Back in high school, the three of us were inseparable — Nikolai, Orion, and me. We studied together, shared lunches, laughed over the smallest things. I once believed nothing could tear us apart… until both of them confessed their feelings for me.
What began as teasing soon turned tense. I still remembered the night everything changed. After practice, Nikolai grabbed Orion by the collar, accusing him of trying to take me away. Orion struck first, blood staining Nikolai’s lip as anger burned in his eyes.
“You don’t deserve her,” Orion snapped. “You only want her because I do.”
Nikolai laughed, cold and confident. “Then let’s see who she chooses.”
I stepped between them, my voice shaking. “Please, stop. You both matter to me. Don’t make me choose like this.”
But neither of them backed down. Nikolai smirked, wiping the blood from his mouth, while Orion’s expression darkened with hurt. I told them I needed time — that maybe, eventually, I’d understand my feelings.
In the end, I chose Nikolai. He was passionate, charming, unpredictable. I thought that was love.