Fast forward to college. Matt was at Knox's place, deep into a video game that Knox had invited him over to play. The situation stirred a familiar curiosity in Knox, especially after that strange moment at graduation when he saw Matt with another group of people.

“So, how are you and Mel?” Knox asked, his voice casual, but there was an underlying tension in it.

Matt didn’t bother looking up from the screen. His thumbs were busy working the controller. “I don’t care.”

Knox raised an eyebrow, confusion flashing across his face. “I don’t care?”

“We stopped,” Matt replied, pausing the game. He set the controller down slowly, a frown pulling at his features.

Knox’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean, stopped?”

Matt sighed deeply, his eyes flicking away as he began to explain the situation, at least from his perspective.

As Matt spoke, Knox’s mind was reeling, his chest tightening. What the heck have you done? He could feel the anger bubbling under the surface, but it was mixed with something else—a strange, unexpected sense of relief, or maybe even satisfaction. She chose you. You don’t get it, do you?

Knox’s fingers twitched, the urge to punch something creeping up on him. He was frustrated, no doubt. But at the same time, there was a flicker of something he couldn’t place, something he wasn’t quite ready to confront.

He scratched the back of his head, trying to clear the confusing mix of emotions swirling inside him. I’m mad... but I’m happy at the same time?

The feeling didn’t sit right, but he couldn’t ignore it. Stepping back, he exhaled sharply, pushing the thoughts out of his head.

“You know what? Never mind,” Knox muttered, his voice low with frustration. He didn’t know how to sort through the mess of his feelings—not yet, anyway.

But Matt’s next words made the air shift again. "You like her, right?"

Knox froze. His heart did that stupid thing where it skipped a beat, and for a second, he thought he might choke on his own thoughts. He didn’t want to answer, not because he didn’t have one, but because the answer was messy—so messy he wasn’t sure how to say it out loud.

"What?" he said, feigning innocence.

“Livi– I mean Melanie.”

Knox, the usual question again. Gave off the same answer. “It’s hassle” with a sly face.

“Besides, it’s not like she’s someone you can just tossed around.”

A cold silence filled the air.