𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙈𝙧. 𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙝𝙞𝙙

2. Deep Feelings

I looked at her, smiling, wondering how lucky I am to be able to admire her beautiful face. Ever since I met her, she’s been on my mind, always lingering, no matter how much I try to push the thoughts away.

I like how she’s quiet, how she doesn’t go out of her way to get attention. Hailey has this peaceful presence that draws me in every time. In those rare moments when I catch her stealing glances at me, I feel my heart race. I’m sure she feels something too.

Hailey, my one and only.

While Bella keeps talking animatedly beside me, my attention is solely on Hailey, sitting across the table. The three of us have known each other since high school, but I’ve never found the courage to confess my feelings to her. I’m waiting for the perfect moment. I want it to be special, to make it clear to her and everyone else that she’s the girl I want as my girlfriend.

“Z, are you listening?” Bella’s voice snaps me back to reality.

I glance at her, noticing a few strands of her red hair covering her eyes as she chews on her food.

I shake my head with a smirk, standing up slightly to brush the hair from her face. “Tie your hair properly, Belle.”

She laughs. “Later.”

Same old Bella—she’s never been one to fuss over her looks. Just as I settle back, Hailey stands up to fix Bella’s ponytail, and I can’t help but smile. Hailey may be quiet, but she takes such good care of Bella. She’s a wonderful friend.

Bella and I are neighbors, living only five or six houses apart in the same subdivision. We became close when we ended up in the same class last year in high school. Our parents have been friends for years. In fact, my dad treats Bella like a daughter, which might be why I’ve always seen her more like a little sister.

When I finally propose to Hailey, I know Bella will be there to support us.

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🐬🐬🐬🐬

It’s late afternoon after school, and Bella and I walk home together. The first to greet us is my dad, his smile stretching from ear to ear.

“Bella, my daughter!” he says warmly, completely ignoring me.

“Tito Zack! You look so guapo today. What’s the occasion?” Bella replies, grinning.

“Ayy, I’m guapo every day, anak,” my dad chuckles.

“Hey, Dad! I’m your son, too. How about a greeting for me?” I say, feigning a pout.

But he just gives me a quick glance. “My daughter is here, Zayne. She’s more important right now. Come, Belle, let me fix you a snack.”

And, like clockwork, as soon as Bella steps inside, it’s like I’m invisible. This happens every time she visits.

My mom catches sight of Bella and beams. “You look tired, Belle. Long day at school?” she asks, without so much as a glance in my direction.

Sometimes I wonder if I’m adopted when Bella’s around.

“Zayne, fetch me a towel, will you? Belle’s back looks a little damp.”

“Mom, I just played basketball! My back is soaked too—” I start, only for her to cut me off.

“You can handle it, anak. Please hurry up; I don’t want Bella catching a chill.”

I just shake my head, used to this routine. This is exactly why I feel so comfortable around Belle; she’s like a sister from another mother. Even though I’m only a month older than her, it sometimes feels like we’re twins.

“Ate Belle! Ate Belle!” comes the shout of my seven-year-old brother, Jared, who’s rushing down the stairs to greet her.

“Oh, hi there, Jared,” I greet him, but he just waves absentmindedly, completely focused on Bella.

Before long, laughter fills the room as they chat away downstairs. I grab the towel and chuckle to myself, thinking, What if Bella and I swapped parents?

Not that it would ever work. Her parents treat her like a princess—it’s impossible to imagine them ever trading her for me. I laugh, realizing just how much of an outsider I am in my own home whenever Bella’s here. It’s like she’s the real child in this family.