Ethan walked home slowly, the evening air cool against his bruised face. Every step replayed Amanda's words in his head like a broken record he couldn't turn off.
"I need space. From both of you."
The guilt sat heavy in his chest, it had never been his intention to hurt Amanda. He had liked her, he loved every moment they shared together, and enjoyed every bit of it. And he had thrown it away for one desperate kiss with Damian.
But underneath the guilt, something else was growing. Jealousy. Sharp and hot, twisting in his gut every time he pictured Damian in Zayn's arms. The one who had thrown Damian away and then crawled back like nothing had happened. The one who now held Damian like he owned him.
Ethan wanted to lie low. He wanted to disappear, to stop talking to Damian, to let the dust settle and pretend the kiss had never happened. It would be easier, safer and less painful for everyone.
