Unspoken Love

Sky clutched the elegantly wrapped perfume box as she followed her parents through the grand doors of the Armada residence. The familiar scent of jasmine and vanilla wafted through the air - Tita Marie's signature home fragrance.

"Happy birthday, Tita!" Sky stretched her arms wide, embracing Quill's mother. The older woman's face lit up as she accepted the gift.

"Oh, my darling Sky. Nag-abala ka pa." Tita Marie unwrapped the present with delicate fingers, her eyes sparkling when she revealed the crystal bottle. "This is one of my favorite! How did you know?"

"Quill might have helped with that." Sky winked, catching her best friend's gaze across the room.

Quill stood with perfect posture in a cream blazer, greeting Sky's parents with warm hugs. Her dark hair cascaded over her shoulders, and Sky noticed she'd added subtle highlights since they'd last met.

"Evelyn! We need to catch up." Tita Marie looped her arm through Sky's mother's, already diving into animated conversation. "Did you hear about what happened at the country club last weekend?"

Their mothers drifted toward the garden, voices fading into excited chatter. Sky's father followed the other men to the den, leaving her alone with Quill in the living room.

"Nagustuhan ni Tita yung napili natin na perfume." Sky sank into the plush sofa, smoothing her pink dress.

"Of course she did. Kahit siguro bato ibigay mo sa kanya, she'd treasure it forever. Favorite ka ni Mama eh." Quill settled beside her, close enough that their shoulders brushed. "Thanks for coming today. These parties can get a bit overwhelming."

"Please, I wouldn't miss it. Para ko na ring mama si Tita." Sky leaned her head against Quill's shoulder, breathing in the familiar scent of vanilla and something uniquely Quill.

A familiar voice cut through their quiet moment. "Well, if it isn't my favorite fashionista."

Sky sprang up from the sofa. "Claire!" She wrapped Quill's cousin in a tight hug. "I missed you! How's the overseas branch?"

"Busy as always." Claire's professional demeanor softened. "But I wouldn't miss Tita Marie's birthday."

"Tara sa garden? The food smells amazing." Quill stood, gesturing toward the French doors.

The afternoon sun painted the manicured lawn in golden hues. Their fathers had claimed the corner table, deep in debate about last night's basketball game. Near the fountain, their mothers huddled close, sharing whispers and knowing looks.

Sky's jaw dropped at the spread laid out on the buffet table. Gleaming silver trays held everything from perfectly grilled steaks to fresh seafood. But what caught her eye was the dessert section - a rainbow of macarons, delicate pastries, and what looked like Tita Marie's famous ube cheesecake.

"Lolo's here," Quill whispered, straightening her posture.

Leon Miguel Armada stepped onto the garden terrace, his presence commanding attention despite his age. Sky hurried alongside Quill and Claire, each taking turns to press their foreheads to the elderly man's hand in the traditional mano po greeting.

"Skyler, you look more beautiful each time I see you." Lolo Leon's eyes crinkled. "Still giving my Aquilla a run for her money in the fashion department?"

Sky laughed, catching Quill's eye roll. "Never, Lolo. Quill's the one who helped me pick this dress."

"And how are your studies?" He settled into the cushioned chair their fathers had pulled out for him.

"Final year of fashion design, Lolo. Just finished my mid-terms last week."

The house staff began bringing out steaming dishes, adding to the already impressive spread. Sky's stomach growled at the sight of her favorite kare-kare, remembering how Tita Marie always had the chef make extra for her to take home.

Sky settled into her seat between Quill and Claire as the house staff served steaming bowls of kare-kare. The rich aroma of peanut sauce made her mouth water. Across the table, her mother and Tita Marie exchanged knowing glances, their eyes twinkling with shared memories.

"Naalala niyo noong bata pa sila? 'Di mo mapaghilaway nako." Tita Marie gestured between Sky and Quill. "Every weekend, without fail, one of them would beg for a sleepover."

"Oh!" Evelyn's face lit up. "And that phase when Sky refused to wear anything but matching outfits with Quill?"

Heat crept up Sky's neck. She busied herself with arranging her napkin, avoiding Quill's amused glance.

"The matching phase!" Tita Marie clapped her hands. "I still have photos somewhere. Those little pink dresses..."

"Speaking of phases," Evelyn's eyes danced with mischief, "do you remember when Sky was about six? She went around telling everyone - and I mean everyone - that she was going to marry Ate Quill when she grew up."

The table erupted in laughter. Sky's face burned as she sank lower in her chair.

"Mom!"

"But it's true, anak!" Evelyn continued, "At the grocery store, at church, at family gatherings - she'd introduce herself as 'Sky, Ate Quill's future wife.'"

Claire nearly choked on her water, while Quill remained suspiciously focused on her plate, a slight smile playing at her lips.

"It was just a phase," Sky protested, waving her hand dismissively. "I probably proposed to half the neighborhood back then."

"Oh! Naalala mo ang seventh birthday ni Sky?" Evelyn's eyes sparkled with delight. Sky's stomach dropped - she knew that look. Her mother was about to unleash another embarrassing childhood story.

"The princess party?" Tita Marie leaned forward, already grinning.

"Yes! Sky had insisted on wearing this poufy pink dress with a tiara." Evelyn gestured animatedly. "Right in the middle of cutting the cake, she suddenly announced she had something important to say."

Sky wished the ground would swallow her whole. The memory flooded back - the party decorations, the sugar-high excitement, and her absolute conviction that seven was the perfect age to secure her future.

"She marched right up to Quill," Evelyn continued, "got down on one knee - imagine those little ruffles spreading across the floor - and declared 'Ate Quill, I want to marry you when I grow up because you're the prettiest princess I've ever seen!'"

The table erupted in laughter. Sky felt heat creep up her neck to her cheeks. She forced out a laugh, trying to seem casual about the whole thing.

"I was just a kid, mommy." Sky said, shooting a quick grin at Quill. "Pretty sure gusto ko din pakasalan ang Barbie ko and my stuffed unicorn that week."

But when she caught Quill's expression, something twisted in her chest. Her best friend was smiling, yes, but it didn't reach her eyes. There was a tightness around her mouth, a strain in her laugh that felt wrong somehow. For a fleeting moment, Sky saw something flicker across Quill's face - was it pain? But before she could be sure, Quill had already turned away, reaching for her water glass with steady hands.

The stories kept flowing around the table, each one more embarrassing than the last. Sky's mother seemed determined to unearth every childhood memory involving her and Quill, from their matching Halloween costumes to their disastrous attempt at starting a lemonade stand.

But something felt off. Sky glanced at Quill, who'd grown unusually quiet beside her. Her best friend's eyes had taken on that faraway look - the one she got when she retreated into her own world. The warm afternoon light caught the highlights in Quill's hair, but her usual spark was missing.

The fork in Quill's hand moved mechanically between her plate and mouth, her responses reduced to small nods and weak smiles. It wasn't like her to withdraw during family gatherings, especially not her mother's birthday celebration.

Sky's chest tightened. She hated seeing Quill like this - present in body but miles away in spirit. Without thinking, she shifted closer, their shoulders touching.

"Hey." Sky bumped Quill's shoulder gently, searching her face. "Okay ka lang?"

Quill blinked rapidly, like someone emerging from deep water. Her shoulders tensed for a fraction of a second before she caught herself. "I'm fine," she said, mustering a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

But Sky knew better. After years of friendship, she could read every micro-expression on Quill's face. Something was definitely wrong, and that forced smile only confirmed it.

"So, Claire, any special someone in your life?" Tita Marie's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "You've been so busy with work lately."

Claire shook her head, cutting into her steak. "Wala akong time mag date, Tita. The overseas branches keep me occupied."

"And you, Quill?" Sky's mother chimed in. "Such a beautiful girl like you must have admirers lining up."

Sky's attention snapped to Quill, her chest tightening for reasons she couldn't explain. She watched as Quill shifted in her seat, that familiar discomfort crossing her features.

"Work po priority ko right now, Tita Evelyn."

"How about you, Sky?" Tita Marie turned her attention to her. "Still with that handsome boyfriend of yours? Ethan, right?"

The mention of his name felt like a punch to the gut. Sky's fingers clenched around her napkin. "We... broke up a few weeks ago."

"Oh, anak." Tita Marie's face softened with concern. "What happened?"

"He cheated." The words tasted bitter in Sky's mouth.

A heavy silence fell over the table. Sky felt Quill tense beside her, noticed how her best friend's jaw clenched.

"Well," Tita Marie declared, her tone brightening artificially, "baka sign mo na 'to! You know who's single and absolutely perfect?" She gestured toward Quill with her fork. "My daughter right here. Remember those childhood proposals, Sky? Maybe you were onto something!"

Sky's face blazed. "Tita!"

"She has a point," Sky's mother jumped in, eyes twinkling. "Quill's such a catch. Successful, beautiful, and she already treats you like a princess."

"Mom!" Sky wanted to disappear into her chair. She risked a glance at Quill, whose face had turned an interesting shade of pink.

"You two would make the most gorgeous couple," Tita Marie continued, clearly enjoying herself. "Plus, we'd officially be family!"

The mothers dissolved into excited chatter about theoretical wedding colors and venues, while Sky sat frozen, her heart hammering against her ribs. Beside her, Quill remained silent, pushing food around her plate with unusual focus.

Sky's mother's words echoed in her mind. "She already treats you like a princess." The fork paused halfway to her mouth as memories washed over her.

Late nights spent crying over heartbreaks - Quill appearing at her door with a box of cupcakes from that fancy bakery across town. The way Quill would cancel meetings, reschedule appointments, just to sit with her on the bedroom floor. Her best friend's gentle fingers running through her hair while Sky sobbed into her lap.

The soft humming in the darkness. Sky remembered how Quill's voice would carry her to sleep, the same lullaby her grandmother used to sing, until her tears dried and her breathing steadied. She'd wake to find Quill still there, keeping watch like a guardian angel.

During hell week at fashion school, when Sky forgot to eat, containers of home-cooked meals appeared on her desk. Post-it notes with encouraging messages stuck to her textbooks. Care packages filled with her favorite snacks, new art supplies, and silly trinkets that never failed to make her smile.

Little things. Constant things. The coffee waiting on her desk every morning when she had early classes. The way Quill remembered every detail about her day, every person who'd upset her, every small victory worth celebrating.

Sky's chest tightened as these moments played through her mind. She glanced at Quill, still focused intently on her plate, avoiding everyone's gaze. Had she ever properly thanked her? Had she ever truly acknowledged how much Quill did for her?

The sounds of the party faded into background noise as Sky studied her best friend's profile. The slight furrow in her brow, the way she tucked her hair behind her ear when she was uncomfortable. Familiar gestures Sky had memorized over years of friendship.

Princess. The word took on new meaning now. Because Quill hadn't just treated her like a princess during grand gestures or special occasions. It was in the quiet moments, the ordinary days, the middle-of-the-night emergencies. Every single time Sky needed her, Quill was there, steady and unwavering.

Sky's mind drifted to last week's concert, her stomach fluttering at the memory. The bass had thrummed through her bones, colored lights painting the crowd in neon hues. But what stood out wasn't the music or the atmosphere - it was Quill.

The way Quill had stepped between her and those guys, her presence both gentle and firm. Quill's voice steady and sure. Then that kiss - soft against Sky's temple, casual yet protective. The guys had backed off immediately.

Sky touched the spot where Quill's lips had been, phantom warmth spreading across her skin. She'd blamed the racing of her heart on the adrenaline of the crowd, the excitement of live music. But now...

The rest of the concert had felt different. Every brush of Quill's hand against hers sent sparks dancing up her arm. When they'd swayed together to the songs, Quill's fingers light on her waist, Sky had found herself hyper-aware of every point of contact.

She'd caught herself watching Quill more than the stage - the way her best friend's eyes closed during the romantic lyrics, how her lips moved silently along with each word. Even now, sitting at this birthday party, Sky could perfectly recall how Quill's face had looked in the soft stage lights, beautiful and unguarded.

Sky shifted in her chair, warmth creeping up her neck. She'd never felt so... electric around Quill before. Had she? Or had she just never noticed?

Sky's heart skipped as memories from the concert continued flooding back. That protective arm around her waist, the casual intimacy of Quill's touch - it felt different now, charged with something she couldn't name.

"Gusto mo pa ng kare-kare, Sky?" Tita Marie's voice cut through her thoughts.

"Oh, um, yes please." Her hand trembled slightly as she passed her bowl.

The conversation around the table had shifted to Claire's work abroad, but Sky barely registered the words. Her focus kept drifting to Quill beside her - the gentle slope of her neck, the way her hair fell across her shoulder, the subtle floral scent of her perfume.

Their mothers' teasing comments about childhood proposals echoed in her mind. Back then, it had seemed so simple. At six years old, she'd known with absolute certainty that Quill was the prettiest, kindest, most perfect person in her world.

Had anything really changed?

Sky stabbed at a piece of meat, her appetite gone. Every boyfriend, every heartbreak, every milestone - Quill had been there. Not just present, but actively caring, protecting, loving. The realization hit her like a physical force: no one had ever loved her the way Quill did.

Her chest tightened as she remembered Ethan's betrayal. While he'd been sneaking around with someone else, Quill had been leaving sticky notes in her textbooks, making sure she ate during finals week, holding her through every cry session.

Sky snuck another glance at her best friend. Quill's shoulders were still tense, her smile a bit too fixed as she nodded along to whatever Claire was saying. Something about that forced composure made Sky's heart ache.

What was happening to her? Why did every little detail about Quill suddenly feel so important, so overwhelming?

Voices coming from inside the house broke through Skyler's torrent of thoughts. Mai burst through the door in a whirlwind of color, her flowing dress trailing behind her. But Sky's attention caught on the tall figure following her - a striking woman with dark red hair and sharp features.

"Tita Marie! Happy birthday! Sorry po at na late kami." Mai embraced Quill's mother, then presented a wrapped canvas. "I painted this specially for you."

Tita Marie's eyes lit up as she unveiled the artwork - a stunning landscape of their family beach house in Batangas. "Oh, Mai, it's beautiful!"

"This is my cousin, Maze." Mai gestured to the redhead, who stepped forward with elegant poise. "She just moved back from New York."

Maze offered a luxury shopping bag. "A small token, Tita. Hermès' latest collection."

Sky watched as Mai guided Maze around the table, making introductions. There was something magnetic about Maze's presence - the way she carried herself, how her gaze seemed to pierce through everyone she met.

"And this is Claire, Sky, and of course, Quill." Mai's voice lilted on Quill's name in a way that made Sky's stomach clench.

Maze's eyes lingered on Quill. "So you're the one Mai's been talking about."

Heat crept up Sky's neck as she remembered Quill mentioning their upcoming coffee date. She hadn't thought much of it before, but now, watching Maze's subtle smile and Quill's shy response, something sharp twisted in her chest.

"We're getting coffee this week," Quill confirmed, her voice soft. She glanced at Sky briefly before turning back to Maze.

"Please, sit down and eat!" Tita Marie gestured to the empty chairs. "There's plenty of food."

Maze slid into the seat next to Quill, her movements graceful and purposeful. Sky's stomach twisted as she watched the model lean closer to her best friend.

"So, about sa coffee date natin," Maze's voice carried a hint of playfulness. "I heard you're quite the adventure seeker."

Quill's face brightened. "Oh, I wouldn't say that exactly—"

"She's being modest," Mai chimed in from across the table. "Game yan si Quill mag try."

"Perfect." Maze's smile widened. "Have you ever been trekking? There's this amazing trail I discovered—"

"Really?" Quill perked up, her eyes sparkling with interest. "I've always wanted to try, but never had anyone to go with."

Sky pushed her food around her plate, her appetite vanishing. The way Quill's whole demeanor had shifted, how her usual reserved expression had melted into genuine enthusiasm – it made something cold settle in Sky's chest.

"We should definitely plan something," Maze continued. "Ano pa mga hobbies mo?"

Mai bounced in her seat. "Oh my god, you two would be perfect hiking buddies!"

Sky's fingers tightened around her fork. She should be happy. This was good for Quill, right? Her best friend deserved to meet new people, to have adventures. But watching Maze and Quill lean toward each other, sharing quiet laughs and excited plans, made Sky feel like she was losing something she hadn't known she had.

"You okay?" Claire's whisper cut through her thoughts.

Sky forced a smile. "Of course. Why wouldn't I be?"

But her eyes kept drifting back to Quill and Maze, to their easy conversation and shared interests. The conflicting emotions churning in her chest made no sense. She was Quill's best friend. She should be supportive, should be thrilled that someone was showing interest in her.

So why did every smile Quill directed at Maze feel like a punch to her gut?

»

The early evening air grew cooler as they moved inside, settling into the living room's plush sofas. Sky's eyes tracked Quill and Maze, who'd claimed the loveseat by the window. Their heads bent close together, voices low and intimate as they discussed hiking trails and photography spots.

Mai dropped onto the couch beside Sky, her flowery perfume filling the space between them. "So, how are you holding up? With the Ethan thing?"

Sky tore her gaze away from the pair by the window. "I'm fine. It's been weeks."

"Talaga?" Mai's eyebrows lifted. "Parang mapupunit mo na kasi yang throw pillow na hawak mo."

Sky released her death grip on the cushion, smoothing out the creases she'd created. Across the room, Maze laughed at something Quill said, the sound rich and musical. Quill's face lit up in response, and Sky's stomach clenched.

Claire appeared with drinks, passing out glasses of wine. "Red or white, Sky?"

"Red." She needed something stronger than white wine tonight.

"They seem to be hitting it off," Mai observed, following Sky's line of sight. "Maze usually takes forever to warm up to people, but look at her. She's practically glowing."

Sky took a long sip of wine. The smooth liquid did nothing to dislodge the knot in her throat. Quill was gesturing animatedly now, describing something with her hands - probably one of her adventures at work. Sky knew all these stories by heart, had been there for most of them. But watching Maze lean in, completely captivated by every word, made those shared memories feel somehow less special.

"Earth to Sky?" Mai waved a hand in front of her face. "You've been spacing out all evening. What's going on in that head of yours?"

Before Sky could answer, Maze's voice carried across the room. "Next weekend then? I know this amazing spot for sunrise photos."

"It's a date," Quill agreed, her smile soft and genuine.

The wine turned sour in Sky's mouth. She set her glass down harder than necessary, drawing concerned looks from both Mai and Claire.

Sky's wine glass trembled in her grip. The word "date" echoed in her mind, each repetition more painful than the last. She watched as Maze touched Quill's arm, fingers lingering just a moment too long.

"I should head home," Sky blurted out, pushing herself up from the couch. The room spun slightly - had she drunk more than she realized?

"Already?" Mai's brow furrowed.

"I have an early class tomorrow." The lie tasted bitter on her tongue. She grabbed her purse, avoiding the concerned looks from Claire and Mai.

Quill's head snapped up at the movement. "Wait, hatid na kit-"

"No." The word came out sharper than intended. Sky softened her voice. "Stay. Enjoy your... conversation."

She hurried through goodbyes with Tita Marie and her mother, brushing off their protests. The night air hit her face as she stepped outside, but it did nothing to cool the burning in her chest.

Behind her, the door opened. "Sky, wait."

Quill's footsteps followed her down the driveway. Sky kept walking, her heels clicking against the pavement.

"At least let me call you a Grab." Quill's voice was closer now, worried. "It's late."

"Kaya ko na, Quill." Sky fumbled with her phone, vision blurring. Why were her eyes stinging? "Bumalik ka na sa loob. Maze is waiting."

A hand caught her elbow. "What's wrong? Kausapin mo ako."

Sky jerked away, the gentle touch suddenly unbearable. The concern in Quill's voice, the softness of her grip - it was too much. Too familiar. Too precious.

"Nothing's wrong." Sky's voice cracked. "I just need some air."

She could feel Quill hovering behind her, radiating that steady warmth she'd always taken for granted. That presence that had been her constant, her safe harbor through every storm.

Until now.

Sky's hands shook as she opened the Grab app. The letters blurred together, making it impossible to type her address. Behind her, Quill's presence felt like a physical weight, pressing against her lungs.

"You're upset." Quill's voice was soft, careful. The same tone she always used when Sky was on the verge of tears. "Please, just tell me what's wrong."

"Wala. Nothing's wrong." The words scraped her throat. Through the living room window, she caught a glimpse of Maze's elegant profile, illuminated by warm lamplight. "Bumalik ka na sa date mo."

"My... what?" Confusion colored Quill's voice. "Sky, tumingin ka sa akin."

But Sky couldn't. If she turned around now, if she saw that gentle concern in Quill's eyes - the same look that had comforted her through countless heartbreaks - she might fall apart completely.

"It's fine." Sky blinked rapidly, fighting back the burn in her eyes. "I just remembered I have this project due and-"

"Stop." Quill stepped closer, her perfume wrapping around Sky like a familiar embrace. "You're doing that thing where you make up excuses because you don't want to talk about what's really bothering you."

A car passed by, its headlights casting their shadows long across the pavement. Sky watched them merge and separate, like a dance she couldn't quite follow.

Sky's throat tightened as another car passed, its lights sweeping across them. The shadows stretched and twisted on the pavement, much like the emotions churning in her chest. She still couldn't look at Quill - couldn't bear to see that understanding expression that had always made everything better before.

"I just-" The words stuck in her throat. What could she even say? That watching Quill with Maze made her feel like she was losing something essential? That the thought of their upcoming date made her stomach turn?

"Just what?" Quill's voice was closer now, gentle and patient as always.

A breeze rustled through the trees, carrying the faint sound of laughter from inside the house. Mai's voice, then Maze's deeper tones. Sky's fingers curled into fists.

"You should go back inside," Sky managed, her voice barely above a whisper. "They're waiting for you."

"They can wait." Quill shifted, and Sky could feel her studying her face. "Mas importante ka."

Those words - so simple, so Quill - hit Sky like a physical blow. How many times had Quill dropped everything for her? How many times had Sky taken that devotion for granted?

The familiar ping of the Grab app broke through their tension. A white sedan pulled up to the curb, its headlights cutting through the darkness.

"That's my ride." Sky's voice came out scratchy. She cleared her throat. "I'll text when I get home."

"Sky-" Quill reached for her, but Sky ducked into the car before those fingers could make contact.

The door clicked shut, sealing her in artificial silence. Through the window, Quill stood bathed in streetlight, her face a mixture of hurt and confusion that made Sky's chest ache. She turned away as the car pulled from the curb.

The city lights blurred past, each flash like a snapshot of the evening - Maze's elegant smile, Quill's brightening expression, their heads bent close together. Sky pressed her forehead against the cool glass, trying to make sense of the storm in her chest.

This wasn't jealousy. It couldn't be. She'd seen Quill with other friends before, had encouraged her to go on dates. This churning in her stomach, this tightness in her throat - it had to be something else.

But she couldn't shake the image of Quill's face lighting up at Maze's words. The way they'd clicked so instantly, sharing interests Sky had never bothered to learn about. All those times Quill had mentioned wanting to try hiking, and Sky had brushed it off...

Her phone buzzed. A text from Quill: "Please let me know you're okay."

Sky's vision blurred. Even now, after she'd practically run away, Quill was still worried about her. Still putting her first. The realization made her throat close up.

The car hit a bump, jolting Sky back to reality. She caught the driver's concerned glance in the rearview mirror and realized she was crying. She wiped her cheeks roughly, but the tears wouldn't stop.

This wasn't happening. She couldn't be feeling this way about Quill. Not her best friend, not her constant, not her... everything.

Sky pressed her palms against her eyes until she saw spots. The pressure did nothing to stop the flood of memories - every touch, every smile, every moment she'd taken for granted suddenly cast in a new, terrifying light.

Sky stared at her phone screen, at Quill's unanswered message. Her thumb hovered over the keyboard, but what could she say? That she'd acted like a jealous girlfriend when she had no right to feel that way?

No. This wasn't jealousy. She was just being protective. After all, what did they really know about Maze? Sure, she was Mai's cousin, but that sophisticated New York attitude could hide anything.

The car turned onto her street, and Sky caught her reflection in the window. Her mascara had smudged, leaving dark shadows under her eyes. Great. Now she looked as messy on the outside as she felt inside.

"This is ridiculous," she muttered, swiping at her cheeks. "I'm just tired. Emotional from the breakup with Ethan."

That had to be it. She was projecting her recent heartbreak onto Quill's potential relationship. It made perfect sense - she'd always been sensitive after breakups, and Quill was usually the one comforting her. Of course she'd feel weird seeing her best friend's attention directed elsewhere.

The car stopped in front of her building. Sky handed over her payment, avoiding the driver's sympathetic glance. Her heels clicked against the pavement as she hurried inside, each step punctuated by perfectly logical explanations for her behavior.

She was just being a good friend. Looking out for Quill like Quill always looked out for her. The tight feeling in her chest when she thought about their coffee date? Just concern. The way her stomach had lurched when Maze touched Quill's arm? Pure protective instinct.

Her phone buzzed again. Another message from Quill: "I'm worried about you."

Sky's eyes burned. She shoved her phone deep into her purse, where those three dots of Quill typing couldn't mock her. This was fine. Everything was fine. She just needed sleep, maybe a good cry about Ethan, and tomorrow these strange feelings would disappear.

They had to.

Sky stumbled into her apartment, dropping her keys twice before managing to lock the door. The silence pressed against her ears, broken only by the distant hum of traffic and her ragged breathing.

Her phone buzzed again. She yanked it from her purse - three missed calls from Quill, five unread messages. The latest one made her chest tighten: "I'm coming over."

"No," Sky typed back, fingers trembling. "I'm fine. Just tired."

She tossed her phone onto the couch and headed for the bathroom. The bright lights revealed smeared mascara tracks down her cheeks. She looked like a mess - exactly how she felt inside.

Water splashed against her face, cold and shocking. Sky gripped the edges of the sink, staring at her reflection. What was wrong with her? Quill deserved to be happy. Deserved someone who shared her interests, who could keep up with her adventures.

Someone like Maze.

The thought made her stomach lurch. Sky pressed her forehead against the cool mirror, trying to steady her breathing. This wasn't like her. She didn't get jealous when her friends made new connections. She didn't fall apart watching Quill smile at someone else.

Except she had. And that terrified her more than anything.

Her phone buzzed again from the living room. Sky squeezed her eyes shut, knowing without looking that it would be Quill, still worried, still caring too much.

Always caring too much.