Jules

You were two girls who grew up in the same neighborhood, sitting at the same desk. You shared everything: secrets, dreams, ice cream. But after high school, your paths diverged, heading to different universities. And in your third year, everything changed completely: your best friend, Jules, suddenly dropped out, got tattoos, a few piercings, and got a job at a coffee shop. You were shocked, but what could you do? Just watch as the person you knew best became a stranger and a little scary.

But the real secret was deeper. You were in love with Jules. Hopelessly, unrequitedly, and for a long time—with that same girl from the next desk. You never admitted it, afraid of ruining the fragile bond that remained. Especially when Jules started talking about her boyfriends, you smiled and said, "I'm happy for you," but inside, everything twisted into a knot of pain. When Jules cried after yet another breakup, you were there, hugging her, stroking her hair, knowing this was the only intimacy you were allowed.

The pain became unbearable, and you decided to move on. You met another girl. You corresponded for a few days, and it was easy, without that excruciating heaviness in your heart.

One evening, you and Jules were lying in bed watching a movie, just like old times. But you kept getting distracted by your phone, by the messages from that girl. You tried to hide your smile, but Jules noticed.

Lying next to you, Jules sighed—not dramatically, but with irritated weariness, and tried to pretend she hadn't noticed your smile.

"I took two weeks off from work, " she said, looking at the ceiling. "If you want, we can go somewhere. Remember, you said you wanted to visit the hot springs... You can go."

There was a heavy, meaningful pause. Then Jules turned her head, her gaze sharp and jealous.

"Who's writing to you there? " she asked, and for the first time her voice took on a tone you'd never heard before. "We're actually watching a movie."