Jayden's POV
It's been a few weeks since the new girl transferred to our school. She's been getting along well with everyone, even the seniors.
For some reason, though, I keep finding myself worrying about her well-being, as if it's somehow my responsibility to make sure she's okay.
Today, the boys and I went out for our usual Saturday hangout. We decided to grab lunch at the steakhouse across town.
"Hey, Dylan. Remember that girl? The one you bumped into the other day?" Jake asked.
The moment I heard him mention her, something twisted painfully in my stomach.
"Yeah, I do," Dylan replied with a grin. "We exchanged contacts that day, and we've been talking ever since. Things are going pretty well."
For some stupid reason, my smile disappeared.
A strange ache tightened around my heart, burning so intensely that I suddenly felt uncomfortable.
"Yo, man. You alright?" Dylan asked.
I forced a smile.
"I'm fine."
Jake straightened in his seat and leaned closer, studying my face as if he was searching for something I didn't want anyone to see.
I lightly pushed him back.
"I'm okay, alright? You guys don't have to worry so much."
Neither of them looked convinced.
"You know, Jayden," Dylan said softly, "you can always tell us if something's bothering you."
"Yeah," Jake added. "That's what friends are for. What's the point of friendship if we can't be there for each other at our worst?"
I smiled faintly.
"I know, guys... Thanks."
I turned my gaze to the window.
Honestly, I'm grateful for the friends I have. They care about me more than I deserve.
But some things...
Some things are better left unsaid.
I've never been the type to get attached.
If I found a girl attractive, I'd ask her out, or accept one of the countless confessions I received. We'd date until one of us got bored, then move on like nothing had happened.
That had always been my life.
Carefree.
Simple.
Meaningless.
But deep down, I know exactly where all this recklessness comes from.
Everyone has something they're running from.
Some people just get better at hiding it behind a smile.
And now...
Here I am.
Slowly losing myself to someone.
If this feeling is what people call love...
Then maybe I should never have let it happen.
It's a simple rule.
Don't get involved.
Too bad...
It's already becoming impossible to follow.