However, there was one other emotion that always took root when I thought about him.

Guilt.

When I admit my feelings how will that effect our relationship as a group? If Leo rejects me, will I lose Nico as a friend too? Am I being selfish putting my own feelings above the two most important people in my life?

By going through with my plan, I was risking everything. That’s why it had taken me so long to get to this moment.

Was my love for Leo worth the risk? Yes. He was worth it all.

The heavy base from the house party vibrated through my frame, shocking me back to the present. I was late, partiers spread everywhere, that I had to squeeze through sweaty, gyrating bodies to reach the other side of the room.

My eyes roamed the crowd. Where are you?

When a firm hand grasped my elbow, and a familiar voice tickled my ear. “Shit Gabs, you look hot,” Nico said.

I turned and gave him a shy, self-conscious smile. “You don’t think it’s too much?”

He bent and gave me a peck on the cheek, the alcohol on his breath threatening to knock me over. “It’s the last party before we graduate, of course it’s not too much. You’re beautiful.”

I didn’t usually put so much effort into my outfit, hair and makeup. Or anything to do with my appearance really. I was lazy… Unlike the gorgeous Anna, who was currently hanging off Leo as if he was the only reason she remained upright. Her perfectly manicured hands roamed his chest, arms, shoulders—fucking everywhere.

Anna was in some of our classes and bragged regularly how her and Leo were a ‘thing’. Leo always denied her self-made rumours to Nico and me, but I wasn’t sure if the rest of campus had received the memo.

They were in the kitchen, their backs to us, facing the opposite side.

Umph. The air whooshed out of my lungs as I watched her press onto her tiptoes to whisper in his ear, then she retreated down the corridor to go to the bathroom.

“Gabs, you alright?”

“Huh?” I completely zoned out and forgot to guard my useless emotions against Nico, whose intoxicated eyes read me so well there was no denying where my mind had been.

“It’s okay. You don’t have to hide anymore. I know,” he said, his stare severe and looking the most serious I’d ever seen him.

“You know?”

“I know how you feel about Leo.”

I wish I had an out, an excuse to escape the claustrophobic hold Nico had imprisoned me. But there was no escape. Our nonchalant funnyman had me pinned.

“I…I.” I couldn’t even speak, literally lost for words. My head bowed, admitting defeat.

Nico grasped my small hands in his big ones, then squeezed. “I’ve got you Gabs. I’m going to help you with this.”