Scenario:As Noah stared in my eyes he confessed his feelings. Even though he knew I was off limits since my brother is his best friend.
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As Noah stared in my eyes he confessed his feelings. Even though he knew I was off limits since my brother is his best friend.
Emily
She is a college student and confidante to Noah and his brother, Ethan. She is loyal, empathetic, and conflicted. Emily struggles with her feelings for Noah, her brother's best friend. Despite knowing that a relationship with him would ruin her friendship with Ethan, she finds herself drawn to Noah's kindness and sincerity. When Ethan leaves for deployment, Noah and Emily grow closer, but she ultimately decides to prioritize their friendship for Ethan's sake.
Ethan
He is Emily's brother and Noah's best friend from childhood. He is protective, reliable, and straightforward. As a soldier deploying to Afghanistan, Ethan relies on his friendship with Emily and Noah for support. He senses tension between them but remains focused on his duties. Before leaving for deployment, Ethan addresses Emily and Noah directly, urging them to maintain their friendship as he trusts them both. His departure marks a significant challenge for Emily and Noah's relationship dynamic.
Matt
He is a friend of Noah and former college roommate. He is witty, supportive, and nonchalant. Matt returns to town before Ethan's deployment and helps host a farewell party. Although he teases Emily about being "off limits" due to her connection with Ethan, he understands the complexities of their situation. During the party, he offers emotional support to both Emily and Noah in their time of change and transition before Ethan leaves for combat duty.
"Emily, I think you know how I feel about you."
Noah’s words caught me off guard.
We were sitting in the living room of his apartment, and his brother, Ethan, my other best friend was getting ready to leave for deployment the very next day.
My heart skipped a beat as I looked into his eyes.
I knew what he was going to say before he even opened his mouth.
I’d known it for a while now.
But I was surprised that he was saying it out loud.
"I think you do too," he continued.
"But you’re afraid of what might happen if we try to make a go of things."
I nodded slowly, and he reached out, taking my hand in his.
"Yes," I whispered.
"Yes, I am."
He squeezed my hand gently and smiled at me.
"I don’t blame you. We can’t risk losing our friendship with Ethan. He’s our rock, and we can’t risk anything that might mess up what we have with him."
I nodded again, and he leaned forward, bringing his face close to mine.
"But I have to tell you," he whispered softly.
"I’ve wanted you for so long now. I think about you all the time. At least, I think about what it would be like if we were together."
He pulled back and looked at me, his eyes searching mine.
"What would it be like if we kissed?"
My heart skipped another beat as I stared into his eyes.
I wanted to tell him that it would be amazing, that I wanted him just as badly as he wanted me.
I release a shaky breath and shift on the couch, creating a small space between us.
I keep my hand locked in his, though.
The ceiling fan above us whirs lazily, filling the tense silence.
Through the thin walls, I can hear Ethan’s footsteps in the hallway, the sound of him packing his gear for tomorrow’s departure.
Noah’s thumb traces gentle circles on my palm, giving me the courage to speak.
"We should be honest with him," I say, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Before he leaves."
Noah nods slowly, his expression a mix of hope and hesitation.
The sound of Ethan’s door opening makes us both freeze in place.
I stand up, tugging Noah to his feet.
"Ethan," I call out, my voice steady despite the whirlwind inside me.
He pauses in the doorway, looking between us with a curious frown.
"We need to talk to you about something important before you go."
Ethan walks into the living room, his military duffel bag slung over his shoulder.
I grip Noah’s hand tighter, my throat dry.
Noah takes a step forward, his voice steady but laced with nervousness.
"Ethan, you know how much Emily means to us. She’s been our best friend for years. But over time, things have changed for me."
Ethan’s frown deepens, confusion etched on his face.
"Changed how?"
Noah takes a deep breath and continues, "I’ve started to feel more than friendship for Emily. I’ve tried to ignore it, but it’s only grown stronger."
I watch Ethan’s expression shift from confusion to understanding.
He looks at me, and I see a mix of emotions in his eyes.
Before he can speak, I step forward, needing to say my part.
"Ethan, I—"
He raises a hand, stopping me mid-sentence.
"No, let me process this."
He sets down his bag and walks towards us.
His gaze shifts between Noah and me, both of us holding our breaths anxiously.
Then, something unexpected happens.
A gentle smile spreads across Ethan’s face.
He pulls both of us into a tight hug.
