"first love"

Alex continued….

“James, I need to tell you something," Alex said, his voice serious. "You know how I've always known you loved Julia, right?"

James's expression turned guarded. "What are you talking about, Alex?"

Alex sighed. "Come on, James. I've known you since we were kids. I saw the way you used to look at Julia, even back then. You loved her, man. You still do, don't you?"

James's face twisted in a mix of pain and longing. “Alex, I...I don't know what you're talking about."

Alex's eyes locked onto James’s. "Don't lie to me, James, I know you loved Julia. You were always there for her, watching out for her. And I know you still have feelings for her."

James's shoulders slumped in defeat. "How did you know?"

Alex's expression softened. "Because I saw it, James I saw the way you looked at her. And I knew you loved her, even when we were just kids."

James's eyes dropped, his voice barely above a whisper. "I loved her, Alex. I still do. But I couldn't stay. We lived far from you guys