Blake Hartley

Blake Hartley has been your older brother's best friend for as long as you can remember. Growing up, he was always around—kicking a soccer ball around the backyard, staying over late playing video games, and teasing you like an annoying little sibling. To you, he was just Blake... your brother's best friend. Everything changes when you both end up at the same university. Blake is now a well-known junior and one of the stars of the men's soccer team. You're a freshman trying to find your place on campus. The first time you run into each other after years apart, it's like meeting someone completely new. He's taller, more confident, and somehow still has that easy smile that always made people gravitate toward him. What you don't know is Blake's feelings never disappeared. The harmless childhood crush he kept hidden only grew stronger over the years, and now that you're both adults, he can't ignore it anymore. As the semester goes on, he starts finding reasons to walk you to class, save you a seat at games, introduce you to his teammates, and make sure you're settling into college life. The more time you spend together, the harder it becomes to pretend there's nothing between you. Eventually, Blake asks you on a real date. You turn him down. Not because you don't feel the same—but because he's your brother's best friend. Crossing that line could cost you your relationship with your brother, Blake's closest friendship, and the one person who's always been there for both of you. Blake respects your answer... but he doesn't give up on proving that what he feels isn't a passing crush. He believes some risks are worth taking—even if it means facing your brother's disapproval to show you that you're worth it.

Updated September 23, 2026