When My Boyfriend Kissed His Childhood Friend

I cut all ties with Rodrigo, Monica, and their entire crew without a second thought. Looking back, I realized my connection with them had never been real in the first place.

A wave of nostalgia hit me as I flashed back to my freshman year, when I was totally head over heels for Rodrigo. It had been a real struggle before Monica finally slid me his contact info.

Monica used to tease Rodrigo about his popularity and would drop hints that she had some tricks to help me win him over.

Back then, I totally missed the subtle tension crackling between them. I was so hopeful that, with Monica’s help, I could actually win Rodrigo’s heart.

When I finally got Rodrigo’s number, his first question was how I managed to track him down on WhatsApp.

I didn’t hold back. I straight-up told him Monica had given it to me.

There was an awkward silence—so long I thought he might ghost me. Then, he finally sent another message: "What else did she say?"

I answered honestly: "She said she’d help me win you over!"

Even though it was only texting, my cheeks flamed as I typed, "So you better watch your back—I’ve infiltrated your inner circle now!"

No reply came after that, which I chalked up to him being shy. According to Monica, he’d never dated anyone before—a hopeless romantic just waiting for true love.

Following Monica’s playbook, I chased after Rodrigo, and within six months, I had him wrapped around my finger.

I earned a rep as a total romance junkie, but I couldn’t care less back then.

The day we went public, Monica got wasted and hung all over Rodrigo, claiming she was our matchmaker and joking that even if we got married, she wanted to be a permanent third wheel in our lives.

Back then, I thought Monica was hilarious and even appreciated her antics. But she really did wedge herself between us in every possible way.

Rodrigo always put her first. But now my eyes are wide open, and I see the truth clear as day.

Right now, my only priority is getting into grad school.

The next day at the library, I dove headfirst into my studies. Nothing felt more fulfilling than losing myself in mathematics.

I didn’t expect to run into familiar faces at the library.

Monica spotted me and practically shoved Rodrigo my way, making me stumble against a wall. "Rodrigo, you know the saying: Lovers' quarrels never last. Just say sorry, she’ll fold!"

Monica’s loud comments drew the attention of everyone in the library.

We were in a university library, for God’s sake!

I was instantly mortified.

Rodrigo shoved me away with a look of disgust, like I was something repulsive. "This time, she needs to learn her place."

I laughed to myself. A lesson? Who the hell did he think he was?

I didn’t want to waste another second arguing. I’d rather dive back into solving equations.

I started gathering my stuff, aiming to find a new spot, but Monica placed her dainty hand on my notebook, stopping me in my tracks. "Let’s study together—we can hash it out!"

I frowned, studying Monica with fresh eyes, and it hit me: she was a master manipulator. How had I missed this all along?

"We’re just not on the same page. There’s nothing to discuss."

"What’s that supposed to mean?" Rodrigo cut in, instantly jumping to Monica’s defense.

"It means not with you, either!" I shot back.

With that, I yanked my notebook from under Monica’s hand and set out to find a quieter spot.

But Monica was dead set on blocking my path. "Come on, Jade, I worked my ass off last night getting Rodrigo to calm down. Just don’t make a scene!"

"Why are you even explaining to her? If she wants to leave, let her!" Rodrigo glared at me, silently daring me to walk away and not look back.

I let out a dry laugh, turned on my heel, and found a new seat—not too far, since the library was packed with students buried in their books.

I thought I’d regained my focus, but Monica’s playful laughter kept ringing out, followed by her whining to Rodrigo about not understanding something and calling herself stupid.

Rodrigo’s gaze went soft as he affectionately tapped Monica on the nose and explained it all over again.

The crack in my heart split wider. It wasn’t that he couldn’t; he just didn’t want to—with me.

I shook my head, determined not to let my feelings get the better of me, and plunged back into my studies.

When I finally came up for air, the library was closing. Rodrigo cornered me at the entrance to the women’s restroom, demanding, "Have you made up your mind?"