Cleo wasn't sure how it happened, but Isla was everywhere in her life now. They had clicked in a way Cleo never thought was possible-with an ease and flow she didn't experience with anyone else. And day by day, they grew closer.
They spent almost every afternoon together, Isla dragging Cleo to new places-cafés hidden in alleyways, quiet parks no one else knew about, or record stores that smelled of old vinyl and nostalgia. They made each other playlists, stayed up late texting until their eyes burned, and traded inside jokes that only the two of them could understand.
The problem, though, was that Cleo's feelings for Isla weren't going away. If anything, they were growing-fast, messy, and complicated. Every time Isla gave her that lopsided smile, Cleo's stomach fluttered. Every accidental brush of hands felt like a secret. Isla could make a casual compliment sound like poetry in Cleo's ears.
But Cleo kept it all hidden behind her usual grin, hoping that maybe-just maybe-Isla would see her the way Cleo saw her.
---
One rainy Saturday afternoon, Isla invited Cleo to her house again. The weather outside was gloomy, the kind that made staying indoors feel like the best kind of adventure.
"I got snacks," Isla said, tossing a bag of chips onto the bed as Cleo kicked off her shoes and sat cross-legged beside her. "And I found this old movie-totally cheesy, but in a good way."
Cleo gave a playful smirk. "Cheesy in a good way? Is that even possible?"
"You'll see." Isla grinned, grabbing the remote.
They sprawled out on the bed, shoulders touching, as the movie started. The rain pattered gently against the windows, and the sound of Isla's laughter filled the small room whenever a ridiculous scene played out on-screen.
It was perfect. Too perfect.
Cleo tried to relax and enjoy the moment, but her heart was working overtime. Being this close to Isla made it hard to think clearly. The way Isla's hair fell across her face, the sound of her soft giggles-everything about her made Cleo's chest feel tight.
Halfway through the movie, Isla turned toward Cleo, resting her head on her shoulder without a second thought.
Cleo froze, her heart thudding painfully against her ribs.
"Comfy?" Isla murmured, her voice slightly drowsy.
"Y-yeah," Cleo whispered, not trusting herself to say anything more.
Isla didn't move, and Cleo stayed perfectly still, afraid that if she shifted even slightly, the magic of the moment would shatter.
---
After the movie, they lay on the bed in a comfortable silence, scrolling through their phones. Every so often, Isla would show Cleo a meme or a funny video, and they'd dissolve into fits of laughter.
"This is nice," Isla said suddenly, setting her phone down and rolling onto her side to face Cleo. "Hanging out with you, I mean. It's easy."
Cleo's heart squeezed painfully at the words. She didn't know if Isla realized how much those little comments affected her-how every casual compliment felt like a lifeline in a sea of uncertainty.
"Yeah," Cleo agreed softly. "It's easy with you, too."
Isla grinned, and for a brief, fleeting moment, Cleo thought she saw something deeper in her expression-something hopeful. But before Cleo could think too much about it, Isla reached over and flicked Cleo's nose playfully.
"Tag, you're it!" Isla laughed, jumping off the bed and dashing toward the door.
"Hey!" Cleo shouted, laughing as she scrambled to her feet and chased after her.
They spent the next five minutes running through the house like kids, slipping on rugs and dodging furniture. By the time Isla finally let Cleo catch her, they were both breathless and giggling uncontrollably.
Cleo collapsed onto the couch, her face flushed from laughter and exertion. Isla plopped down beside her, her hair wild and messy, her cheeks glowing with warmth.
For a moment, Cleo could almost pretend that this was something more-that maybe Isla's laugh meant the same thing to her that it did to Cleo.
But then Isla leaned back against the cushions with a sigh, completely at ease, and the spell broke.
---
The next few weeks passed in a blur of stolen moments and shared memories. Cleo found herself sinking deeper and deeper into her feelings for Isla, even though she knew it was dangerous. She tried to convince herself that being close friends with Isla was enough-that she could live with the way her heart ached every time Isla smiled at her, as long as it meant she didn't lose her.
But the thing about feelings is that they have a way of bubbling to the surface, no matter how hard you try to bury them.
One afternoon after school, Cleo and Isla sat side by side on the swings at the local park, the sky turning pink and gold with the setting sun. Isla gently swayed back and forth, her eyes half-closed as she enjoyed the breeze.
"Can I ask you something?" Cleo said, her voice hesitant.
Isla opened one eye and gave Cleo a curious look. "Sure. What's up?"
Cleo hesitated, her hands gripping the chains of the swing. "Have you ever... liked someone? Like, really liked someone?"
Isla tilted her head, thinking. "Yeah, I guess so. I mean, I've had crushes." She smiled, a little shyly. "Mostly on boys, though. Why?"
Cleo's heart sank, but she forced a smile. "Just curious."
Isla gave her a playful nudge with her foot. "What about you? Any secret crushes I should know about?"
Cleo's throat tightened, and for a moment, she thought about telling Isla everything. But the words got stuck somewhere between her heart and her mouth.
"Nah," Cleo lied, forcing a laugh. "Nothing serious."
Isla grinned. "Good. I'd hate to think you were keeping secrets from me."
Cleo smiled back, even though her heart felt like it was breaking.
---
Later that evening, as Cleo lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling, she couldn't stop thinking about Isla's words.
"Mostly on boys."
It was such a small thing-just a passing comment-but it felt like a weight pressing down on Cleo's chest. She had known, deep down, that Isla probably didn't feel the same way. But hearing it out loud made it real.
And yet, Cleo couldn't bring herself to pull away. Isla meant too much to her-more than anyone ever had. Even if her feelings went unreturned, even if it hurt, Cleo wanted to stay close to Isla for as long as she could.
Because sometimes, even when love is one-sided, the moments you share with someone still matter. And for now, Cleo was willing to hold on to those moments, no matter how much it hurt.
As she closed her eyes, Cleo told herself that maybe-just maybe-being Isla's friend was enough.
At least for now.
