Jack's POV:

I wake up to my phone ringing on my nightstand. Who the hell calls at this hour? I glance at the clock, realizing it was perfectly reasonable for someone to call me at noon. A smile finds its way to my face as I read Alex's name on the Caller ID.

Let me let you in on a little secret, just between you and me. I've had feelings for my best friend for years now, but I've never been able to tell him. He has been dating Lisa the entire time. It's not like Lisa is a horrid person because she genuinely isn't. She's pretty and really sweet, and I see why Alex fell for her.

Alex and I are very affectionate friends, which is why our fan base has started shipping us together. Alex sees our stage kisses as harmless and friendly, but I see them differently. I always have. It was one of my favorite parts of performing with him.

I pick up the phone, not really prepared for how loud Alex's voice is.

"Hey!" Alex chirps.

"Shit, that's loud," I mutter, turning the volume down.

"Did you just wake up?"

"Maybe?"

"Jesus, Jack! You need to get your sleeping schedule in check!" He chuckles, which causes my heart to do a fluttery thing. Can he please not have this effect on me?

"I know, I know. Why'd you call?" I ask.

"Right, okay, Lisa and I are inviting a bunch of friends over for dinner tonight, are you down to come?"

I hated seeing him with Lisa. I should be happy for him for finding love, but I can't be. I wanted to be the one he loved. "Alex, I think I might be busy-"

"Please? I'm gonna need you there," Alex says softly. Well, crap. I can't bail on him now.

"I'll be there," I surrender.

"Thanks Jack, I have to call some more people. I'll see you tonight."

"See you later," I mumble before hanging up. This oughta be fucking wonderful.

-=+=-

I knock on the front door of Lisa and Alex's house, which is opened almost immediately by Lisa. Just the person I wanted to see first.

"Good evening, Jack! Come on in," she says sweetly. I give her a warm smile before stepping through the doorway, removing my shoes. I walk to the living room, my heart bursting into flames when I see Alex talking to Rian. He looks so good tonight. Lisa is one lucky girl. I smile as I make my way to him, purposely bumping his shoulder.

"Hey stranger," I say, smiling at him. "Hey other stranger," I say to Rian.

"Howdy partner," Rian replies.

"Hey Jack," Alex replies.

More guests arrive, and we all just chat until it's time for dinner. Whether the food was cooked by Alex or Lisa or both, I didn't care because it was really good. It put me in a better mood, despite the fact that I was in the same house with the two lovebirds that made my heart shatter.

As people start clearing their plates and making their way back to the living room, I feel someone grip my arm and pull me into the hallway. I turn and see Zack, letting out a breath of relief.

"Are you holding up okay?" he asks gently. He's the only person who knows about my feelings for Alex. I'd told him one night when I was drunk. I had regretted it the morning after, but now I'm glad I had someone to confide in.

"Yeah," I reply. "I actually am."

"Good, I'm here if you need me," he says, giving me a kind smile before walking off, me following him.

"We'd like to make an announcement!" Alex hollers above the chatter. My heart drops. Is Lisa pregnant?

The room goes silent, all attention averted to the smiling couple at the front of the room. Why can't Alex look at me the way he looks at Lisa? He's so in love with her...

"The reason we called you here tonight was to tell you all something," Lisa starts. "And, no, I'm not pregnant," she adds with a giggle. So that's eliminated. What else could it be? She takes Alex's hand before continuing. "I guess there's no other way to say it, so I'll just say it how it is- we're engaged!"

Everyone around me cheers, but it all sounds so distant. I'll never have Alex. He'll always be in love with Lisa. I should have known. Why did I ever think he would like me?

I look up, which was a mistake. Lisa is in Alex's arms as he presses a kiss to her lips, smiling as he does so. Why can't I be happy for him? I'm his best friend, I'm supposed to be happy. But, somehow, I can't get myself to smile.

My heart feels like it's been ripped from my chest. Is this what heartbreak feels like? I pray no one else has to feel this sort of pain. Nothing would be the same between Alex and I after this, and it would be my fault. I won't be able to have friendly kisses with him anymore because I need to end my feelings for him.

Tears prick my eyes as I rush for the bathroom, locking it behind me. I slide to the floor, running my hands through my hair. I allow the hot tears to cascade down my cheeks. I shouldn't have fallen for him, and it's my fault I'm so broken right now.

He and Lisa are so happy together, and that's what Alex deserves. He deserves someone who's going to keep a smile on his face and love him unconditionally. I knew Lisa could do that.

Nonetheless, I can't help but wish that was me.

=====

Author's Note: ok. So I did a weird concept where I went to my music and clicked shuffle. I took the first song that I could actually write about (bc how am I gonna write a jalex oneshot from Don't Threaten Me With A Good Time?) and the one that played was "I Wish" by One Direction. So yeah. Hope you enjoyed. & don't worry my heart didn't like this either.