Part Three

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The common room is quieter than usual, the hum of late-night activity mixed with the occasional murmur of someone tapping on their phone or typing away at a keyboard. The kind of background noise that makes it easier for my mind to wander.

I'm curled up on the couch with my laptop, trying to make sense of an assignment I've been avoiding for way too long. But my mind keeps slipping away, and it's getting harder to focus.

I glance at the clock on the wall: 11:45 PM. The thought crosses my mind again—how do people stay awake this late, this full of energy? How are they able to do this night after night? I'm barely keeping my eyes open, let alone staying engaged in the world around me.

The door opens with the sound of familiar footsteps, and I don't even need to look up to know it's Jake. He's always got that energy, like he's carrying a dose of caffeine with him wherever he goes. His voice is the first thing I hear, and it carries over the room like it's impossible for him to keep it contained.

"Hey, Noah!" Jake calls out, his tone practically vibrating with excitement. "You won't believe what's going on tonight."

I turn toward him, forcing a tired smile, trying to look interested. "What's up?"

He strides in, grinning, too big for this small room. "I met this girl—Emily. We've been hanging out for a while now, and she's coming over tonight."

A tightness settles in my chest, but I push it down quickly, pretending like it's just a passing thought. "That's great, man. I hope it goes well."

Jake doesn't seem to notice the slight pause in my response. "It's already going great! We're really hitting it off," he says, almost glowing as he says it. "I think you'll like her."

I nod, trying to match his enthusiasm. "Yeah, sounds awesome."

The conversation is light, casual, but inside I feel... something else. Maybe it's the way he says we're hitting it off, like he's talking about the beginning of something real, something he's excited about.

It stings a little, but I keep it to myself. It's not like I have a right to feel anything. He's my best friend. Of course, he's allowed to meet someone.

But why does it feel like I'm being left behind?

The doorbell rings with a soft chime, cutting through the room like a reminder of everything that's happening without me. Jake jumps up so fast I almost think he might take off running.

"That's her!" he exclaims, practically bouncing as he heads for the door.

I sit back, watching him go, trying to suppress whatever strange, tight feeling has settled in my chest. When the door swings open and Emily steps inside, I can't help but notice her immediately.

She's confident, stylish, and the kind of person who just glows in the way that makes me instantly like her. She has this presence, like she's been invited into the room and already knows exactly where to stand, how to move, how to make everyone feel welcome.

"Hi, Noah," she says with a smile that's warm and friendly. "Jake's told me a bit about you."

I stand up, offering a handshake, but it feels stiff in comparison to her easy smile. "Nice to meet you, Emily."

Jake moves over to the couch, pulling her down beside him like it's the most natural thing in the world. They're sitting close, far closer than I ever really feel like I could.

And as they start talking, laughing easily about some inside joke I'm not in on, I feel myself retreating to the edges of the room. Like I'm invisible.

"So, Noah," Emily says, her tone light and genuine, like she's trying to make conversation, "Jake's told me you're into books. What do you do for fun?"

I shrug, trying to seem relaxed even though everything inside me feels a little too tight. "I mostly read and study. Pretty boring stuff, really."

Jake cuts in before I can say anything else, his voice practically glowing with excitement. "Noah's got the best collection of books. His bookshelf? It's like a fortress of solitude."

Emily laughs, and I can't help but feel like I've been put on display. "That sounds like a good kind of fortress. What's your favorite book?"

I glance around, avoiding their gazes for a moment. "Uh, I guess To Kill a Mockingbird is up there. It's a classic."

Emily seems genuinely interested, nodding thoughtfully. "I read that one in high school. It stuck with me. Do you read a lot of classics?"

I lean back a little, feeling a bit more comfortable now that I'm talking about something familiar. "I do enjoy classics, but lately, I've been reading a lot of fantasy."

Jake leans forward, grinning like he's setting me up for something. "You should see the way Noah gets when new fantasy books come out. It's like watching a kid in a candy store."

I shoot him a look, but there's no malice in it. It's just... Jake. Always the one to make things light. "I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing."

Emily chuckles, clearly amused. "That sounds awesome, actually. Do you have any favorite authors?"

My interest peaks at the question, and I sit up a little straighter, excited to share something I actually care about. "Brandon Sanderson. His world-building is incredible."

Her eyes light up, and I feel a bit of relief. She knows what I'm talking about. "I've been meaning to read more of his books! Which one do you recommend I start with?"

I'm eager now, happy to talk about something I love. "Definitely Mistborn. It's a perfect place to start."

Emily grabs her phone, tapping away quickly. "Got it. I'll check it out. Thanks for the tip!"

Jake looks at me with that same grin he always wears when he's proud of something. "See? I told you Noah's bookshelf is a treasure chest."

Emily laughs again, this time a bit more softly. "I think I'll take you up on that offer."

As they chat and joke around, I try to keep up with the conversation, but it feels harder to stay involved. Each time they share a laugh, touch each other's arm, exchange that unspoken look, it's like I'm being pushed further into the background. I don't belong here—not like they do.

Then Jake, always the one to keep things moving, suggests pizza. "How about we get some pizza?" he asks, his voice casual but bright.

Emily perks up, obviously on board. "Pizza sounds great! What's your go-to topping?"

I jump in, eager to contribute something, anything to feel like I'm still part of this. "How about pepperoni? Classic."

As the pizza arrives, the conversation picks back up, but it's like I'm watching from a distance. I'm part of the group, but not really. It's like there's an invisible barrier between me and Jake, between me and Emily. They're a team, and I'm just... here.

I excuse myself to the kitchen, needing a moment away. As I stand by the sink, staring at the half-washed dishes, I let my thoughts spin in circles. I wish things were different. I wish I could tell Jake how I'm feeling, but I don't even know what that would mean.

Maybe I'm just jealous, maybe I'm just feeling left behind... but I know there's something deeper than that.

Jake walks in a few moments later, his face soft with concern. "Everything okay, Noah?" he asks, voice a little more careful than usual.

I turn to face him, offering a smile that feels too tight to be real. "Yeah, just needed a break. It's been a long day."

He looks at me for a moment, like he's trying to figure something out. "Want to talk about it? Or just... hang out?"

I shake my head, not sure how to say what I'm feeling. "I've just got a lot on my mind right now."

Jake looks like he wants to say more, but then he seems to let it go. He gestures toward the coffee maker. "How about we make some coffee? Might help to clear your head."

I nod gratefully, glad for the offer but still feeling like I'm on the edge of something I can't quite understand. "Sure. Coffee sounds good."

Jake moves to the counter and starts brewing the coffee, the rhythm of the process strangely comforting. "By the way," he says, as he stirs the grounds, "there's this new bookshop nearby. I heard it's got a great selection. Want to check it out tomorrow?"

I feel a shift in my chest. Books. That's something I can handle. "Yeah, that could be nice," I reply, trying to sound more engaged. "I could use a change of scenery."

Jake grins, clearly happy I'm on board. "Great. Let's just take it easy for now."

As he hands me a mug of coffee, I take it with a nod, my fingers brushing his for a second longer than usual. The warmth of the cup is grounding, but the warmth of his gaze lingers in my chest, a little too much to ignore.

"Thanks, Jake," I say quietly, letting the moment settle.

Jake looks at me for a long second, his expression unreadable, before he turns to leave. "I'll be right back. Emily's calling me."

And just like that, I'm alone again, left to stew in my own thoughts as he heads back to her.

The coffee tastes bitter on my tongue, but it's nothing compared to the way my chest aches, the way I realize that the space between us is only growing wider with every passing minute.

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