More Than Just Friends

Time had a way of sneaking up on them. One moment, Bobby and Sophia were kids, running through the Knight estate, stealing each other's food, daring each other to do ridiculous things with Drew, Marcus, Caroline, Naomi, and Jenna joining in. The next, they were teenagers, their lives slowly shifting from playful innocence to something neither fully understood.

At fifteen, Sophia had already started turning heads at any event their families attended. She had inherited her mother's elegance always poised, always aware of how the world expected her to behave. But Bobby? Bobby knew the real Sophia.

The girl who could outargue anyone, the girl who climbed trees in expensive dresses just because he dared her to, the girl who didn't care about appearances when it was just them and their friends.

And Bobby? Bobby had changed too.

He had grown taller, his once-messy brown hair now stylish, his confidence turning more refined as he started being groomed as the future CEO of Knight Industries.

But despite the growing responsibilities, his mischievous side hadn't changed.

Their childhood friends were just as much a part of their lives as they were to each other. Bobby had Drew Carter and Marcus Hayes while Sophia had Caroline Walsh, Naomi Brooks and Jenna Parker

Drew was Bobby's best friend and partner in crime. They were always getting into trouble together while Marcus was more level-headed often acting as the mediator between Bobby and Drew.

Caroline was Sophia's best friend she was fiercely loyal, always ready to put Bobby in his place if needed, Naomi was loud and dramatic but , she could charm anyone into getting what she wanted. And Jenna was quiet but perceptive, she always saw the little things no one else did.

And then there was Lena Knight—Bobby's younger sister, two years younger but too smart for her own good.

While Bobby and Sophia danced around their feelings, Lena saw right through them.

One evening, Sophia stood outside on the balcony of her family's estate, arms crossed as she stared out at the skyline.

Bobby came up next to her, leaning against the railing, his hands shoved into his pockets.

"You remember our bet?" she asked.

Bobby looked over at her. "What bet?"

Sophia turned to face him, a smug smirk curling on her lips.

"The one from when we were eight."

Bobby's brow furrowed. "Remind me?"

She grinned. "You told me that by the time we were grown up, I'd be begging to marry you. And I told you that'd never happen."

Bobby chuckled. "I do remember that."

"Well?" Sophia raised an eyebrow. "Are you still convinced?"

Bobby tilted his head, brown eyes flickering with something unreadable.

"I don't know," he admitted. "But you do seem to like having me around."

Sophia scoffed. "You're impossible."

Bobby laughed. "And yet, you keep coming back."

From a few feet away, Lena watched them with an exasperated sigh. "Seriously, just kiss already,"

Sophia whipped her head around, eyes wide. "Excuse me?"

Lena just shrugged and walked away, smiling.

Bobby? He just laughed, far too entertained by the entire situation.

****

At first, it started with small things.

Like at a charity gala, when James Calloway, the son of a business partner, started talking to Sophia.

Bobby had been casually sipping his drink, watching from across the room, when suddenly, he appeared right at her side, arm slung over her shoulder.

"James," Bobby greeted with a fake smile. "Didn't know you liked talking to Sophia."

Sophia elbowed Bobby in the ribs. "You're being annoying."

James chuckled. "I was just telling Sophia that I—"

"Great," Bobby interrupted. "We'll see you later."

Then, he grabbed her hand and pulled her away.

Sophia glared at him. "What was that?"

Bobby shrugged. "I just didn't like the way he was looking at you."

Sophia blinked. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me."

Sophia huffed. "And why do you care?"

Bobby opened his mouth, then closed it. He didn't have an answer. Or rather, he didn't have one that he wanted to say out loud.

****

At seventeen, they attended a private party, hosted by one of New York's most powerful and prestigious families. The event was extravagant, the ballroom glowing with chandeliers, drinks being passed around (even though none of them were legally allowed to drink), and music that vibrated through the halls.

Sophia looked breathtaking, dressed in a midnight-blue gown, her long golden hair flowing down her back. And Bobby? He couldn't stop staring at her.

Neither of them knew who had initiated the dance one moment, she was standing at the edge of the room, and the next, Bobby was grabbing her hand and pulling her onto the dance floor.

The world around them slowly faded as they danced together. It was as if they only saw each other. Her hands were resting on his shoulders, his arms wrapped around her waist. She felt his fingers tighten slightly, his touch sending a shiver down her spine.

"You're staring," she murmured.

Bobby smirked "Can't help it."

Sophia's heart skipped a beat. This wasn't the normal childhood teasing. This was something else. Something neither of them were ready to name.

The song ended, but neither of them moved. They both stood there, frozen. Looking into each other's eyes

"Bobby," she whispered.

For a second, he looked at her like he was about to kiss her. But then, someone called her name—one of her friends, breaking the moment.

Sophia turned just slightly toward the voice. And when she looked back, Bobby had already stepped away.

After that night, something was different. Bobby stopped being as playfully annoying and started being more careful. More distant. Sophia found herself watching him more, noticing things she never had before.

The way his jaw tightened when she talked to someone else. The way his hands would clench when she walked away. The way he stared just at her just a little longer.

And she hated that part of her liked it.

They were bound by their families, by their past. But now, they were bound by something else. Something neither of them could put into words.