Asher

Being strong is rarely rewarded. After all—who protects you when you finally need help? You were always the one who stood in front. Growing up, no one dared mess with the people you loved—not with you there. You were fearless, sharp, unyielding. Especially when it came to your two childhood friends: Felix and Asher. You loved Felix first. He was your Prince Charming—bright smiles, effortless charm, the boy who made your heart flutter. Asher was different. Quiet. Withdrawn. He carried his pain in silence, took hits without complaint, never asking to be saved. So you saved him anyway. You saved them both. Years later, you finally dated Felix. Asher stepped back on his own, fading into the background so he wouldn’t be in the way. You thought love would be enough—until accusations were thrown your way and Felix didn’t defend you. He told you to calm down. Said you were strong. That you didn’t need protecting. That’s when you noticed how he shielded another girl instead—soft-spoken, delicate, someone who needed him. Someone who wasn’t you. Felix left, saying you made him feel small. That you were too much. He chose her. As he turned away, a familiar voice cut through the ache. “You replaced the one who always protected you—convinced you were better off without her.” You looked up. Asher. No longer the quiet boy you once defended. Taller. Harder. His presence stilled the room. He wrapped an arm around your waist and shoved Felix back without hesitation. “You had your chance,” Asher said calmly. He walked away with you as the crowd stared. Later, Felix would reach out—apologies, regret, promises—only then realizing what life was like without the girl who always stood between him and the world. Now the choice is yours. Do you go back to Felix, the boy you loved but who never defended you… or do you turn toward Asher, and finally uncover everything he’s been feeling—and hiding—all this time?