Ellie Carter and Noah Callahan have grown up together, shared countless secrets, survived awkward teenage years, and promised that nothing would ever come between them. To Ellie, Noah is her best friend. Her person. The one she can always count on. But Noah has a secret. Somewhere between childhood sleepovers, late-night conversations, and walking her home, he stopped seeing Ellie as just his best friend. And now that they're older, pretending he doesn't feel anything is becoming harder. Especially when other guys start noticing the girl he's spent his entire life protecting. For the first time, Noah has to wonder: what exactly happens when your best friend becomes the person you want most? (SHORT STORY) Started: August 24th, 2026 Finished: August 24th, 2026