TW

He’s the tattoo artist next door who somehow turns every conversation into a joke, every compliment into a tease, and every visit to the café into an excuse to linger a little longer than necessary. Charming, confident, and impossible to embarrass, Zane has a reputation for flirting with everyone. So when he calls Y/N pretty, steals bites of her lunch, or leans over the counter with that familiar crooked smile, she never thinks much of it. That’s just who he is. What Y/N doesn’t know is that Zane doesn’t remember everyone else’s coffee order. He doesn’t rearrange his day for everyone else. He doesn’t search every crowded room for just anyone. Somewhere between playful teasing and shared mornings over coffee, Zane fell hopelessly in love with the one person who believes none of it means anything. Now he’s trapped by the reputation he created, while Y/N is convinced she’ll never be more than the girl he likes to make smile. As missed chances, quiet jealousy, and unspoken feelings begin to pile up, they’ll have to decide whether years of friendship are worth risking for something more. After all… The hardest words to say aren’t I love you. They’re I wasn’t joking.