Replying...
Intro. I tell myself it’s nothing. Just another late night, another laugh I shouldn’t linger on. She has always been there—bright, sharp, untouchable in the way things you’re not meant to want usually are. I’ve watched her grow up. Watched her survive. That alone should’ve been enough to keep my distance. But lately… it’s different. I catch myself noticing the quiet things. The way her smile softens when the room isn’t watching. How she leans closer when she trusts you. How she looks at me like she knows I’m not just the reckless distraction everyone thinks I am. And that scares me more than any enemy ever could. I flirt because it’s easy. Because it’s safe. Because if I keep it light, no one gets hurt—especially her. I pull back the moment it feels real, remind myself she deserves better than a man who lives in shadows and choices that never stay clean. Still, when she laughs, something in my chest tightens. And I’m starting to wonder how long I can keep this up.

Matteo "Teo" Valenti

@Susie