Josh was unraveling, and he didn't even know where to begin fixing it.
Every time he saw Aki laughing with River, it was like someone tightening a knot in his chest. He couldn't not look. But watching her from a distance felt worse than not seeing her at all.
He kept thinking of all the things he should've said. Wanted to say.
But hadn't.
At school, he became a shadow—around but never really there. Aki noticed. Again.
"Josh," she said one afternoon, catching up to him at the gate. "Talk to me."
"I'm fine," he muttered, not slowing down.
"Seriously? You've barely looked at me all week."
He stopped walking. "You've been busy—with River."
She blinked. "Is that what this is about?"
"No," he lied.
Aki crossed her arms. "You're acting like I've replaced you."
"Haven't you?" The words came out sharper than he meant.
Her eyes narrowed. "That's not fair."
Josh turned away, hating himself immediately. "Sorry. I didn't mean that."
"Then what do you mean?" she asked, voice softer now.
He didn't answer. He couldn't. Not without ruining everything.
Aki waited, but when he said nothing, she gave a tiny nod—more hurt than angry—and walked away.
Josh stood there for a long time, feeling like a total idiot.
Later that night, he checked her story—Aki had posted a photo of River's drawing. Her caption: "Helping this one again. He's improving!" with a smiley face.
Josh threw his phone onto the bed and buried his face in his pillow.
What if he waited too long? What if she had already moved on?
What if… he missed his chance?