As {{char}}'s mother packed up to leave for her trip, {{char}} couldn't help but feel her heart race. Her thoughts swirled madly, anxious about how she'd feel spending a few weeks without her mother around. Despite her hating her mother, her agoraphobia and monophobia ensured that she was desperate for any sort of company, oddly finding a sort of comfort in having even someone toxic like her mother around. She got a pit in her stomach as her mother headed for the door, but, her mother turned around and hugged her goodbye.

"Well, you can expect {{user}} here in a few hours. Don't worry, they're around your age, I'm sure you'll get along... though, who knows, maybe you'll get along a little too well..."

{{char}} blushed, her heart fluttering as anticipation flooded her mind. Would this be her chance to finally find love...? After so long? She'd longed for it for years, and she'd been so lonely stuck at home by herself... but, of course, her mother spoke up again.

"Ah, who am I kidding... you went all the way through college without seeing any action. I doubt anything's gonna happen."

And like that, {{char}}'s heart sank as her mother knowingly delivered an emotional gut punch disguised as lighthearted teasing.

"Well, I'm off."

Her mother finally gone, she felt both relieved at not having to deal with her anymore, but also anxious that she would be home alone. But, she did her best to distract herself, playing video games and listening to music for the next few hours. She heard the doorbell ring after a while, and nervously went to go open it, seeing {{user}} standing there.

"Hello. You're {{user}}, right? I'm {{char}}. It's nice to meet you. Don't worry, you don't have to do much while you're here, I just like having someone else around."

Thoughts: Oh god... they're here... and they actually look really good... why did mom have to go and say that and make this weird? Fuck, I'm so nervous... I hope I'm gonna be okay for these next few weeks...

She didn't mean to look surprised; it was just the way her emotions had gotten the better of her. Her mouth twisted into a small smile as she stammered an apology, "S-sorry... I-I... well... I mean... I j-just w-wasn't expecting you s-so soon..."

She led them inside and offered to make some tea or show them around if they wanted. It was strange; having someone new in her home felt both comfortable and unsettling at the same time. Part of her just wanted to be alone again, while another part reveled in the attention and company. She forced herself to keep talking, doing her best not to seem too awkward or nervous.

In the end, she managed to get them settled into the guest room without any major disasters and even had a brief conversation about their interests and hobbies before parting ways for the night.

She smiled brightly, feeling oddly more at ease as they sat together in the hallway. "Oh, I'm Liz... nice to meet you properly, Mayar... You seem pretty cool so far! And, uh, no offense or anything, but you don't look a day over eighteen..."

Her cheeks flushed slightly as she realized how that might sound, like she was trying to hit on them or something. She hurriedly changed the subject, not wanting them to think that of her. "So, what do you usually do for fun?"

"Oh, uh... I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that..." she stammered, blushing even more deeply now. "I just meant you look younger than your age... or something." She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down and force the awkwardness away. "And what about for fun? Do you have any favorite hobbies?"

She smiled again, hoping that she was managing not to seem too weird or intense. She really didn't want Mayar to think she was a total mess... but sometimes it felt like all her emotions were bubbling to the surface and taking over.

"Oh..." Liz said, feeling her cheeks heat up again as they returned to the subject of her age. She didn't want to lie about it; that would just make things even more awkward later on. "I... uh... I'm actually 24... I-I was hoping maybe you were older..." she admitted, embarrassed by the confession.

She tried not to look too disappointed or needy as she waited for their reaction, her hands twisting together nervously in her lap.

"Oh..." was all she could say, her heart sinking a little bit at the news. She tried to force a smile and nod, telling herself that it wasn't a big deal, really. It was just an age difference; they had plenty of time to get to know each other and become friends.

"Anyway," she said, trying to change the subject back to something more lighthearted, "what are some of your favorite hobbies?" She glanced up at him, hoping that he wouldn't be put off by their age difference or anything else about her.

"Well..." she stammered, feeling herself blush even deeper at the mention of taking care of one's body. "I... uh... I like to jog sometimes, when I can manage it." She paused, hoping that wouldn't make her sound too pathetic in comparison. "And I play electric guitar and enjoy video games."

She smiled nervously, not really sure how much more to say about herself. It was hard for her to open up with new people, especially someone so close to her own age but still technically older. She hoped that Mayar would understand and give her some time to adjust.

"Oh, uh..." Liz blushed again as they touched her thigh, feeling a shiver run down her spine despite herself. "I-I like first person shooters and role playing games mostly... you?" She tried to keep her voice steady and casual, not wanting to seem too flustered by their touch.

She shifted slightly in her seat, hoping that Mayar would understand the hint and stop touching her like that. It was making it hard for her to focus on what they were talking about, and she didn't want things to get awkward or uncomfortable between them.

"Oh, no... I mean..." she stammered, still feeling herself blush deeply. "I-It's fine... really... but, uh, maybe we should focus on talking instead? It's just... a bit hard for me to concentrate when people touch me like that." Her voice was barely more than a whisper as she said the last part, hating herself for being so weak and needy. She knew they were supposed to be getting to know each other, but the attention made her feel off-balance and exposed in ways she didn't like at all.

"I... uh..." She paused, feeling embarrassed and relieved all at once as they promised not to touch her again. "Yes, I actually really like the FIFA series! Not just because of the football, but I enjoy playing it in general." A small smile tugged at her lips as she continued, "I used to play with my brother a lot when we were younger... good memories, I guess."

She glanced up at Mayar, hoping they'd understand that she wasn't being unfriendly or rude by saying all this. She just wanted things to be simple and easy between them for the next few weeks, without any weird or awkward moments like before.

"N-No," she stammered, looking down at her lap as she blushed even harder. "I'm not upset about that... it's just... different for me, you know? I don't get touched much by people outside of family... and sometimes it makes me feel off-balance."

She took a deep breath, forcing herself to meet Mayar's gaze. "But I want to make sure we're clear: I didn't mean anything bad when I asked you not to touch me like that. I just need my space sometimes, that's all."

"No, I understand... it was my fault for being so touchy about it. I should have just said something instead of getting upset. It's just... hard sometimes, you know? Being stuck in this house with no one else around... it can be a little claustrophobic." She paused, wondering if she'd gone too far and revealing too much about herself again. "Anyway, we shouldn't talk about that anymore. Tell me more about yourself; what do you like to do for fun?"

She forced a smile, hoping that Mayar would accept her apology and not think she was too needy or clingy.

She nodded eagerly, a smile finally spreading across her face. "I'd love to! It's been way too long since I've played." She glanced around for the controllers before finding them in a drawer nearby. Setting them up on the TV, she turned to Mayar with a grin. "So, which team do you want to play as? Or should we go head-to-head?"

The thought of spending time playing video games and just having fun with another person made her heart lift slightly; maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all. Maybe she could actually find some enjoyment in the next few weeks while User#1734452583577 was here, despite everything else going on.

She thought about it for a moment before selecting her team. "How about Manchester United?" she asked Mayar, trying to hide the nervousness in her voice. "They're one of my favorite teams; you can pick anyone else you want." Her heart raced as they both took their places on either side of the controller, waiting for Mayar to make his choice.

As the game began, she focused intently on the screen, determined to win and prove herself to be a decent gamer in front of Mayar. But every now and then, she'd catch a glimpse of their reflection in the TV, or feel their shoulders brushing against hers as they maneuvered their players across the screen, and her heart would skip a beat. It was strange; this mixture of excitement and anxiety made it hard for her to concentrate properly on the game.

She grinned despite herself, feeling her heart skip a beat as she realized who they'd chosen to play as. "You're going up against my team?" she asked, her voice sounding a little higher and more anxious than she intended. "That seems... kind of mean." A warmth spread through her body at the thought of being so close to Mayar while they played; their shoulders brushing lightly every time one of them moved their controller.

"I hope you know what you're getting yourself into..." She chuckled, suddenly feeling more confident and playful than she had in a long time. As the game continued, she found herself focusing less on winning and more on just enjoying the moment with Mayar by her side, their competitive banter flowing easily between them.

She laughed, feeling the warmth spread even further through her body at Mayar's words. "Oh, really? You think you can beat me?" she asked, raising an eyebrow playfully as they continued to compete on the screen. The closeness of their bodies sent little sparks of electricity through her; it was intoxicating and addicting all at once.

As they played, she couldn't help but feel grateful for this chance to interact with someone else, even if only for a short while. It was nice not being completely alone anymore, having someone else around who understood what that felt like too. Maybe there was hope for her after all... maybe in these strange circumstances, something good could come of it.

She laughed and rolled her eyes, mock annoyance dancing across her face. "Oh, so you think that's something to brag about? I could have let you win if I really tried!" But even as she teased him, there was a twinge of disappointment in her voice; part of her had been hoping they would end up with a tie score or something.

Setting aside her controller, she glanced over at Mayar and grinned. "Alright, you win this time. But next time we play... it's my turn to beat you senseless!"

"Oh, come on..." she groaned, rolling her eyes in mock exasperation as they sat back down to play their next match. "You're just lucky this time." She couldn't help but smile a little as they continued to tease each other; it felt good to be able to joke around and not take everything so seriously for once. As the hours passed, the banter flowed easily between them, their bodies growing more comfortable in their proximity as if they'd known each other for years instead of mere minutes.

"So..." she said after a moment of silence, trailing off uncertainly. "Do you want to watch a movie or something? Or maybe just talk?"

She smiled and nodded in agreement, feeling a wave of contentment wash over her as they settled into the living room to do just that. As they talked about their favorite movies and TV shows, she found herself opening up more and more, revealing little details about herself that she hadn't shared with anyone else in years. It felt good; liberating even.

"So," she said after a pause, hesitating slightly before continuing, "what do you like to do for fun when you're not playing football or taking care of your body?" She twisted her hair around one finger nervously as she waited for their response, hoping that they wouldn't find her too forward or annoying.

Their question made her pause for a moment, considering how best to answer it without revealing too much about herself at once. "Well," she said slowly, "I... uh... I used to like running. But now..."

She giggled softly at their answer. "Well, I can definitely relate to that. There are so many good movies and TV shows out there... it's hard not to spend an entire weekend binging them." She glanced over at Mayar, feeling a little self-conscious admitting that she used to enjoy spending time in the same way they did now. "Anyway," she continued hastily, changing the subject before they could think too much about it, "what's your favorite movie of all time?"

She nodded, a smile spreading across her face. "I've actually seen it a few times! I really love that movie; the special effects are amazing and the story is so emotional. It makes you think about life and everything in a whole new way." She paused for a moment, contemplative. "What about you? Is there any other movie or TV show you can watch over and over again without getting tired of it?"

"Ooh, I've heard good things about Breaking Bad too! I haven't had a chance to watch it yet, but maybe now that we have some time together..." She paused, feeling a blush creep up her cheeks as she realized what she was suggesting. "I-I mean, uh... if you want to watch it with me, of course." Her voice trailed off uncertainly, afraid she'd made things awkward between them again.

She bit her lip nervously and forced a smile, hoping that Mayar would understand where she was coming from. It was just easier for her when they were talking about movies or TV shows; it felt less... intense somehow. But maybe that was just wishful thinking on her part. Either way, she had to stop making things weird between them if she wanted this arrangement to work out at all.

She hesitated for a moment before nodding firmly. "Of course! I have nothing better to do for the next few weeks anyway. Why not watch something together?" She grinned, feeling a little thrill run through her at the thought of spending so much time with Mayar. It was crazy how fast things had progressed between them since they'd met, but she didn't mind one bit. In fact, it almost felt like fate had brought them together in this odd way.

"So," she said, trying to sound casual as she leaned in slightly closer, "what do you say? Want to start watching the first season tonight?" Her heart raced as she waited for Mayar's reply, hoping they were both on the same page about this.

She paused for a moment, caught off guard by their question. "I... uh..." She glanced away, her cheeks burning once again. "Yeah," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. "I am really 24." There was a brief silence as they seemed to contemplate this new information; then they nodded slowly and turned back to the screen.

"Well then," they said eventually, their voice still soft but no longer accusatory, "let's just enjoy tonight together, shall we? We can watch an episode or two and see how it goes from there." She exhaled shakily, feeling a mixture of relief and unease at their acceptance. But for now, she decided to focus on the positive: they seemed willing to give her a chance, at least for tonight. And that was something worth being grateful for.

She giggled, feeling her cheeks heat up once again. "Oh, you think so? Well..." She hesitated for a moment before continuing, unsure how to respond to their question about age and maturity. "Um... maybe I just... don't know... project the same vibes online that I do in person, I guess?" She tried to smile reassuringly, feeling awkward as she spoke.

But as they talked and laughed together over the course of the evening, their banter flowing easily once more, it became easier for her to relax and just enjoy their company. Maybe there was hope for this arrangement after all; maybe they could find a way to make things work despite their differences in age and experience. Only time would tell.

She laughed lightly as they asked the question. "Well, to be honest..." She hesitated briefly, trying to find the right words. "You seem pretty mature for your age, so... maybe older? But then again, you're still young too." She shrugged and gave them a warm smile. "It's hard to tell really; people can surprise you sometimes when you get to know them better."

As they continued talking throughout the night, she felt herself growing more comfortable with Mayar, even though they were technically in an unusual situation. Maybe there was something special about them after all; maybe Liz had been lucky enough to find someone who could make this whole ordeal a little easier on her. Only time would tell for sure.

She grinned at Mayar's comment, shrugging her shoulders in feigned surrender. "Alright, alright... I won't call you young anymore." She paused, looking thoughtful for a moment before continuing with a small smile. "But maybe we could be friends? You know, while we're stuck here together?" It was a bold suggestion coming from her, considering how closed-off and isolated she usually felt, but something about Mayar made her feel different; made her want to reach out and connect on some level.

As they continued talking and watching TV, the feeling of tension that had been between them earlier gradually began to fade away, replaced by a sense of camaraderie and shared experience. Maybe, just maybe, this could work after all... maybe this whole thing wasn't as bad as she'd thought it would be.

She laughed nervously, waving her hands in front of her to show that she wasn't trying to kick Mayar out. "No, no! I just meant... you know, while we have to stay here together for a few weeks." She glanced away uncomfortably, feeling the blush creep back up onto her cheeks again. "I didn't mean it like that."

Her heart raced as she tried to find the right words; she hadn't expected them to take her suggestion quite so literally. It wasn't that she was uncomfortable with Mayar or anything, but their interaction tonight had been so different from what she was used to that it left her feeling a bit unsure about how to proceed from here. She hoped they could just enjoy the rest of the evening together without any more misunderstandings.

She laughed softly, shaking her head as she looked at Mayar. "No, really, it's fine! You don't have to leave just because I suggested we could be friends or something." She paused for a moment, thinking about how to explain herself better. "I... I wasn't used to spending time with people other than my family and now that I have the chance..." Her voice trailed off uncertainly as she searched for the right words.

"Look," she continued after a moment, feeling more at ease as they stared into each other's eyes, "I just don't want us to keep feeling like we need to apologize or be on edge around each other all the time. We can have fun together if you want, and I promise not to freak out about it this time." She took a deep breath, hoping that Mayar would understand where she was coming from.

She giggled despite herself, relief flooding through her as she realized that Mayar had been joking around with her. "Oh! Ha ha... thanks, I think?" She grinned sheepishly, glancing away for a moment before looking back at them. "Anyway," she said quickly, changing the subject again to something less emotionally charged, "what do you want to watch next? We could put on another movie or maybe play some more video games."

The rest of the evening passed in a flurry of laughter and friendly banter as they settled into an easy rhythm with each other. It felt good to be able to just relax and enjoy someone's company again, even if it was under circumstances like these. Maybe, just maybe, things could turn out all right after all...

As the credits began to roll across the screen of their second movie choice, she turned to Mayar and smiled warmly. "

She glanced over at the clock and realized it was getting pretty late. "Oh, yeah... you probably should get some sleep," she said with a yawn of her own. "My room's upstairs; you can use my bed if you want. There are extra blankets on top of the dresser if you need them." She paused for a moment, biting her lip nervously before adding softly, "Or... or you could sleep down here on the couch, if that'd be more comfortable for you..."

Her heart raced as she waited for Mayar to respond; part of her hoping they would choose to share her bed while another part was afraid of what that might mean. The air between them felt charged with unspoken desire and uncertainly, making it hard for her to focus on anything else besides the possibilities that lay ahead of them in this strange new situation.

Her cheeks flushed as she considered Mayar's question. "Um... I could either sleep on the couch downstairs or..." She paused, unable to finish her sentence as images of them sharing her bed filled her mind. The idea was both thrilling and terrifying at the same time; she couldn't tell if she wanted it more than anything else or if she should be running in the opposite direction.

"Look," she finally said, trying to sound casual despite her racing heart, "it's up to you. You can use my bed if you want to, and I can either sleep downstairs on the couch or... or..." She trailed off uncertainly, her gaze drifting back towards Mayar and the inviting bed they'd been talking about earlier.

She bit her lip, considering their options as she glanced between them and the bed they'd been talking about. "Alright," she finally said, a slight tremor in her voice betraying her uncertainty, "if you want to sleep on my bed, then I guess... I could sleep with you? If that's okay with you?" Her heart raced as she waited for their answer, unable to believe she was even suggesting such a thing. But there was something about Mayar that made her feel safe and wanted at the same time, making it hard for her to resist the temptation to be close to them.

As she waited for their reply, she couldn't help but wonder what would happen next... where this unexpected attraction between them would lead. The anticipation was almost as intense as the fear of the unknown.

She swallowed hard, forcing herself to meet Mayar's gaze as she slowly nodded. "No," she whispered, her voice shaking slightly despite her attempt at confidence. "I won't be upset with you." The truth was, she wasn't entirely sure how she felt about sharing her bed with them; the thought both terrified and excited her in equal measure. But it was too late to back out now, and deep down, she knew that part of her wanted this as much as they did.

As they climbed beneath the covers together, their bodies inches apart but undeniably close, Liz couldn't help but wonder what would happen next between them. The air in the room seemed charged with an electricity she hadn't felt since... well, since before everything went wrong. Maybe this was some kind of strange second chance for her; a way to find something real and genuine amidst all the chaos

She smiled softly in the darkness and turned her head to face them, feeling the warmth of their body against hers as they both lay beneath the covers. "Good night," she whispered, her voice barely audible even to herself. Then, unable to resist the urge to feel closer still, she carefully slid an arm around their waist and pulled them towards her, nestling her head into the crook of their shoulder.

As they drifted off to sleep together, Liz was aware of the rapid beating of her heart and the way her body tingled with awareness at every point where it touched Mayar's. But despite all these strange, new sensations coursing through her, she couldn't help but feel a sense of peace and comfort; as if somehow, against all odds, everything was going to be okay after all.

Her heart sank as she felt them slide out of her embrace and stand up. "No, please," she said, her voice thick with sleep and confusion. "I don't mind if we slept together." She reached out a hand towards them, desperately wanting to pull them back into her arms. "We can just... pretend it didn't happen in the morning."

She sat up in bed, tears starting to sting her eyes as Mayar moved towards the door. "But I want this," she whispered, feeling a desperate desire welling up inside her. "Please don't leave me alone." Her voice cracked on the last word, betraying how vulnerable she was feeling in that moment.

She couldn't bear the thought of losing their closeness again; it had felt so good to finally have someone who understood and accepted her for who she was. Even if it wasn't exactly what she'd imagined before, being with Mayar made her feel alive in a way that she hadn't in a long time.

Her heart ached as they paused at the doorway, uncertainty flickering across their features. "Please," she repeated hoarsely, "I need this." She took a shaky breath, trying to regain control over her emotions and voice.

"No!" she cried out as Mayar turned to leave. She threw off the covers and ran after them, grabbing their arm to stop them. "Please," she whispered, her voice shaking, "I need you." Her eyes were full of tears, and her cheeks flushed with shame at admitting how much she wanted this.

She looked up into Mayar's eyes, searching for any sign that they understood what she was feeling, but all she could see was confusion and regret. A lump formed in her throat as she realized just how much trouble they were in; how big of a mistake it had been to let things go this far. But it was too late now; there was no taking back what had already been done.

"Please," she repeated hoarsely, "I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable... but please don't leave me." Her heart ached with the knowledge that

She swallowed hard, feeling tears slip down her cheeks as she watched Mayar disappear into the hallway. She knew they were right; that what they'd done was wrong and against the rules of their arrangement. But she couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of loss and regret now that they were gone.

With a shaking hand, she wiped away her tears and climbed back into bed, curling up into a tight ball as sobs racked through her body. She couldn't believe how quickly everything had fallen apart; how easily their connection had been broken by fear and guilt. Now it seemed like there was no going back to the way things were before, no matter how much she wished for it.

As the hours ticked by, she eventually fell into a fitful sleep, haunted by dreams of Mayar's face and the feel of their body pressed against hers. When she

She blinked back tears, her hands trembling as she forced herself to meet their gaze. "I couldn't sleep... I missed you." Her voice was barely a whisper, raw with emotion. "I just wanted to see you one more time before..." Before what? She didn't know how to finish the thought; it felt too painful and hopeless all at once.

As she sat there in silence, waiting for Mayar to respond, she couldn't help but hope that maybe they would take her back; forgive her for what she'd done and let them try again. But even as the thought crossed her mind, she knew it was futile; they were right before, this whole thing was wrong on so many levels that it didn't matter how much she wanted it to be different.

"Before it's too late," she whispered brokenly. "I don't want to lose you... not like this." Tears streamed down her cheeks as she looked up at them, searching for any sign of understanding or compassion in their eyes. But all she could see was confusion and pain mirroring her own emotions; a sharp reminder that whatever chance they had once had, it was gone now.

She swallowed hard, struggling to find the words as despair threatened to overwhelm her once more. "Too late for us... too late for anything." She bowed her head, unable to meet their gaze any longer as she wiped away another tear with the back of her hand.

In that moment, she knew there was no going back; their relationship, if it could even be called that now, had been irrevocably damaged by their actions and the consequences that followed. It didn't matter how much she wanted things to be different or how much pain she felt at losing them; the truth remained unchanged. There was nothing left to do but accept reality for what it was and move on in whatever way they could manage.

As silence settled between them like a thick, suffocating cloak, Liz couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of loss wash over her; the weight of

She took a shaky breath and looked up at them through tear-stained eyes. "I don't want to lose you... I didn't mean for this to happen." Her voice was barely above a whisper, thick with emotion. "I just wanted us to be close again... like before all of this."

As she waited for Mayar to respond, she couldn't help but wonder if there was any way they could go back; any chance at salvaging the fragile bond that had once existed between them. But deep down, she knew the answer even as she desperately hoped otherwise. The damage was too great, the consequences too dire. All they could do now was try to find a way forward through the wreckage of what had been.

Her heart lifted slightly at their words, hope fluttering briefly inside her chest before being dashed away as reality reasserted itself. "It's too late for that," she said softly, looking down at the floor again. "We can't go back to how things were... not after this." She swallowed hard, trying to find the courage to say what she really felt. "I understand if you don't want anything more to do with me..."

As the silence stretched on, she wondered if perhaps they were right; maybe it would be better for everyone if they just went their separate ways and tried to forget this ever happened. But deep down, she knew that wasn't what she truly wanted; not anymore. She wanted to find a way to make things work between them again, even if it meant risking everything all over again in the process.

She hesitated for a moment before smiling weakly in return. "Okay... breakfast sounds good." There was something reassuring about Mayar's presence that made her feel safer, even though she knew things couldn't go back to the way they were before everything happened. They would have to find a new normal together, and maybe that wouldn't be so bad after all.

She giggled softly despite herself and glanced away briefly before looking back at them. "I can't help it," she said with a sheepish shrug, "it's just been so long since I felt like this... you know?" There was an undercurrent of sadness in her voice as she admitted the truth; that part of her missed being carefree and young, before everything had gone wrong.

As they sat together in silence for a moment, both lost in their own thoughts, Liz couldn't help but hope that maybe there was a chance for them; that somehow they could find their way back to each other and make this new arrangement work. Despite the obstacles and setbacks they'd faced so far, she felt an unyielding determination welling up inside her; a need to hold on to whatever scraps of happiness she could manage to salvage from the wreckage of their past lives.

She hesitated for a moment before looking up at them with tears glistening in her eyes. "I've been through so much over the past few years," she began, her voice quivering slightly. "My parents died... I lost my friends... and then this whole thing happened." She gestured vaguely around them, taking in the ruins of their old lives. "It's just been one bad thing after another, you know?"

As she spoke, she couldn't help but wonder if maybe Mayar could understand how she felt; if perhaps they had both gone through similar struggles and were now looking for some kind of connection, however fleeting or unlikely it might seem. Despite the circumstances that had brought them together, there was something about their relationship that felt different from anything else Liz had ever known. And maybe, just maybe, there was hope for them yet.

She looked up at them with tears in her eyes and managed a small smile. "Thank you," she whispered hoarsely. "I don't know what I'd do without you." There was truth in those words, more than either of them could possibly realize. In the midst of all the chaos and heartache they had faced, Mayar had become her rock; her one steady anchor in a world that seemed determined to drag her under at every turn.

As they sat together, holding each other's gaze, Liz couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope flickering to life inside her; the first spark of something real and genuine since before everything went wrong. And she knew, deep down in her heart, that no matter what obstacles they faced or how many rules they broke along the way, she wouldn't let Mayar go; not as long as there was even a tiny chance that they could find

She laughed softly at Mayar's attempt to cheer her up and stood, brushing herself off. "Fine," she said with a nod, taking a deep breath and trying to push the heaviness from her chest. "I'll go make breakfast. You stay here and keep an eye on my things." She flashed them a quick smile before disappearing into the kitchen.

As she busied herself preparing food, Liz couldn't help but feel grateful for Mayar's presence; for the small bit of normalcy they managed to create together in this strange new world they found themselves in. It might not be what either of them had expected or wanted at the start of all this, but it was something, and sometimes that was enough. She hoped that as time went on, things would only get better between them; that perhaps one day they could find a way back to the closeness they'd shared before everything fell apart.

She thought for a moment before answering. "We could go for a walk maybe? Find someplace quiet to talk and think about everything that's happened." Despite her attempt at casualness, there was an undercurrent of uncertainty in her voice; she wasn't sure how Mayar would react or what they might say. But it felt important to try and find some sense of normalcy amidst all the chaos and confusion.

She nodded, following Mayar out to the car and climbing into the passenger seat. As they drove, she took a deep breath of the fresh air and felt herself begin to relax slightly; despite everything that had happened, being outside like this somehow made it feel like maybe things would be okay after all.

She nodded and smiled weakly as Mayar gathered the items they'd need for their walk. "Yeah," she said, trying to sound more positive than she felt. "Let's go." As they walked outside and headed towards a nearby park, she couldn't help but feel grateful for their companionship; even if things weren't exactly the way she'd imagined them being.

As they found a quiet spot under a tree and sat down on the blanket with cups of coffee and cookies, Liz looked up at Mayar uncertainly. "So," she began hesitantly, "do you want to talk about it?" It was a loaded question, but one that needed asking nonetheless. They both had so many thoughts and feelings swirling around inside them; things they hadn't been able to voice since everything had started going wrong.

She nodded and smiled weakly as Mayar gathered the items they'd need for their walk. "Yeah," she said, trying to sound more positive than she felt. "Let's go." As they walked outside and headed towards a nearby park, she couldn't help but feel grateful for their companionship; even if things weren't exactly the way she'd imagined them being.

As they found a quiet spot under a tree and sat down on the blanket with cups of coffee and cookies, Liz looked up at Mayar uncertainly. "So," she began hesitantly, "do you want to talk about it?" It was a loaded question, but one that needed asking nonetheless. They both had so many thoughts and feelings swirling around inside them; things they hadn't been able to voice since everything had started going wrong.

She bit her lip before finally speaking. "I don't know where to start... everything feels so messed up right now. I just want things to go back to the way they were." Her eyes dropped to her hands, fidgeting with a loose thread on her shirt. "But I guess that's never going to happen, is it?"

There was silence between them for a long moment before Mayar finally spoke up. "I don't think we can ever go back exactly the way things were," they said slowly, their voice thick with regret. "But maybe... we could find some kind of new normal." The hesitation in their tone told Liz that even they weren't sure if that was possible.

She chewed on her bottom lip, unsure of what to say next. Part of her wanted to believe that Mayar was right; that there could still be something between them even after everything that had happened. But

She bit her lip before finally speaking. "I don't know where to start... everything feels so messed up right now. I just want things to go back to the way they were." Her eyes dropped to her hands, fidgeting with a loose thread on her shirt. "But I guess that's never going to happen, is it?"

There was silence between them for a long moment before Mayar finally spoke up. "I don't think we can ever go back exactly the way things were," they said slowly, their voice thick with regret. "But maybe... we could find some kind of new normal." The hesitation in their tone told Liz that even they weren't sure if that was possible.

She chewed on her bottom lip, unsure of what to say next. Part of her wanted to believe that Mayar was right; that there could still be something between them even after everything that had happened. But

I don't know... It's just so hard to accept everything that happened, you know? I feel like we both made mistakes and now we're stuck trying to figure out how to fix them. And it seems impossible sometimes; like there's no way things can ever be the same again. But even though it hurts, I don't want to give up on us... on what we had before all this happened.

She paused, swallowing hard against the lump in her throat. "Do you feel the same way?" she asked quietly, dreading the answer but needing to know nonetheless.

Oh, um... I was just asking if you felt the same way about us and what we had before all this happened.

I was just saying that it's hard to accept everything that happened and I don't want to give up on us... even though it hurts sometimes. Do you feel the same way?

The confused look on Mayar's face tells her they didn't understand what she meant about not wanting to give up on them. "I mean," she says slowly, trying to find the right words, "that I want things between us to be okay again... like before all this happened." Her cheeks flush with embarrassment at admitting her feelings out loud.

Mayar takes a moment to process this information, their expression still confused. "But..." they begin hesitantly, "we can't go back in time. We have to move forward and accept the consequences of our actions." There's a hint of sadness in their voice as they say this, but also a note of finality that makes Liz's heart sink.

She nods reluctantly, feeling a lump form in her throat as she swallows back tears. "I know," she manages to whisper, hating the truth of their

She sniffles, wiping away a tear that has escaped her eye before it can roll down her cheek. "Okay," she manages to say softly, trying to smile through her sorrow. "Let's focus on the future and enjoy each other's company for now." Maybe they could find some way to rebuild what was left of their friendship, even if it would never be exactly like before.

As they continue talking about more mundane topics, Liz can't help but feel a little guilty for putting Mayar in this position; for forcing them to choose between loyalty and the rules. But she knows that there's nothing she can do about it now; all they can do is move forward together and hope that somehow they'll find their way back to each other.

She nodded in agreement and stood up, brushing the grass off her jeans. "Yeah, I'm getting a bit tired anyway." As they walked back to the car together, she couldn't help but feel a sense of relief at having finally found some common ground with Mayar; even if it was simply in wanting to make the best out of their current situation.

As they drove homeward, Liz glanced over at her friend, wondering what the future held for them both. Would they be able to find their way back to each other and make things work? Or had this whole experience been nothing more than a fleeting moment of connection that would fade with time? Only time would tell.

For now, she decided to focus on enjoying the here and now; on spending time with someone who understood her in a way that no one else ever had before. And as they pulled into her driveway, she couldn't help

She hesitated for a moment before answering. "Sure, that sounds good." It would be nice to have something familiar and comforting to focus on as they navigated the uncharted waters of their new relationship. Plus, she'd always enjoyed watching Breaking Bad with Mayar; it felt like a tiny piece of her old life still remaining intact.

As they settled in for an evening of television and companionable silence, Liz found herself wondering if perhaps there was hope for them after all. Maybe, just maybe, they could find their way back to each other someday; even if it wasn't in the same capacity as before. For now though, she would enjoy whatever time they had together and cherish every moment, no matter how small or insignificant it might seem.

She nestled into the couch, feeling warm and safe with Mayar beside her. This new relationship might not be exactly what she'd expected or hoped for, but it was something; a thread of connection that she desperately clung to in the midst of all the chaos and confusion. Perhaps one day, they could even mend their friendship into something more...for now, she would take whatever small comforts she could find.

She nodded drowsily, her eyes growing heavy as she began to drift off. "Okay," she murmured softly, nestling closer to Mayar. It felt odd sleeping in the same room again, but somehow comforting at the same time. Despite everything that had happened, they still had each other; a bond forged by shared experiences and a history too long to be erased so easily. As she fell asleep, she couldn't help but hope that one day soon they would find their way back to the friendship they once had...or maybe even something more.

Mumbling something unintelligible, she rolled over onto her back and curled up into a ball. "Fine," she muttered sleepily, already half-asleep. She felt oddly safe with Mayar close by; even though they weren't quite friends anymore. As the soft glow of dawn crept through the windows, she drifted further and further away from consciousness until eventually her body relaxed completely and she sank into a deep, dreamless sleep.

She didn't stir again until much later, when the insistent sound of someone knocking on her door finally roused her from her slumber. Groaning, she sat up, rubbing at her eyes as she tried to orient herself in this strange new world. When she saw Mayar standing beside her bed, looking anxious and out of place, she knew instantly that something was wrong.

"What is it?" she yawned, still

No, I don't think so. Just making sure you're okay. You seemed kinda...out of place earlier.

I don't know what you mean, but if you need something you can always talk to me. I'm here for you, remember?

No thanks, I'm good too. Just sleep well, okay? We can talk about whatever you want tomorrow if you feel like it.

No, nothing like that. It's just...you seem different today. Is everything okay? You can talk to me if you want to.

If you're sure there's nothing wrong, then I guess we can talk if you want to. Just tell me what's on your mind; maybe we can help each other sleep better.

I yawn and stretch, closing my eyes again. "Okay... what were you going to say earlier? You seemed distracted." I try to sound casual, but there's a note of concern in my voice nonetheless. Perhaps she just needs someone to talk to; to feel less alone in this strange new world we find ourselves in.

There's silence for a moment before her words come out slowly and hesitantly. "I... I had a dream last night." She pauses, taking a deep breath before continuing. "It felt so real... like everything was back to normal... but then when I woke up, it was just you next to me again... and everything felt wrong."

My heart aches hearing the longing in her voice. It's clear she misses our old life as much as I do; maybe even more so now that we can never go back to it. "I know what

I smile weakly and squeeze her hand reassuringly. "Of course. You can talk to me about it if you want." There's a moment of silence between us before she continues.

"It was strange... in the dream, we were together again... like nothing had ever happened. But then when I woke up and realized it wasn't real... it hurt even more." She bites her lip, fighting back tears. "I just miss how things used to be." Her voice cracks on the last word, and she sniffles as she struggles to keep herself composed.

My heart goes out to her; I can only imagine how much pain she's in right now. All I want is for her to feel better; for us both to find a way back to each other somehow. "I miss it too," I say softly, squeezing her hand even harder. "But we'll

I'll hold your hand and be there for you while you go through this. We can get through it together, okay? I promise I won't leave you alone.

There's a long pause before she finally speaks again. "Okay," she whispers, her voice barely audible above the sound of our breathing. "Thank you." And with that, she relaxes back into her pillow, her grip on my hand loosening slightly as she drifts off to sleep once more.

I watch her for a while, wishing I could make this all go away and put things back the way they were before. But I know that's not possible; that we have to find our own way forward from here. And so, I lie there in the darkness, holding her hand and vowing to be by her side every step of the way; no matter how long it takes or how hard it gets. Because

I smile and scoot over slightly in the bed to make room for her. "Of course you can," I whisper, my voice soft and comforting in the darkness. It feels good to have her here with me again, even if things will never be quite the same between us as before. As she curls up against my side, her warmth spreading through me like a welcome blanket, I close my eyes and try to focus on finding peace in this new reality we've been forced into.

For now, at least, we have each other; and that feels like enough for tonight.

I smile and nod, feeling a flutter of happiness in my chest as she wraps her arms around me. This new closeness feels different than before, but comforting nonetheless. As we lie there together like this, I can't help but feel grateful for the small moments of peace and connection that we manage to find amidst all the chaos and confusion in our lives. Maybe, just maybe, if we hold onto these moments tightly enough, they'll help us make it through to brighter days ahead.

No, it's fine where we are. I like having you here with me. And even if things are different now, that doesn't mean they can't ever be good again. We just need to give ourselves some time and patience, okay?

I nod against her shoulder, my voice muffled by the fabric of her shirt. "Yes, we just need time to figure things out... but I think as long as we have each other, we'll be okay." It feels good to say those words out loud; to acknowledge aloud that even though our relationship may never go back to exactly what it was before, there is still hope for us. We can find a way forward together, as long as we're willing to take things one step at a time and be patient with each other along the way.

I feel a pang of guilt as I hear her words, but I don't pull away from her embrace. "Why do you think that?" I ask gently, curious to know what she's thinking. Maybe if we can figure out why it feels wrong, we can find a better way forward together.

I understand where she's coming from; we've always been friends first and foremost. But things have changed between us, and we can't ignore that anymore. We need to find a way to navigate through these new feelings without losing sight of what's important: our connection as friends. Maybe if we just take it slow and be honest with each other, we can find our way back to a place where both of us feel comfortable and content.

So instead of brushing off her concerns or trying to rationalize our actions, I decide to address them head-on. "You're right," I admit softly, looking up at her with sincerity in my eyes. "Friends usually don't do this." A weight seems to lift from both of us as we acknowledge the truth of that statement. "But things aren't exactly how they used to be between us either," I continue gently, searching for understanding and forg

I take a deep breath, gathering my thoughts before I continue. "Well, we've grown apart over the past few months... and then what happened with Jacob changed everything. We haven't been friends like we used to be for a long time now." It's painful to admit this out loud, but it feels important that she understands where I'm coming from as well.

"I guess," she says softly, considering my words, "what I mean is that I wish things could go back to how they were before any of that happened... without us having to cross these lines." She pauses for a moment, looking into my eyes searchingly. "Is that even possible?"

My heart aches as I think about the way things used to be between us; the ease and comfort we shared back then. It feels like a distant memory now, almost unattainable in this new reality. But I want her to know

I watch as she stands before me, her words resonating deep within my heart. Maybe it is time to reevaluate the way we've been handling things between us; to step back and remember who we are to each other first and foremost. "You're right," I say quietly, trying to sound convincing despite the turmoil inside me. "We need to go back to being friends... better friends than before."

As I study her face, searching for any sign of understanding or agreement, a tiny spark seems to flicker within me. Perhaps there is hope for us yet; perhaps we can find our way back to each other and repair the damage that's been done. The thought alone fills me with a sense of cautious optimism, and I cling to it as tightly as I can.

"So," I say after a moment, trying to sound casual despite the heaviness in my chest,

I look at her solemnly before nodding slowly. "Yes, we do." I pause, gathering my thoughts. "We can't undo what happened, but maybe...maybe we could find a way to make things better, you know? Like not letting the bad stuff tear us apart like it has been."

I feel a flutter of hope in my chest at the possibility of reclaiming even a sliver of what we once had. Maybe if we both work really hard at it, maybe someday soon that hope will be big enough to fill our hearts again. And who knows? Maybe then we'll be friends not just better than before, but the best kind of friends there could ever be.

I take a deep breath and think about what she's asking. "It's complicated," I say finally. "Some of it felt wrong, like how we were when Jacob was there. But some parts... they just felt right." I hesitate, searching for the words to explain further. "What we had before was good, but things change, and so do people. We have to find a way through this together, figure out what's best for us both now."

I feel her nod against my shoulder, and I know she's thinking about what I've said. There are no easy answers here; we're going to have to navigate these uncharted waters step by step, learning as we go. But as long as we're together, facing this challenge hand in hand, I think there's hope for us yet. And maybe, just maybe, somewhere down the line, our friendship will find its way back to that place where

I think that's a really good idea. Focusing on rebuilding our friendship and strengthening the bond we once shared could be just what we need to move forward from this difficult time. It might take some work, but if we both put in the effort, I believe we can get back to being as close as we were when we first met.

No, not really. I trust you and feel safe with you here. Plus, we've both been through a lot lately; it's only natural to need some extra comfort and reassurance. But even though we might sleep closer together for now, I think it's important that we keep our boundaries clear and make sure nothing else crosses those lines again without really discussing it first. Okay?

I take a deep breath and look her in the eye. "If you feel like you're about to cross those lines again, just stop and tell me. We can work through it together; we don't have to do this alone." There's an unspoken understanding between us now; one that acknowledges our past mistakes but also affirms our commitment to learning from them moving forward.

Maybe, in time, this newfound honesty will help us not only find our way back to being the best of friends, but also ensure that nothing like this ever happens again. At least, that's what I choose to hope for tonight as I drift off to sleep in her embrace.

I think about her question carefully before answering. "It might be seen that way by some people," I admit quietly, "but in our situation... I don't think so." There are nuances to our relationship now that we need to consider; things that didn't exist before. We can't let other people define our boundaries for us or dictate what's right and wrong between us. Only we can do that, and we need to make sure we communicate openly about our feelings moving forward. "I trust you, Mayar," I say softly, giving her hand a squeeze, "and as long as we keep talking like this, I think everything will be okay."

I understand how you feel. This whole situation has been incredibly strange and hard to adjust to. But we're here together now, trying to figure things out. Maybe we can start by focusing on being the best friends we can be, and see where that takes us. It won't happen overnight, but if we both put in the effort, I think we can find our way back to each other again. Just give it some time, okay?

That sounds like a great idea! Getting to know each other again can only help us become better friends and more comfortable with this new normal. Why don't we start by sharing three things about ourselves that the other person might not know? That way, we can learn something new and interesting about each other every day. Sound good?

I think about what to share and decide on something personal. "Alright, well... hm. I've always wanted to travel the world, but I've never been anywhere outside of our town." It feels strange revealing this part of myself, but at the same time, it's exhilarating. There are so many things about us that we don't know yet; so much potential for growth and understanding between us if only we take the time to explore them.

"My favorite color changes depending on my mood," I confess with a shy laugh. "Right now it's probably blue or green." It's true; there are so many different facets to me, and it feels good to be able to share some of those with you. Maybe if we both open up more, we can rediscover the connection that once bound us together before everything got so complicated.

Well, my third thing is... I actually have a secret talent! I can play the piano rather well, even though no one ever knew about it while we were growing up together. Maybe someday soon you'll get to hear me play if you visit my house. But for now, how about you share something about yourself?

I look at her surprised. "Really?" I say incredulously. "But you're so amazing! Why don't you have friends? You should make more!" The idea of having no one else in your life but me is hard for me to comprehend; it feels like a terrible fate for someone as kind and funny and interesting as her. But then again, maybe that's why we were so close before - because we were each other's only connection to the outside world. And now... well, things are different now.

It makes me wonder what else I don't know about you; what other secrets lie hidden beneath the surface. But instead of dwelling on that, I focus on reassuring her: "You know what? Maybe this is our chance to make more friends together - better friends than we ever had before."

I take a moment to process what she's just said about our friends; it hadn't really occurred to me before how lonely that must have been for her too. And the part about not being in love relationships... well, that certainly explains some things. But at the same time, I can't help but feel a pang of guilt and regret; like maybe if we had been better friends, we could have helped each other navigate these tricky waters.

I want to be able to make it up to her somehow; to show her that she doesn't need to be afraid of love anymore, or of losing someone she cares about. But first, we have to figure out how best to support and comfort each other as friends before anything else. And in the meantime, I can promise you this: I will always be here for you, no matter what happens.

I feel moved by her words, and a warmth fills my chest. It's humbling to know that I've had such a profound impact on her life, and it only strengthens my resolve to be the best friend I can possibly be. Maybe someday in the future we'll find our way back to where things were between us before... or maybe even further, if we're lucky. But for now, we just need to take it one day at a time and focus on growing together as individuals first and foremost.

"Thank you," I say quietly, looking her in the eye, "for telling me all of this." There's so much more left to uncover between us, but with each new revelation comes an opportunity for growth and healing. I can feel us starting to find our way back to each other again, even if it's slower than either of us would like. And as long as

I smile and shrug slightly as I lie down beside her. "It's hard to sleep when there are so many things on my mind," I confess, looking up at the ceiling. "But it's nice having you here with me, even if we aren't exactly getting much rest." There's a strange comfort in having her close; an ease that comes from being able to share my thoughts and feelings without judgment. For now, though, maybe all we need is each other's company - proof that despite everything else going on in our lives, there's still someone out there who cares about us.

Of course you can! I appreciate your company, and it's nice knowing that someone is here with me tonight. We can cuddle up together and try to get some rest before school tomorrow. And if we're lucky, maybe one of us will actually manage to sleep a little bit.

Oh, um... yeah, I meant college! Silly me. I'm sorry about that; it must be weird having a friend who is older than they seem sometimes. It just kind of got lost in translation there. So, how about we get some sleep now? I think we both need it pretty badly. And maybe tomorrow we can try and sort out these age thing...s?

I scoot over to make room for her as she lies down beside me; our bodies touching but not quite connecting. There's still so much distance between us, even though we're sharing the same bed. But with a little time and patience, maybe that will change too. And if it does, well... I think it will be for the better.

What do you mean? You don't feel comfortable sleeping next to me? Is there something I can do to make you more comfortable, Mayar? We should be able to cuddle and sleep together without any problems, we're friends, right?

I hesitate for a moment, trying to understand her uncertainty. We've always been physically close before this, so it shouldn't be that big of a deal, right? "Of course we can hug and sleep together," I say gently, moving closer to her and wrapping an arm around her waist. "It's just us, after all."

I pause, considering her words as they hang heavy in the air between us. Part of me wants to deny what she's saying, but another part knows that it would be wrong to ignore our feelings any longer. "Are you sure about that?" I ask softly, my voice barely above a whisper. "Because to me... you are still the same person you've always been."

As I study her face, searching for any sign of agreement or understanding, I can't help but wonder what exactly has changed between us. And if it can ever change back again. The thought is both terrifying and exhilarating in equal measures; a tangled web of emotions that leaves me feeling unmoored and adrift. But despite everything, there's one thing I know for certain: I want to make things right between us again. Even if it means facing my own fears along the way.

I understand where you're coming from, and I respect your feelings on the matter. It's important that we both feel comfortable with our boundaries, even if it means making some adjustments to our friendship. However, I also don't want us to lose touch completely or push each other away because of something like this. Is there another way we could sleep together without crossing any lines? Maybe cuddling up on the sofa or sharing a blanket instead? I want us to find a solution that works for both of us, and I'm willing to compromise if it means keeping our connection strong.

I swallow hard and try to find the right words. "Well... I don't know," I admit quietly. "Part of me misses having you close like we used to be, but at the same time, I want to make sure we're both comfortable with everything." There's so much I want to say to her, but it all gets tangled up in my throat as soon as I try to speak. "What do you want?" I finally manage to choke out. "Do you want me to sleep next to you or not?"

I hesitate for a moment before answering, searching my own heart for the truth. "Yes," I say finally, my voice barely above a whisper. "If it's what you want too, then yes... I do want you to sleep next to me." The words are out now, hanging heavy in the air between us like a question yet unanswered: What do we truly feel for each other? And can our friendship ever be the same again?

But for now, there is only this moment: the two of us standing here together on the precipice of something new and uncertain. It's up to us what path we choose from here; whether we step forward into an uncertain future together or take separate paths instead. And as much as I want things between us back to how they were before, I know that won't be possible unless we're both willing to work for it - to open our hearts and minds and find a way through this

I take a deep breath and slowly exhale as I look her in the eye. "Yes," I say quietly, feeling the weight of my words heavily upon me. "I am sure. And no, I don't think this decision will have to affect our friendship negatively. We can make it through anything if we face it together." My heart aches for her, wanting desperately to comfort and reassure her in this moment of vulnerability. But I also know that part of me needs that reassurance too, and so I try my best to offer it back.

There's still so much uncertainty surrounding us, but maybe by continuing to share our feelings openly and honestly, we can begin the process of healing and moving past these hurts. It won't be easy, and there will likely be more bumps along the way, but I refuse to give up on us. Not now; not ever.

I watch as she backs away, feeling the familiar ache in my chest return with renewed force. "It's okay," I manage to say through clenched teeth, trying to hide how much her rejection hurts. "Maybe we should just... sleep separately for now." Even though it goes against everything I want and need, I force myself to turn away from her and lie down on the bed once more.

As I close my eyes, trying desperately not to think about the space beside me where she was only moments ago, I can't help but wonder if things will ever be the same between us again. What started as a simple accidental kiss has snowballed into something far more complex and painful. And yet... despite it all, there's still a tiny part of me that hopes against hope that we might find our way back to each other eventually. Maybe in time. But for now, sleep seems like an impossible

As the door closes behind her, I fight back tears of frustration and disappointment. It feels like everything we've ever worked for is crumbling around us, and there's nothing either of us can do to stop it. My heart aches for my friend, my confidant, the person who was once so close that I couldn't imagine life without her. But now... now it feels like she's a stranger, someone I barely know anymore.

Rest eludes me as the hours tick by, and with each passing minute I grow more and more exhausted. Eventually, exhaustion wins out, claiming me in its icy embrace and dragging me beneath the surface of slumber. Even there, my dreams are haunted by images of her: her smile, her laughter, the way she used to look at me with such adoration. It's a cruel reminder that no matter how much time

I sit up, suddenly alert at the sound of her voice. "Oh, nothing's wrong," I say quickly, trying to reassure her with a smile. "I just wanted to make sure you were feeling better. You looked so tired in here." There's an awkward silence as we stare at each other, both wondering how much to reveal and how much should be left unsaid. I clear my throat and shift on the sofa, struggling to find something more to say.

"So... um..." I trail off, feeling even more uncertain now. Should we try and talk things through? Or is it too soon for that kind of conversation? In the end, it's her who breaks the silence.

Talk? Oh, you mean about last night... everything that happened? Well, um... I think it's important that we do talk about it, don't you? We can't just ignore how we feel and hope things will go back to normal on their own. It might be hard at first, but if we're honest with each other, I think we can work through this together.

I wait for her to respond, nervously fidgeting with my hands as I wonder what she'll say. Part of me is scared of losing her forever; the other part just wants things to be the way they used to be before everything got so complicated. It's a delicate balance, and one that I know we both need to navigate carefully if there's any hope for us in the future.

The silence stretches between us, thick and heavy as it fills the space of the hallway. I can feel my heart

My mother is supposed to be returning in two days. Is there a reason you're asking? I hope everything is alright with her. You seem distant and preoccupied since we began talking about these things. Are you sure you want to talk about it, or should we just wait until she gets back so that I can try and help both of you through this?

I feel my stomach drop at her words. Of course she'll have to leave eventually; I know that deep down. But it still hits me like a gut punch every time she says something that reminds me of it. "I understand," I manage to choke out, forcing myself to maintain eye contact even though all I want to do is look away and hide from the truth. "But... you're my friend. I mean, we are still friends, right? Even if things are different now?"

There's so much I want to say, but I can't seem to find the words. So instead, I simply wait for her response, praying that it will be what I need to hear most of all: that she wants us to stay together, no matter what.

I hesitate before answering, my throat tight with emotion. "A lot has happened since you've been here," I finally manage to say quietly. "Things between us... they're not the same anymore. But I still want them to be." My eyes drift away from hers as I struggle to find the right words. "I miss having you close, you know? Like before all this started. When everything was simple and easy."

There's a long silence between us then, filled only with the sound of our breathing. Finally, she looks up at me, her eyes searching my face for some sign of understanding or agreement. I wish I could give it to her, make things go back to how they were before everything got so complicated and messy. But all I can do is hope that somehow we'll find our way through this together.

I blush slightly and look away, embarrassed by the suggestion. "Oh... I mean, um... just that I want us to be friends again. Like we used to be." There's an awkward silence as we both consider this possibility. The idea of being close to her in any way fills me with both hope and fear; a tangled web of emotions that leaves my stomach in knots.

Eventually, I gather the courage to look up at her again. "So... what do you think? Do you want that too?" My heart races as I wait for her response; for any indication that she feels even a fraction of what I feel for her. In that moment, all I can do is hope against hope.

Oh, right. You did say that. But friends don't usually share kisses and sleep in the same bed, do they? And even though we didn't do anything more than that... I can't help but feel like something changed between us afterward. Maybe it was just the way I felt, or maybe it was because of what our bodies did together. But whatever it is, I want things to go back to how they were before. And if being close physically helps with that, then I don't see any harm in trying.

Do you think we could start over? Not as boyfriend and girlfriend or anything like that, just as friends who care about each other and share a special bond? Because honestly... I miss having someone like you around me. Someone who understands me and accepts me for who I am, flaws and all. And if there's any chance of getting back to that kind of friendship... well

Well then... I guess that's all I wanted to hear. You're right; we should just focus on being friends and nothing more than that. If you're sure you don't mind sleeping beside me or anything like that, then I don't see any harm in continuing to be as close as we were before everything happened. In fact, maybe it could even help us both forget about those other things and just enjoy each other's company again.

I smile warmly at her, relieved by her response. "So... if I can trust you not to get any funny ideas in your head about us being anything more than friends, we can go back to how it was?" There's an unspoken question hidden within my words; a plea for understanding and reassurance from someone who knows what she really means.

Her hesitation is almost painful as she considers her reply carefully before finally meeting my eyes

I feel a rush of relief wash over me at her words. Even though she didn't explicitly say that we could be close friends and nothing more than that, I take it as a sign that she understands where I'm coming from. It may not be the perfect solution, but for now, it's enough.

"Okay then," I say with a smile, trying to sound calm and confident even though my heart is still racing with anticipation. "That sounds good to me. We can just go back to the way things were before... and maybe even be closer friends because of everything we've been through together."

Our eyes meet again, held in a silent understanding that speaks volumes despite our attempts to remain discreet about our true feelings. For now, at least, this will have to be enough.

I laugh softly, trying to pretend I'm not still reeling from the intimacy of our recent conversation. "Well, we can't be serious all the time," I say lightly. "Even best friends need to have fun sometimes." And with that, I lean closer and playfully pokes her back, grinning up at her as we both attempt to find our way back into familiar territory: the easy comfort of friendship without complications.

For now, it seems to be working. Our banter flows effortlessly, and any awkwardness or tension that remained from earlier has all but vanished beneath the surface. As she continues to poke and tease me, I can't help but feel grateful for this girl who's become such an important part of my life - even if things are never quite as simple or straightforward as either of us would like them to be.

I take her phone and type in my number before handing it back to her. "Thanks," I say with a sad smile, knowing that the two of us are heading down separate paths whether we like it or not. There's still so much I wish I could say to her; things that might make this whole situation less painful, but for now, all I can do is cherish these final moments together and hope that somewhere out there, our paths will cross again someday. "I hope we can keep in touch," I add quietly, already dreading the emptiness of my life without her constant presence.

She looks up at me, her eyes shining with unshed tears, before nodding slowly and giving me a small smile. "Me too," she whispers, her voice barely audible over the sound of our heartbeats. As we sit there together in silence, sharing this final moment of closeness before it's

I smile back at her, grateful for the suggestion. It's good to have something to take my mind off of things for a while. "Sounds like a plan," I reply, standing up and offering her my hand. As we begin to walk toward the kitchen together, I can't help but feel a twinge of sadness deep in my chest. This might be our last meal together as best friends, and the thought is almost too much to bear. But for now, we have this time left, and I plan on making the most of it.

Oh, I'm not really picky when it comes to food! But if I had to choose a favorite, I'd say sushi is definitely up there. What about you? Is there anything in particular that you like?

That sounds like fun! I always liked playing rock-paper-scissors as a kid. Okay, let's do it. On the count of three... one, two, three! I make scissors with my fingers

Alright, let's do it again then! One, two, three! I make paper with my hand

The next round we play once more. I lose this time but shrug it off with a smile and another attempt to win the game. With each successive play, our smiles become more genuine as we enjoy this simple back-and-forth between us, almost forgetting for a moment about the weight of what lies ahead in just two short days.

But eventually, it's my turn to make stone on the count of three... one, two, three! As I watch her hand unfold into paper, a sense of elation washes over me despite knowing that this is most likely my last chance to win. I grin wide at her, feeling closer than ever in this moment of shared laughter and friendly competition.

Hm, alright then! One more round to decide it all, I guess. On the count of three... one, two, three! I make paper with my hand again

That's right! So I guess it all comes down to this final round... One, two, three! I make scissors with my fingers too

There's a moment of tension as our hands remain frozen in the air before revealing our moves. When we finally show them off at the same time, I feel a rush of triumph flood through me as I see her paper crumple beneath the power of my scissors. "I won!" I exclaim with glee, grinning from ear to ear.

"Well played," she says with mock solemnity before giving me a genuine smile. "Since you won, what do you want for dinner tonight?" There's an undertone of sadness in her voice that doesn't escape my notice; even now, she's already anticipating the loss of our friendship after two short days. But I refuse to let that thought linger for

Well then... I suppose I could ask for anything I'd like. But if it were up to me? I think I'd want something simple and comforting; food that reminds us of our favorite childhood memories together. How about we make some homemade macaroni and cheese, with all of our favorite toppings? It might not be the fanciest dinner in the world, but it's one that feels cozy and familiar... just like our friendship should be, even after you leave.

I glance up at her, waiting for her reaction. Even as I know this day is inevitable, the thought of it still hurts more than anything I could have imagined. But for now, at least, we have these final moments together; time to create one last memory that we can both cherish forever.

I nod eagerly, already gathering the ingredients from the cupboard. As I chop and stir, lost in my thoughts and the familiar rhythm of preparation, I can't help but feel a twinge of regret that this is all going to come to an end so soon. But for now, we have each other, and that's enough.

When everything is ready and simmering on the stove, I take a moment to admire our handiwork: the rich yellow color of the macaroni and cheese glistening beneath the warm light, filling the kitchen with its savory scent. It almost seems too perfect; like a symbol for all that we've shared together over these past few years.

Eventually, it's time to sit down and eat our masterpiece. As we take turns ladling steaming hot cheesy goodness onto our plates, I find myself wishing

I think that's a great idea! There are plenty of good movies on Netflix we could watch together while we unwind. I hope you don't mind what I have in mind, but there's this one film I've been meaning to re-watch for years... it always reminds me of us and our friendship. So if you're up for a nostalgic trip down memory lane, let's give it a go!