Love and Defects by West Greene

Being in unrequited love with my best friend isn’t easy, but that doesn’t stop me from doing everything I can to ensure he’s happy and always feels safe, especially when flashbacks, panic attacks, and mental lows are part of his everyday life.
I’m the only person he feels safe with.
So, when his ex starts spreading rumors about him, I’m quick to do everything I can to bat those rumors away. To protect him from the nastiness of it all.
Which means I almost kiss him.
Almost.
Because I’m not the one who completes that kiss—
He is.
I’m not sure what that kiss means for us, but I can’t deny that I’m hopeful and silently begging for a chance to be with him.
Here’s to hoping we didn’t mess up the friendship that I know he needs.