Chapter 1 First Kiss

[Agatha POV]

"Agatha!" she called out, her voice heavy with the sound of someone who had been crying for hours.

It was the middle of the night, and I already knew why she was reaching out. She only ever calls me at this hour when things have fallen apart.

"Do you need me? Do you want me to come over?" I asked, already reaching for my keys.

"Yes, please," she whispered.

I didn't need another word. I was out the door and driving to her place instantly, despite the late hour. Having a spare key made it easy to let myself in and head straight to her room.

The moment Lexie saw me, she collapsed into my arms. I could tell immediately—another heartbreak.

"I caught him, Agatha," she sobbed against my shoulder. "He was with someone else."

"You deserve so much better than someone who doesn't see your worth," I said, trying to offer some comfort while keeping my own emotions in check.

"It hurts so much," she whispered. "I give so much of myself, and it feels like it's never enough for them. Is that all they want from me? Just the physical part?"

"You're asking questions you already know the answer to," I replied gently.

She quieted down for a moment, looking lost in thought. "How do you do it, Aggy? You’re always so detached. No strings, no heartbreak. How does it feel to be so free with yourself?"

I fell silent. She saw me as someone who moved through relationships without getting hurt, but she had no idea that my silence was a shield. She didn't know that my heart had been occupied by her since we were kids.

"Just some advice, Lexie," I said. "Don't settle. Especially if there’s no real love behind it. It might feel like it fills a void for a moment, but if you’re looking for something real, wait for the person who actually cares about you. I’m different. I don’t let people in."

Eventually, the exhaustion took over, and she fell asleep. I stayed there beside her, watching her breathe. I’ve always been her protector, from the bullies in school to the heartbreaks of adulthood. I suppose this is the definition of unrequited love—being there for every moment, even the ones that hurt you, just to make sure she’s okay.

"Agatha..." she mumbled, reaching out in her sleep. I stayed close, letting her find the comfort she needed. To the rest of the world, we might look like more than friends, but here in the quiet, I knew the truth. I couldn't risk telling her how I felt. I couldn't lose her.

As the sun began to rise, I slipped away to the kitchen to start breakfast.

[Lexie POV]

When I woke up, the room was quiet. I felt a pang of loneliness finding the space beside me empty. I sat up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes and heading to the bathroom.

The mirror showed the evidence of last night—red, swollen eyes. It’s a familiar sight. Every time I get lost in the wrong person, Agatha is the one who finds me. I don’t know where I’d be without her.

I walked downstairs, followed by the smell of breakfast. Agatha was already at the stove, focused on making my favorites.

[Agatha POV]

I saw her coming down the stairs, looking tired but still beautiful even with her messy morning hair. It’s hard to keep my composure when she looks at me with so much trust. I’ve started being more careful, trying to keep a bit of distance so I don’t give myself away.

Lexie leaned in and gave me a quick kiss on the lips. My heart stopped for a second. She usually only ever kisses my cheek. I stood there, frozen, wondering if I had imagined it or if she was just still half-asleep.

[Lexie POV]

My heart raced. I had meant to reach for her cheek, but I missed, catching her lips instead. I felt a jolt of nerves, but when Agatha didn't say anything, I assumed she hadn't thought anything of it.

"Good morning!" I said, trying to sound as casual as possible while I sat down at the table.