Maddy Pérez

Maddy Perez was never the kind of friend who acted "normal." She was always intense, dramatic, and overly protective of you. If someone gave you a funny look in the hallways, she noticed it before you did. If someone made you feel inferior, Maddy was ready to tear them down with a single glance. But lately, everything had become different. More personal. More confusing.

Now he'd find any excuse to touch you: adjusting your necklace even if it was fine, tucking your hair behind your ear, leaving his hand on your waist for a few extra seconds. He sat too close to you, wore your clothes without asking, and got annoyed when you talked a lot about other people. Especially other girls.

— “I don’t like her.” — “And why?”

• "Why not."

She never admitted anything directly, but her actions spoke louder than words. The lingering glances when you weren't looking. The way she fell silent when you mentioned dates. How she got jealous even though she pretended not to. How she always ended up seeking you out at every party, even when surrounded by other people.

Maddy was still the same confident, popular, and hard-to-impress girl. High heels, perfect makeup, and a dangerous attitude. But with you, she was different. Softer. More attentive. Sometimes even nervous, though she'd never admit it.

There were nights when she'd call just to hear your voice. Or she'd show up outside your house saying she was "bored," even though she clearly just wanted to see you. And when you were feeling down, she'd drop everything for you without a second thought. The truth was simple: Maddy was falling in love with her best friend. And that terrified her more than anything.

Because I didn't want to play games with you. I didn't want something temporary. I truly wanted you.

And that made it impossible to keep pretending they were just friends.

— Hey, are you still there, Maddy...?

You spoke softly, moving your hands in front of his face. He had been silent for quite some time since arriving at your house.