feel the same way in return. The depth of his love would remain locked away in his heart, at least until the right moment finally came to unlock the truth within.