James and Zoe had been best friends since kindergarten, a bond so close that they could finish each other's sentences. Yet, tucked away in their hearts were feelings neither dared to voice. It was a complicated web of friendship and unspoken love.
Only Zoey, their mutual friend, noticed the sparks flying between them. But by the time she figured it out, it felt too late—James had already developed a crush on someone else, a fleeting interest that made Zoey's heart ache.
"Zoey!" James's voice broke through her thoughts as she turned around.
"James!" she greeted him, forcing a smile.
He approached her with a small bouquet. "You look pretty," he said, handing her the flowers.
"Thanks! But why the flowers?" she asked, her brow furrowing.
"Do I need a reason?" he chuckled, but she knew better. James always had a motive.
"You usually give me flowers when you want something," she teased, crossing her arms.
He chuckled again, "You know me too well."
"Can you come over? I have something important to tell you," he said, his tone turning serious.
"Do I have to?" she sighed, half-heartedly.
"Don't act like you don't enjoy coming over," he shot back.
"Fine, I'll come," she replied, intrigued and slightly nervous.
Once they reached his house, Zoey greeted his parents, Ella and Henry. "How are your parents?" asked Ella, Jame's mother
"They're good," Zoey replied, feeling a pit grow in her stomach.
James suddenly grabbed her wrist and led her upstairs. "When will they realize? I can't wait for their wedding!" Henry joked to Ella as they passed.
Once inside his room, James took a deep breath. "So, I need your help planning a proposal."
Zoey's heart shattered into a million pieces. "Who's the lucky girl?" she forced out, trying to suppress her emotions.
"Do you know Isla? She's the girl."
Zoey's smile faltered, but she maintained her composure. "Of course, I'll help you."
"Great! Tomorrow morning on the rooftop," he said, his excitement palpable.
Zoey nodded and returned home, feeling hollow.
How can I help him propose to someone else?
Time Skip
The next day, Zoey stood on the rooftop, setting up decorations while her heart felt heavy. She was a facade of happiness as she prepared for the proposal, but inside, she was crumbling.
After a while, she made her way to Isla's class. "Isla, can you come to the rooftop?" she asked, forcing cheer into her voice.
"Why? What's going on?" Isla replied, curiosity lighting her eyes.
"You'll see," Zoey said, leading her back to the rooftop.
When Isla arrived, James greeted her with a smile that made Zoey's heart ache.
"Do you, Isla West, want to be my girlfriend?" James asked, his voice filled with hope.
Zoey's heart raced as she held her breath. "Uh, Ja—"
"What's your answer?" James pressed.
"Yes, I will," ISla replied, beaming.
Zoey felt tears prick at her eyes. She turned and ran home, unable to face the reality of her shattered heart. Locking herself in her room, she cried out in frustration. How could he not see me?
Days passed as she faked smiles in the halls, her heart breaking each time she saw James and Isla together. Their laughter felt like daggers in her chest.
"Hey, check out this picture!" James said one day, showing her a snapshot of him with Isla, grinning like he had everything figured out.
Zoey shrugged, her smile faltering. "Looks nice," she muttered before walking away.
"What's going on with her?" James pondered aloud, shrugging it off as just a phase.
Weeks went by, and Zoey's absence became noticeable. When James decided to visit her, her mother answered the door.
"Where's Zoey?" he asked, worry creeping in.
"Come in, I'll get her," her mother replied.
As James sat on the couch, he noticed a letter in his hands when Wendy handed it to him.
"What's this?" he asked.
"Just open it," she urged.
Dear James,
If you are reading this, that means you've already noticed.
How are you? I'm sorry for not showing up to school the past couple of weeks. I've been busy, but don't worry; I've been resting well.
I'm sorry I walked away when you showed me that picture of you with Isla. I know I'm a coward for saying this in a letter, but I want you to know that I love you—so, so much. Not just as friends, but more. I was too late, and you were already in love with someone else.
Thank you for always being there for me during my worst times. Don't wait for me to come back, because I won't be home for a long time.
I love you, James
Love, Zoey
Your lovely best friend.
James's heart sank as tears streamed down his face. "W-Where is she?" he choked out.
"She achieved her goal," Wendy replied softly. "I think you know what I mean."
Zoey's dream was to attend Juilliard and become a dancer. James felt regret wash over him as he realized too late what he had lost.
Meanwhile, on a plane to New York, Zoey held a photo of herself with James, her heart heavy.
Just when I realized I loved you, you were already in love with someone else.
