Mia Martinez considered herself an expert in two things: bad dates and reading people. The first was a badge of honor earned through years of romantic disasters, and the second was her secret weapon in navigating life.
So, when it came to Sophie Carter and Ethan D'Angelo, Mia had them pegged. The two of them could call their relationship "friendship" all they wanted, but Mia saw the truth. And the truth was a messy, tangled, laughably obvious love story.
---
The Denial Duo
"Honestly," Mia muttered, scrolling through her phone as she lounged on her couch, "if Sophie and Ethan were any more clueless, they'd need a map and a flashlight to find their feelings."
She paused, taking a sip of her iced coffee. Sophie had spent the last six months insisting that Ethan was just her best friend.
Best friend, my foot, Mia thought, rolling her eyes. She'd seen the way Sophie looked at Ethan, like he'd hung the stars and moon just for her. And Ethan? The guy acted like he'd invented caring whenever Sophie was around.
---
Exhibit A: The Jealousy Olympics
Mia snorted, remembering the time Sophie had gone on a date with that guy from her dating app. Ethan had shown up at their favorite café "coincidentally" and spent the entire evening glaring at the poor guy like he'd personally insulted the D'Angelo family name.
"Who even does that?" Mia said aloud, laughing.
And when Sophie had asked him about it, Ethan had shrugged and said, "I was in the neighborhood."
Right. Because the neighborhood included a café twenty minutes from his apartment.
---
Exhibit B: The Overprotective Alpha
Then there was the time Sophie got a minor cold. A cold, not the plague. But Ethan had acted like she was on her deathbed, showing up with soup, blankets, and a thermometer.
"Drink this," he'd said, shoving a concoction at her that smelled like boiled socks.
Sophie had laughed it off, calling him overdramatic, but Mia hadn't missed the way Ethan's hand lingered on Sophie's shoulder or the soft look in his eyes when he thought no one was watching.
---
Mia's Theories
As she sat on her couch, Mia began mentally compiling a list of theories about why Sophie and Ethan refused to admit their feelings.
1. They're oblivious.
This was the most obvious explanation. Maybe Sophie and Ethan genuinely didn't realize they were in love.
2. Fear of rejection.
Mia had to admit, this one made sense. What if they confessed and ruined their friendship?
3. They're both idiots.
A strong contender.
---
Texting Sophie
Unable to resist, Mia grabbed her phone and texted Sophie.
Mia: "So, when are you and Ethan getting married?"
The reply came almost instantly.
Sophie: "OMG, Mia. Stop. We're just friends."
Mia smirked, typing back.
Mia: "Friends don't look at each other like they're starring in a rom-com, Soph. Just saying."
Sophie didn't reply, which Mia took as a small victory.
---
Operation Lovebirds
Mia leaned back, staring at the ceiling. If Sophie and Ethan wouldn't admit their feelings on their own, maybe they just needed a little push.
She grinned, her mind racing with ideas. Maybe she'd "accidentally" let slip to Ethan that Sophie was going on another date. Or she could suggest a game night where they'd be forced to team up.
The possibilities were endless, and Mia was nothing if not creative.
---
Conclusion
Mia sighed, shaking her head. "Those two are a walking rom-com," she muttered.