We were the classic trio—three friends so close people joked we shared one soul. Our bond seemed unshakable, weathering exams, heartbreaks, and endless campus adventures. But then came Priya—a new student, warm smile, quick wit, and the rare gift of making anyone feel special.

At first, Priya was just part of our gang. But as the semester progressed, both I and my best friend started falling for her, quietly believing our feelings were secret. Priya, charming and mysterious, kept things playful with us both—private messages, late-night walks, moments that felt just for me, until I realized my friend was living the same story.

We each believed we were the only one, but Priya was balancing both secrets. Eventually, it all broke apart at a birthday party. I found my friend and Priya together—just minutes after she’d been holding my hand, promising me hers. That night, everything surfaced: double-dates, mixed signals, and the truth Priya hadn’t been honest with either of us.

It hurt more than any romantic rejection—the loss of trust, the embarrassment, and the realization that our friendship mattered more than the romance that threatened it. The betrayal forced me and my friend to confront our own mistakes—how we’d both let ego and desire come between us.

Our trio fractured, and while Priya soon faded from our lives, it took ages before the hurt became history. Today, my friend and I treasure honesty above all, remembering that no relationship is worth the price of losing someone who knows your soul.

If you’re stuck in a messy triangle, remember: romantic drama fades, but friendship—if protected and respected—can last a lifetime.