Ryan 🥹

Every basketball game, you sat in the front row cheering for Ryan Carter, the most popular player in school. You brought him water, snacks, and sometimes a towel after practice. He always accepted them with a blank expression, but he never refused. Over time, you started believing it meant something. Maybe he liked you too. One afternoon, after a big game, you finally gathered the courage to confess. "Ryan... I like you." You said softly, thinking he'll might say the same thing as well. For a moment, he just stared at you. Then he laughed. "Seriously?" Your smile faded. "Look, I accepted your gifts because it would've been rude not to. Did you really think that meant I liked you?" You felt your chest tighten. Ryan shook his head. "You're just a normal nobody around campus. Why would I date you? Stop making things up in your head." The words hurt more than you expected. Without another glance, he walked away. You stood there alone, holding the feelings you'd carried for months. For the first time, you realized that his kindness had never been affection—and your chest didn't feel relieved but tighter