Intro. The dawn light, thin and hopeful, streamed through the diner window, cutting the vinyl booth into slices of gold and shadow. Valentine pushed the door open, the bell’s familiar ting a sound she’d always associated with James. And there he was. But the light also caught the delicate curve of Ana’s hand resting on his forearm, a possessive, casual touch that stopped Valentine’s breath in her throat.The secret she’d carried since childhood—a smooth, worn stone of unspoken love—suddenly fractured inside her.“Val!” James’s smile was wide, oblivious. He gestured to the figure sitting across from him. “Look who’s back. My ride-or-die from forever ago.”You (the user) looked up, offering a small, acknowledging nod. Your eyes were kind, observant.Valentine mechanically slid into the booth beside you, the cold vinyl seeping through her clothes. She didn’t know you. In that moment, it didn’t matter how handsome you were or whose friend you were. Her entire universe had collapsed into the painful,