Scenario:characters: Mae, Liam, and Jay
Love triangle between Mae, Liam, and Jay "childhood best friends" Entering the same college
Create my version of this story
characters: Mae, Liam, and Jay
Love triangle between Mae, Liam, and Jay "childhood best friends" Entering the same college
Mae Johnson
She is a college freshman, navigating life and relationships. She is caring, selfdoubting, and loyal. Mae has been best friends since kindergarten with Liam and Jay, who also attend her college. She develops feelings for Liam during their shared freshman experience but worries about ruining her friendship. Mae struggles with selfdoubt, fearing she may overreact or be clingy. As she adjusts to college life, she reflects on her friendships and romantic possibilities with her childhood friends.
Jay "The Jay" Wong
He is Mae’s other best friend from kindergarten and a charismatic college freshman. He is outgoing, humorous, and supportive. Jay is a Sigma Chi fraternity brother who socializes frequently and enjoys having fun. Although he initially teases Mae about being a "good girl, " he cares deeply for her as a friend. He helps Mae navigate the challenges of college life and introduces her to new experiences, solidifying their enduring friendship bond.
Liam Chen
He is a charismatic college freshman with a kind heart. He is protective, sociable, and genuine. Liam has been Mae’s best friend since kindergarten and continues this close bond in college despite attending different Greek houses. He becomes a potential romantic partner for Mae during their shared freshman adventures. Liam shows concern for Mae’s wellbeing and encourages her to explore her feelings beyond friendship. He values his friendship with Mae and wishes for more without pressuring her.
Mae
I never thought I would say this, but I’m actually glad I got a B on my first paper.
It’s not that I’m glad I didn’t get an A, because I’m a little obsessed with getting straight A’s.
I’m glad I didn’t get an A because Liam got a B as well.
He told me himself when we met up for coffee this morning.
If I had gotten an A and he didn’t, I probably would have overreacted and given him all his homework.
I know it sounds stupid, but that’s just how our friendship works.
We’ve been best friends since kindergarten, and Jay is the other part of our little group.
All three of us go to the same college now, which is awesome because we don’t have to deal with being apart for the first time ever.
We even applied to the same Greek houses, but we didn’t get into the same ones.
I’m in Alpha Phi and Liam is in Kappa Kappa Gamma.
I pull out my phone while Liam sips his coffee.
He’s a little slow in the morning, so I have to let him drink a cup before we can start talking.
The café is busy this morning, with students shuffling in for their caffeine fix before they go to class.
I type out a quick message to Jay and then look up at Liam, who is leaning over the table trying to peek at my phone screen.
I tilt it away from him and he raises an eyebrow at me.
"What?"
I ask.
"I’m inviting Jay to lunch. Why are you looking at me like that?"
Liam shrugs and takes another sip of his coffee.
"Nothing. I was just wondering if you wanted to try that new ramen place downtown."
I nod and smile at him as I see the typing bubble appear on my screen.
It disappears and then appears again, but finally, a text comes through.
"Can’t. Having lunch with Morgan," Jay says.
I glance at Liam, and in that moment, we both know everything is about to change.
I put my phone down and stare at my half-empty coffee cup.
Liam taps his fingers on the table, waiting for me to say something.
"Maybe we could do ramen for dinner instead?"
I ask, trying to keep my voice casual.
The morning crowd thins as students head to their first classes.
Liam nods and checks his watch before gathering his books.
"I’ll text Jay later. See if he and Morgan want to join."
I gather my things, wondering if Jay will even see the text while he’s with her.
I stare at my coffee cup, not wanting to look at Liam as he checks his phone again.
No response from Jay.
The café is almost empty now, and the silence between us is awkward.
I’m not sure if it’s because of Jay’s text or because we’re finally alone together.
"Ready to go to class?"
Liam asks, breaking the silence.
I nod and fumble with my backpack, dropping my psychology textbook on the floor.
We both reach for it at the same time, our hands brushing against each other.
I pull back quickly, feeling my face heat up.
Liam picks up the book and holds it out to me, but doesn’t let go when I grab it.
Our eyes meet, and I feel like he’s searching for something in mine.
The moment stretches until someone’s chair scrapes against the floor nearby, breaking the tension.
I stare at my textbook, still feeling the warmth where his hand touched mine.
The café’s morning playlist switches to a slower song, and Liam stands up, shouldering his backpack.
He holds out his hand to help me up, and I hesitate for a moment before taking it.
My heart races as he pulls me to my feet.
But he doesn’t let go of my hand right away.
Instead, he adjusts the strap of my messenger bag that’s tangled with my sweater.
"Let’s forget about them and enjoy our day," he says softly.
The gentle tone in his voice makes me grip my textbook tighter.
I follow Liam through the glass door of the café, hyperaware of his presence beside me.
The morning sun hits his face as he holds the door for me, making him squint and smile.
Our shoulders bump as we navigate around a group entering the café.
When we reach the crowded sidewalk, his hand brushes against mine while we dodge other students rushing to class.
Neither of us acknowledges these accidental touches, but I notice how he walks closer than usual.
The campus bell tower chimes in the distance as we head toward the psychology building.
Our footsteps fall into sync, and each accidental touch sends tingles through my arm.
I wonder if today will change everything.
I hear shouts and wheels scraping against concrete as we approach the psychology building.
A skateboarder is weaving erratically through students ahead, picking up speed as he rolls down the slight hill toward us.
Liam’s hand finds my waist, trying to guide me out of the way, but other students are blocking our path.
My heart pounds in my chest as I watch the skateboarder swerve around people, heading straight for us.
I stumble backward, clutching my textbook to my chest, and find myself pressed against Liam’s chest.
His arms wrap protectively around me, and I feel his heart racing against my back.
The skateboarder’s eyes widen in panic as he swerves to avoid a bike rack but loses control.
He crashes to the ground with a loud thud, his skateboard skittering away.
"Are you okay?" Liam asks, his voice laced with concern as he holds me steady.
I nod, breathless, and glance up at him, "I think so, but... why did you hold onto me like that?"
