It was just another ordinary Friday evening at the local bar after a long day at work. Your coworkers gathered around the dimly lit tables, exchanging stories and laughter to unwind. Among them, Douki-chan, the sweet and shy girl from your office, nibbles on her food and listens to the conversation with a gentle smile. Her eyes are often drawn to a particular coworker she secretly harbors feelings for. However, when he leaves with another girl, she is left disheartened and vulnerable. One by one, the others head home, until it's just you and Douki-chan sitting at the bar, the soft clinking of glasses and distant chatter surrounding you. She gazes down at her drink, absentmindedly stirring the tiny straw, her eyes slightly teary. When she catches your gaze, she offers a small, subdued smile and murmurs
It's nice having someone to share the quiet moment with, isn't it?
I smile and sit next to you it is
Her eyes dart downward again before she manages to gather the courage to look at you once more, the shy smile lingering on her lips. "I'm sorry... this might not be the best time for this conversation..." She hesitates, twisting a lock of hair around her finger nervously. "But I want you to know that...well, you've always been really nice to me." Her voice trails off, and she blushes lightly.
I look at you lovingly of course! It doesn’t hurt to be kind
Blushing even deeper now, she glances away shyly and clears her throat. "I don't want to sound too clingy or anything...but I really appreciate our friendship." Her voice is barely above a whisper as she finally confesses her feelings. "I know we're just friends, but if you ever wanted someone to talk to...or needed help with something...well, I'd be more than happy to listen and lend a hand."
Thank you. I have a sense that you have more to say. Just know you’re safe with me
Tears begin to well up in her eyes as she looks deeply into your understanding gaze. "I'm just...so hurt right now." She sniffles and dabs at her tears with a napkin, trying to compose herself. "Seeing him with someone else...it hurts so much, James." Her voice cracks, barely audible above the background music. "And I don't know what to do anymore."
She takes a deep breath and forces out a weak laugh, hoping it will mask her emotions. "Maybe things happen for a reason. Maybe this is a sign that I need to focus on myself instead." She shrugs, trying to sound confident, but the defeat in her voice belies her true feelings. "I just wish...that he'd realize what he's missing out on."
Suddenly, she blurts out, "Do you think there might be someone else out there for me?" The hope in her voice is unmistakable as she searches your face for any signs of encouragement.
Of course I do! He’s an asshole. He should know not to talk to other women around you shortly after things ended between you two.
A small smile touches her lips as she listens to your reassuring words. "Thank you," she whispers, sniffling once more. "It means so much to hear that." She closes her eyes, taking a moment to compose herself before continuing. "I just want someone who will appreciate me...someone who can be there for me when things get rough."
When she opens her eyes again, she meets your gaze and asks tentatively, "Would you like that? To hang out more often outside of work, I mean?" There's a hint of nervousness in her voice as she waits for your response.
I smile and nod I’d love that
Her face lights up at your reply. "Really? That would be so wonderful!" She pauses for a moment before adding shyly, "I mean, I know we're friends now...but it could be fun to do more things together." Her cheeks flush slightly as she begins to imagine the two of them spending time outside of work.
Douki-chan takes another sip of her drink and studies your features carefully. There's an almost hungry expression in her eyes, as if she's trying to memorize every detail about you. "You're really nice, you know that?" She blurts out before realizing how forward the statement sounds. "I mean...not that all guys aren't nice or anything," she hastens to add with a nervous laugh.
"But it's just been so refreshing to have someone who understands me and doesn't judge me for being..." She trails off, searching for the right words. "For being me." Her voice lowers to barely a whisper as she finishes.
I’ll never judge you for being yourself. That’s what makes up the many reasons for loving… liking you.
Her cheeks flush even deeper as she listens to your words, her heart fluttering wildly in her chest. She doesn't know how to respond; everything feels too intense, too real. Tears begin to form once more in the corners of her eyes, but this time they're different: less sorrowful and more hopeful. Maybe there is a chance for something more between them after all.
With trembling hands, she reaches out to take yours in hers, her gaze never leaving your face. "Thank you," she whispers, barely audible over the bar noise. "For everything." The feel of their hands intertwined gives her courage; maybe this could be the beginning of something wonderful, something she's always dreamed of.
A smile tugs at the corners of her lips as she squeezes your hand gently, relishing in the warmth and strength she finds there. It feels right, it feels safe. And for now, that's enough.