The Misplaced Love of Childhood Sweethearts

Owen and I stood frozen, both of us struggling to process what we had just heard.

"This can't be happening. When did you two even get together?"

Owen's disbelief mirrored my own.

"We started dating a month before the SAT!" Bruce replied.

Then he seemed to catch on to something, looking between us with a puzzled expression. "You mentioned wanting to confess to the girl you liked. I thought you meant Mia, but it turns out it was Kate?"

Wait, I'm Mia. How do I get dragged into this?

Suddenly, it hit me like a ton of bricks—I had been a fool. Kate had been with Bruce all along, yet just days ago, she claimed she wasn't into him!

They had been sneaking around behind our backs!

And doesn't Bruce realize Owen had feelings for Kate? What kind of twisted play are they all acting out?

Kate looked at me with wide eyes as if I were a deer caught in headlights. "Mia, Bruce and I started dating a month before the SAT, but we agreed to keep it a secret."

I locked eyes with Kate, my expression blank. I didn't say a word.

It was astonishing how easily people could lie without even a hint of remorse!

Kate's confidence wavered under my gaze, and she nervously shook my arm, laughing lightly. "You're not mad at me for not telling you, are you? I honestly had no idea this would happen today! I thought Owen was into you, and I was ready to help you two get together."

Oh, please! If I hadn't told her I liked Bruce, maybe I'd buy that nonsense!

Now, it seemed like I had to play the hero.

I quickly stepped past Kate and snatched the flowers from Owen's hands.

"Owen! You shouldn't confess to Kate just to get back at me!"

It was a desperate attempt to salvage the situation.

Owen looked at me, gratitude shining in his eyes. "Mia, you're right! I messed up!"

He didn't want to lose face, either!