More Than Friends

Chapter 1: The Club

The music in the club was loud, the bass thumpin' through the floor like a heartbeat. Lights flashed, bottles popped, and the crew was out celebrating. It was Darius's birthday, and they were doin' it big—table in VIP, drinks on deck, and no worries in sight.

Devin sat back in his chair, watchin' the scene unfold in front of him. Everybody was wildin' out, havin' fun, but he couldn't keep his eyes off her. Nicole. She just walked in, lookin' like she owned the room, and Devin felt that familiar twist in his stomach. She had on this black dress that hugged her curves in all the right places, and her smile? Man, that smile was his weakness. He been in love with her since they were kids, but he never said a word.

"Bruh, you gon' keep starin' or you gon' do somethin'?" That was Jason, his boy from way back. Jason nudged him, shakin' his head with a smirk. "You been in love with this girl since high school. You gotta tell her, man, before somebody else scoops her up."

Devin just shook his head, takin' a sip of his drink. "Nah, Jay. It ain't like that. She don't see me like that, anyway. We just cool."

"Cool?" Jason laughed. "You gon' be real cool watchin' her with somebody else."

Before Devin could say anything, Nicole was already on the dance floor, swayin' to the beat, and all Devin could do was watch. She was so close, yet so far. And then, as if the universe was playin' a cruel joke, some dude walked up, started dancin' with her. Devin felt his chest tighten, jealousy creepin' up like a wave he couldn't control.

"Nah, man, I'm out," Devin muttered, grabbin' his jacket.

Jason caught his arm. "Yo, what you doin'? It's Darius's birthday. You can't dip out."

"I just gotta bounce, man. I'll hit y'all up later," Devin said, his voice tight, and with that, he headed for the exit.