"I--have made--the biggest mistake--of my life--" I groaned, tapping my head against the table with every word.

Linh gave me an amused look. "I'm sure it's not that bad--"

"I friend-zoned myself!" I told her, standing up and pacing to try and cool my panic. "I did what they always do in the movies, but in reverse! I freaking friend-zoned myself! How do you even do that?"

"This is the perfect time to tell her how you feel, Tam," Linh said, splaying her hands out on the table. "Make it clear you like her. She might feel the same way."

"No," I said, tugging on my bangs. "No, absolutely not. I can't mess this up. I'm in a good place with her, and she actually views me as a friend. I can't risk losing that."

"Isn't that what I said about Wylie?" she asked softly. "I was scared too, but you made me push through, and look where we are."

"Except it was obvious the guy was head-over-heels about you," I told her, my voice tightening slightly from my rising anxiety.

Linh hesitated. "What if I told you I knew she liked you?"

I froze, giving her a look I was convinced said, you're insane. "I wouldn't believe you."

"And why not?"

"Because, Linh--" I threw my hands up. "She's just--there's just no way it'll work out, okay? Up until a week ago, she didn't even know me. I'm just her math partner, and now that this thing is over, she's probably going to leave me alone again."

For once, my sister look at a loss for words. Then, her piteous expression turned to one of defiance. "Then fight for her."

I stared at her. "Excuse me?"

"Fight for her," Linh repeated, meeting my eyes with her own silver ones. "If you like her this much, Tam, don't just give up. If you really think she'll leave you alone after this, then don't let her. Fight for her, Tam." Her voice grew quiet, but her tone still made up for every ounce of confidence I lacked. "Don't let her slip away."

It was my turn to be speechless. For once, Linh's words actually broke through that wall of anxiety and panic, and let me see how right she was.

I liked Biana. I liked her smile, her laugh, the way she twirled the strands of her hair around her fingers when she was bored--the way she  looked at me, as if she actually enjoyed my company.

My resolve hardened. Linh was right--I had to fight for her.

I wouldn't let her slip away.