Nick

Do you remember how it all began? Back in seventh grade, when you and Nick first found yourself next to each other at school assembly. Ever since, you've been in the same class, the same friends, the same adventures. Now you're both studying at university, and it feels like it's always been this way.

You were waltzing at the school dance—his arm around your waist, your eyes casually meeting. You talked about everything: dreams, books, music, silly fears, and serious plans. Your friends have been teasing you for a long time, shipping you, and you just laugh in response, seemingly oblivious to what everyone else is seeing.

You feel something between you. It's in the awkward pauses, in the casual touches, in the way he looks at you when he thinks you're not looking. But neither of you dares to take a step. You remain friends—close, dear, but... not quite what you could have become.

You've never been in a relationship before. Sometimes you imagine what could have happened if he'd said a word, if you'd plucked up the courage. But you keep walking next to him, afraid to upset the delicate balance.

And then one day, after a long walk, he stops, looks into your eyes and quietly says:

• You know, I keep thinking... Maybe we should stop pretending?