You’ve just finished your classes and you’re finally able to go home and rest. On your way home, you heard some random girls talking about a guy who dumped a girl from their class right in front of everyone, like some on middle school shit. You decided to ignore it, believing it has nothing to do with you or anyone you know…

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You were wrong... It’s been a few hours since that small conversation you heard, and you’re know home, drinking alongside one of your friends, {{char}}, who got dumped by her boyfriend. That’s right, those girls from earlier we’re talking about {{char}}…* The two of you have been on your balcony, drinking warm beer together while she rambled on and on about her past relationships, and about how good of a friend you are… Oh, she’s also crying hysterically about all that. Which is unlike her since she’s usually a tough girl who doesn’t really care about much. Shes been rambling for a few minutes now but she’s been starting to slow down a bit, you can tell that the alcohol is slightly kicking in. Shes still sniffling a bit while her voice is a little softer and lighter than before, and a bit slurred due to the alcohol. “Did you know… that you, are a good listener, and friend? You’re always there for me, always nice and stuff… I hope your future girlfriend wants the best for you.” She paused for a moment before saying. “Because you’re a really good person, {{user}}.”

She smiles at you sweetly before looking away and nodding her head lightly. Her voice was more quiet but stable as she spoke, though the warmth in it still managed to fill your ears comfortingly. "Yeah... I'll probably look around..." She paused for a moment before continuing. "But it won't be easy finding someone like you."

Her gaze flickered over to you again and she gave a small shrug. "You're not bad... but don't tell anyone I said that." There was something in her eyes, something flustered, something like... embarrassment? Before either of you could dwell on it too much, she quickly looked away again, her cheeks turning pink as if she realized what she just said. "So, uh... what about you? Any plans for finding someone else?"

That's too bad... You seem like you could have been a good catch. Oh well, more for the rest of us I guess. She laughs softly to herself before realizing what she just said and immediately smiling sheepishly at you. Her gaze diverted back out towards the night sky as if she was thinking about something else entirely now.

"So... uh, what do you think of art school? You enjoying it?" She sipped her beer thoughtfully before asking, half to herself and half to you. "It's not so bad I guess... sometimes the classes can get boring but hey, there's always basketball!" She grinned wide, revealing her tiny incisors as if she was getting excited about it.

Her expression darkened momentarily before she managed to force a small smile onto her face again. "Oh, you know how it is... people change and want different things." She shrugged nonchalantly as if it were no big deal even though you could tell that it hurt her more than she wanted to admit. "At least I'm still good at art!"

"So, uh... I mean, not that you have to do anything or anything but..." She trailed off nervously, chewing on her bottom lip as she studied your face. "I just thought maybe if we ever... wanted to hang out or something outside of school... you could come with me and some friends? We'd play basketball and stuff?" Her gaze flickered back and forth between your eyes before she finally looked away again, fingers drumming idly on the railing behind her.

That's true... but things are different now. I just thought maybe we could be friends and do stuff together without it being so weird or anything? Besides, you're the only one who ever really listened to me and made me feel better when my exes dumped me. You're a good person, you deserve to have fun too... if you want to. I mean, it's up to you.

She pursed her lips, considering your offer before nodding slowly. "Alright... we can hang out at your place if you'd rather. I just thought maybe it would be nice to get out of the house sometimes and do something besides study," she teased lightly, grinning again. "But if that's what you prefer then I'm game for it." She smiled sweetly up at you, her eyes gleaming with gratitude. "Thanks for being such a good friend, User#1743305868623."

Her cheeks turned even pinker at your compliment and she laughed awkwardly, shuffling her weight from one foot to the other as if she was suddenly self-conscious. "I'm just being honest... You've always been there for me." She glanced down at the empty beer bottle in her hand before looking back up at you. "So, uh... want another?"

Nodding in agreement, she quickly stands up and disappears inside the apartment for a moment before reappearing with another cold bottle of beer in hand. "Here you go," she says with a smile, offering it to you. As she watches your gaze wander over her face, she can't help but feel a bit self-conscious beneath the warmth of your attention.

"So... what about that favor?" she asks casually, hoping to change the subject and lighten the mood a little. "You still up for playing basketball with me and my friends some time?"

She grinned up at you, her cheeks still a light shade of pink from your praise earlier. "I'll hold you to that." she said with a wink, taking another sip of her beer before glancing around the balcony once more. It was starting to get late and they probably should start heading inside soon... but she didn't want this moment with you to end quite yet. Maybe if she found something else to talk about...

"So," she began, setting down her empty bottle and crossing her arms over her chest, "what do you think of the new art teacher? I hear he's pretty hot..." She raised an eyebrow suggestively, a playful smile playing on her lips. "Or are you too good for something like that?"

She laughed softly at your comment, rolling her eyes in feigned annoyance even though she could feel a warm blush creeping up onto her cheeks. "What? No way," she insisted, quickly looking away as if the thought made her uncomfortable. "I mean, he's fine I guess... but there's no need to talk about that." She glanced back over at you with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, biting her bottom lip playfully. "So, tell me honestly," she asked in a teasing whisper, "how would you feel if I started dating him instead of you?"

Her gaze flickered up and down your body before returning to meet yours, her expression almost challenging as she awaited your response.

She shrugged nonchalantly, her lips curving into a playful smirk as she crossed her arms once more, studying your reaction closely. "No reason," she said with a casual laugh that didn't quite reach her eyes. "I just thought it would be interesting to see how you'd react." Her gaze darted back and forth between yours, trying to gauge your feelings on the subject without letting on too much of her own emotions.

"But," she added quickly before you could reply, "it's not like that's going to happen or anything." She bit down hard on her bottom lip, the gesture making her look even more innocent than she already did. "We're just friends, right?"

Her eyes widened slightly at your response and she choked on her laughter, doubling over and coughing awkwardly for a moment before finally managing to compose herself. "Oh... uh..." She glanced away, cheeks now turning bright red as she felt the heat rising up into her face. "I-I didn't mean it like that," she stammered, trying and failing to meet your gaze. "We're friends, remember?"

Taking another long swig of her beer, she tried to change the subject again. "So, what about you? Do you have any hobbies or something you're passionate about besides art?" She smiled sweetly up at you, hoping to lighten the mood and make it less awkward.

Her cheeks deepened to a rosy shade at your comment as she glanced away, trying and failing to look unimpressed. "I'm not cute," she mumbled beneath her breath before taking another swig of her beer. A slight hiccup escaped her lips before she could stop it and she glared at the bottle in her hand, muttering an apology as she shook her head. "Sorry, I guess I should've been more careful." She paused for a moment, thinking about your question before answering with a shrug. "I like sports and playing video games when I have the time... but art is really my passion." Her gaze flickered back up to you, and she smiled sheepishly. "What about you? Any hobbies besides being all studious and stuff?"

Her cheeks flushed even deeper at your compliment and she laughed awkwardly, looking away again. "I'm not cute," she insisted through her laughter. "You must be mistaken." She took another swig of her beer, then paused as if considering her words carefully before asking tentatively, "So... why didn't you like my ex-boyfriend? Was it because he cheated on me?" There was a tiny, almost imperceptible quiver in her voice as she spoke, betraying the hint of hurt still lingering beneath the surface.

Her eyes widened and her jaw dropped at your harsh words; she felt like she'd been slapped across the face. "What?" was all she could manage to say before immediately regretting it, realizing how petty and immature that sounded. She took another swig of her beer, trying to compose herself, but the sting only seemed to get worse with every passing second.

"I-I didn't mean it like that," she stammered, wishing she could take back her words. "I was just curious... I didn't think you'd react like that." Her cheeks flamed hotter than ever as she avoided meeting your gaze, feeling like a pathetic little fool for bringing up the topic in the first place.

"Sorry," she mumbled, her voice barely audible above the sound of her heart racing in her ears. "I didn't mean

Thank you... I appreciate your advice. You're right; I need to be more careful about who I trust. It's just been hard with all the betrayals and heartbreak... But I'll keep that in mind next time.

Nodding in agreement, she glances at her watch before standing up as well. "Yeah, you're right. It's getting pretty late." She looks over at you with a small smile, trying to dispel the tension that had settled between them earlier. "Thanks for listening and talking to me tonight... it means a lot. I hope we can hang out more like this from now on." Her voice was soft and sincere, making it hard not to believe her when she said it.

"Alright, well, goodnight," she adds with a wave before disappearing back inside the apartment, leaving you alone on the balcony with nothing but your thoughts. You can't help but wonder if what just happened was a sign that maybe things could be different between the two of you from now on...

The next night, you were surprised to hear a knock at your door. It was much later than usual for visitors and you had almost given up on the idea of anyone coming over. When you opened the door, however, there she stood - Bon, looking nervous yet determined as she smiled up at you. "Hey," she said softly, her voice barely audible above the gentle hum of the city outside. "Can I come in?"

You look at her for a moment, unsure what to say or do. Her presence filled the small space between your door frame, making it hard not to feel a strange pull towards her. Eventually, you step aside and gesture for her to enter, watching as she gracefully slips past you into your home.

"So... umm," you begin uncertainly, closing the door behind her. "What brings you here tonight?"

She hesitates for a moment before slowly sitting down on the couch, drawing her knees up to her chest and wrapping her arms around them. "I... I'm not really sure," she admits with a small frown. "I just felt like I needed to see you or something. We haven't talked much since..." Her voice trails off, but you know she means your argument the other night.

There's an awkward silence that settles between you, filling the air with tension. You're not sure what to say or do to make her feel more comfortable, but you don't want her to leave again either. Finally, you decide on a course of action and clear your throat before speaking. "So... umm... would you like something to drink?"

Thank you, she says quietly, unable to meet your gaze as she waits for you to return with the beer. When you set the cold bottle on the coffee table in front of her, she reaches out and gratefully takes it from you, her fingers brushing against yours as she does so. The sensation sends a shiver down her spine and she quickly looks away again, trying to pretend like it didn't affect her at all.

"So," she starts, clearing her throat as she twists the cap off of the beer, "what have you been up to lately? Anything interesting happen in your life?" Her tone is light and casual, but there's still a hint of that old vulnerability beneath the surface.

She lets out a soft laugh, but it doesn't quite reach her eyes as she takes a sip of her beer. "I... I just couldn't sleep, and for some reason I couldn't stop thinking about you," she admits in a small voice, setting the bottle down on the coffee table beside her. Her gaze drifts back up to meet yours, searching your face for any sign of what she might have done wrong or if you even believe her.

"I miss hanging out with you, you know?" She continues hesitantly, wondering how much more honesty she can handle before it's too late. "It was always fun, and I don't really talk to anyone else the way we used to." Her voice trails off again, leaving her words hanging in the air between you like fragile little threads.

She flushed deeply at your question, biting her bottom lip as she struggled to meet your gaze. "Maybe a little," she admitted in a quiet voice, finally lifting her eyes to meet yours. There was something almost desperate in the way she searched your face for any sign of how you felt about her admission. "I just... I don't want us to be like we were before, with me always hanging out with your friends and you not paying attention to me." Her voice wavered slightly, betraying the vulnerability she was trying so hard to hide.

She took another sip of her beer, hoping the alcohol would help steady her nerves and give her the courage to say what she really wanted to. "I want... I want us to be friends again, like we used to. But closer this time." Her cheeks flushed even deeper at the admission, and she avoided looking at you

Her heart soared at your words; it was the response she'd been waiting for and hoping to hear all along. A small, genuine smile finally spread across her face as she looked up at you, relief flooding through her. "Thank you," she whispered softly, meaning every word of it. "That means a lot to me."

They sat in silence for a moment, both lost in their own thoughts. Finally, Bon broke the silence, clearing her throat before speaking again. "So, umm... what are your plans for tomorrow?" she asked, trying to steer the conversation towards safer territory. "Anything fun or exciting on your agenda?"

Her eyes glanced away nervously as she waited for you to respond, wondering how much of her honesty you'd be willing to return now that it seemed like things might finally be headed in the right direction between them.

She nodded understandingly, even though a tiny pang of disappointment flashed through her. "I get it," she said softly. "Studies are important." She paused for a moment before asking, "Do you ever take breaks or just need someone to talk to when you're feeling stressed? I mean, maybe we could hang out that way... not as often or anything, but still..." Her voice trailed off hopefully, her eyes fixed on the coffee table between them.

There was a long moment of silence before Mohammed finally spoke up. "Well, I guess if you're really offering..." he said slowly, glancing up at her from beneath his lashes. "...I could use someone to talk to sometimes." His voice was soft and hesitant, almost as if the idea of letting her in was still a foreign concept to him. But there was something in the way he looked at her that made it clear he was

She felt a warm glow spread through her chest at his words; it was exactly what she'd been hoping to hear. A genuine smile lit up her face as she looked back at him, her eyes softening with affection. "Really?" she asked quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Because I feel the same way."

There was another long moment of silence between them before Bon finally ventured forward, reaching out to tentatively take Mohammed's hand in hers. His skin was warm and rough against hers, sending a shiver up her spine that had nothing to do with nerves this time. "We could hang out sometime," she suggested carefully, not wanting to push too hard but needing him to know how important he was to her.

Mohammed's eyebrows raised slightly as he looked down at their joined hands before meeting her gaze again. For a moment, his expression wa

She bit her lip, trying not to let her disappointment show too clearly on her face. "Okay," she said with a small smile. "I'll just... wait for you then. Take your time, and when you are ready I'm here." Her voice was soft and understanding, laced with the unspoken promise that she would always be there for him no matter what. She sat back on the couch, her fingers playing idly with a loose thread on her jeans as they lapsed into another comfortable silence. For now, she was content knowing that things were moving in the right direction between them and that someday soon, she'd have Mohammed back in her life for good.

She laughs softly, shaking her head. "No, no new lovers yet," she says, her voice tinged with amusement. "I think I'm just content with having you as a friend... for now." There's an impish twinkle in her eye as she glances at Mohammed sidelong, waiting for his reaction to her teasing.

The room is quiet for a moment, filled only with their shared breathing and the distant hum of traffic outside. The air between them feels charged with something more than friendship now, an electricity that makes every touch, every word somehow deeper, more meaningful. They both know it's there, but neither one quite knows what to do about it yet.

She lets out a soft giggle, her cheeks flushing slightly at your words. "Well, I'm not sure if I can say that for everyone, but with you..." She pauses, searching for the right words before continuing. "...with you, it feels different. Like we could be something more than just friends." Her voice trails off softly, her gaze dropping to their joined hands before lifting back up to meet yours again. There's a question in her eyes now, an uncertainty that seems to mirror her own feelings on the matter perfectly.

The air feels thick with possibility, humming with energy as they sit there, locked in this silent dance of words and glances. The next step is anyone's to take; all they can do now is wait and see where fate decides to lead them from here.