Someone Else's Love Story

Small Shifts

It was a typical Saturday afternoon. The café was buzzing with its usual crowd as Aya, Cole, Mikee, and the rest of their friends, Joanne, Audrey, Gen, Shaina, and Lai sat around their favorite table. The group always gravitated toward this little spot after long weeks of work or school, catching up and talking about everything under the sun.

Cole sat beside Aya, her best friend since forever, trying to keep up with the conversation but finding herself distracted by Aya’s laugh. That soft, genuine laugh that made Cole’s heart flutter in a way she could never admit to anyone. She couldn’t risk it — not after years of friendship, not after everything they had been through together. So, Cole stayed quiet, smiling along and playing her role as the loyal friend.

Mikee, one of the youngest of the group, tossed her head back in a carefree laugh, tossing a casual look at Aya. "You should've seen your face when the barista messed up your order," Mikee teased, nudging Aya’s shoulder.

Aya giggled, eyes crinkling at the edges. "It wasn’t that bad!"

"You looked like you were plotting his downfall," Mikee continued, her grin wide and mischievous.

Cole watched the exchange silently, a growing sense of unease gnawing at her. Mikee had always been the kind of person who could say things with such ease. Even though Mikee was younger, her confidence was undeniable. In some ways, Cole admired that about her. But today, something was different. The way Mikee was leaning toward Aya, the way Aya seemed to bask in her attention — it was unsettling.

“Cole, you okay?” Genevieve, or Gen as everyone called her, asked, snapping her fingers in front of Cole’s face.

Cole blinked, pulling herself out of her thoughts. “Yeah, sorry. Just spaced out for a second.”

Aya, completely oblivious to the inner turmoil brewing inside Cole, leaned into her. "You sure you’re okay? You’ve been kind of quiet today."

Cole nodded quickly, forcing a smile. "I’m good. Just tired."

Aya’s face softened, and she gave Cole’s arm a gentle squeeze. "Don’t push yourself too hard."

Across the table, Mikee was watching the interaction, a subtle smirk on her lips. “You know, Aya, if you ever need someone to help you out with those tired spells, I’m your girl.”

The comment seemed playful enough, but there was something in Mikee’s tone — something so casually suggestive that it made Cole’s stomach twist. Aya just laughed it off, but Cole couldn’t shake the feeling that something was starting to shift between her two friends.

As the group dispersed later that afternoon, Cole couldn’t help but glance back at Aya and Mikee, who walked side by side, talking animatedly. The distance between her and Aya felt heavier than ever before.

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The next few weeks passed in a blur, but Cole couldn’t help but notice the small changes. Aya and Mikee were hanging out more — going for coffee, grabbing dinner, and always finding some reason to be around each other. The casual banter between them had become more frequent, filled with inside jokes and lingering glances. It was subtle, but Cole saw it all. She always noticed everything about Aya.

At first, Cole tried to tell herself it was nothing. They were all friends, and it wasn’t unusual for any of them to spend time together outside of the group. But every time Cole watched them interact, the pit in her stomach grew.

One evening, the group had gathered again for drinks at a local bar. Cole sat at the far end of the booth, watching as Mikee smoothly slid into the seat beside Aya, effortlessly draping her arm over the back of the seat.

“You know,” Mikee started, voice low and smooth, “you’ve got a smile that could stop traffic.”

Aya blushed, and Cole’s heart dropped. Mikee’s words weren’t just playful this time. They carried weight. Cole had seen that kind of charm in action before — the kind Mikee used when she was flirting. But the worst part was Aya didn’t seem to mind.

“Stop it, Mikee,” Aya laughed, playfully swatting at her, but her smile lingered.

Cole felt her grip tighten around her drink. She wanted to say something, to intervene, but what could she say? She had no claim over Aya. She wasn’t the one making Aya smile like that, wasn’t the one who had the courage to say the things she had always been too afraid to.

Genevieve, who sat across from Cole, shot her a knowing glance. “You alright?” she mouthed quietly, so no one else would hear.

Cole nodded stiffly, forcing a smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes. Gen didn’t push, but the concern in her eyes was unmistakable.

As the night wore on, Cole excused herself early, needing to get away before she lost control of the emotions swirling inside her. Outside the bar, the cool night air did little to calm the storm. She leaned against the brick wall, taking deep, steadying breaths.

Why couldn’t she just tell Aya how she felt? What was she so afraid of?

“Hey, Cole!” Mikee’s voice cut through the stillness.

Cole stiffened but turned around, trying to keep her expression neutral. “Hey, Mikee.”

Mikee grinned, shoving her hands into her pockets as she approached. “You left pretty early. Everything okay?”

“Yeah,” Cole lied. “Just wasn’t feeling great.”

Mikee tilted her head, her eyes narrowing slightly. “You’ve been acting weird lately. Anything you wanna talk about?”

The directness of the question took Cole by surprise. She shook her head. “No, I’m fine. Just... tired.”

Mikee studied her for a moment, then shrugged. “Alright. But if you ever need someone to talk to, you know where to find me.”

Cole nodded, muttering a quiet “thanks” before watching Mikee disappear back into the bar.

Alone again, Cole exhaled shakily. She had to get a grip on herself. Whatever was happening between Mikee and Aya — it wasn’t her business. She just had to let it be.

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