Throwing her hands up, the girl stomps away from him. "I don't get what your problem is! Why does this matter so much to you?"

Luca glares at her. "Because he's not treating you right! You let him get away with everything, and it matters to me because you're my best friend."

"Aren't you supposed to be supporting me?" she asks. She's on the verge of tears and the only thing stopping her from crying was her anger.

"I've been trying to!" Luca exclaims. "I've been trying to, but I'm tired! You've been with that guy for more than a year and what have you gotten out of it? All he does is hurt you!"

The girl huffs. "You're just trying to get me to break up with Az because you know I'll see him every day at school now. I don't get why you've always disliked him. You weren't even happy for me when I told you he asked me out."

"Because he was an asshole and he still is. You don't see how he acts around other girls. It's like he puts on this whole cutesy act around you while he goes and flirts with everyone else. He's using you!"

The girl shakes her head, not wanting to believe it. "Stop lying to me, Luca."

"When have I ever lied to you?" he screams. He stares at her, trying to make her understand. He doesn't want her to get hurt. "Why would I lie to you about this?"

"Why are you doing this to me?" she cries out. She can't remember the last time she had a serious argument with him, and it was tearing her apart. "Via's not on my case. It's just you. Why does this matter so much to you?"

Luca stays silent.

"Why are you being like this?" she whispers. Tears are streaming down her cheeks now. Her hands are wrapped tightly around the fabric of her pants.

"Because-" He stops himself. "You know what, never mind. You can do whatever the hell you want. Just don't come running up to me when he breaks your heart."

When he starts walking away, the girl finally pieces it together. "Do you love me, Luca?"

She can see his body stiffen and she knows she's right. Immediately, guilt courses through her. She wishes that she could be feel the same way about him.

"Of course. You're my best-"

"You know what I mean," she says.

Luca turns around slowly. "Yes," he says at last. "I've been in love with you since sixth grade. But it doesn't matter. I know that you would have never chosen me. I just wished that you found someone good. My feelings toward Az have nothing to do with my feelings with you. It doesn't matter if you believe me or not."

The girl is silent, for she doesn't know what to say to comfort him. She wasn't going to deny that she was still angry at him, but he was sad and she wanted to help. "I'm sorry, Luca," she whispers. "I had no idea. But I really do like Az."

"Then you'll just have to learn the hard way." Luca smiles sadly. "You know, I just remembered what I came here for. I'm going to California to visit some of my family. I was going to ask you if you wanted to come, but now, I don't think that's going to go well. I'll see you at school though."

The girl feels some part of her chest throb in pain. Like her heart was truly breaking apart.

It was funny how emotions were told by one's brain, but they were felt at one's very core where it hurt the most.