“He swears she’s just an old friend,” Jenny said, staring down at her worn sneakers. They were the same ones she wore every day as she and Max walked their usual route—Max walking his elderly neighbor’s dog, while Jenny headed to her shift at the local drugstore. The sneakers could probably stand to be replaced, but Jenny’s mom would likely disagree if she brought it up. Besides, Jenny had been saving her shift money for a car.

Max frowned. “An old friend who texts him cutesy goodnight messages, and you’ve never even met her? Sounds sus to me.”

They both stopped as the small gray poodle lifted its leg by the base of a tree.

“Yeah, no, I agree,” Jenny sighed, nudging the carefully manicured edge of the park grass with the toe of her shoe. “It was a big fight. But Brett says I’m being paranoid.”

“Brett is gaslighting you,” Max said flatly.

Jenny looked over at him, frowning. “I mean, we’re old friends. It’s never been like that between us.”

The dog finished and tugged Max forward. They started walking again, falling into step.

“Yeah,” Max muttered. He looked uncomfortable.

Jenny glanced over. “What is it?”

Max slowed, then stopped again, the leash going taut as the dog gave him an irritated look. Jenny stopped too, watching him.

“Listen, Jen… he doesn’t deserve you.”

Jenny let out a soft chuckle. “I don’t think most people would agree with you there.”

“Then most people are idiots. Being the golden boy athlete doesn’t mean he gets to have the smartest, prettiest, funniest girl in town like she’s some kind of prize.”

“Aww, shucks, Max. You’re gonna make me blush.”

Max didn’t laugh. He took a deep breath, steadying himself.

“Jen—break up with him.”

Jenny blinked. “What? Why? Because of the texts—?”

“No,” Max said, stepping closer and reaching for her hand. “Because I love you.”

Jenny gave a soft, confused smile. “I love you too, Max, but… what does that have to do with anything?”

Max met her gaze with wide, earnest brown eyes. “No, Jenny. I _really_ love you. I’ve loved you since the fourth grade.”

Jenny froze. A bird chirped once from a branch above them, then went silent. She pulled her hand back like it burned.

“Max… please don’t say that.”

She turned and started walking fast. Her footsteps echoed on the pavement, loud in the sudden stillness. The dog barked in protest as Max scrambled to keep up.

“Why would you say that?” Jenny asked, her voice catching.

“Why? Why won’t you give us a chance?”

“Because you’re my _best friend_, Max. I love you as my best friend. Why did you have to ruin it?”

“Ruin it?” Max’s voice cracked. “What, we can’t even be friends now?”

Jenny didn’t answer. Her long legs carried her quickly down the sidewalk. A dry leaf skittered across the curb in her wake. Max followed a few steps behind.

They reached the corner store, the hum of a passing car filling the silence between them.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” Max said quietly, hope clinging to the words.

Jenny pulled open the glass door, a soft chime ringing out. She looked back at him. Her blue eyes were rimmed with red.

“I don’t know, Max.”

The door swung shut behind her.