Go back?
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Finally again meeting the A's
The morning sun filtered through the blinds, casting a warm glow over the room. Ariana groggily opened her eyes, momentarily confused by the sense of empty space beside her. She blinked, realizing the spot where Adrian should have been been vacant. Then, the memory of last night resurfaced—Adrian tumbling down with a muffled groan as she slept.
She smirked to herself, stifling a giggle, but her expression shifted to surprise when she heard a clatter in the kitchen. Wrapping herself in a robe, she made her way out, following the smell of something that could only be described as “irritatingly delicious.”
There stood Adrian, stirring a pot with an intense look of concentration. He glanced up as she entered, a small smile tugging at his lips.
Adrian Reva
“Well, good morning to the bed hog,” he teased, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
Ariana Dreak
“Excuse me, but you were the one who took up all the space,” she retorted, arms crossed, though the faint blush betrayed her.
Adrian Reva
"Yeah? Well, I don't remember elbowing anyone off,” he countered, arching a brow. “Guess it doesn’t matter—I was too busy sleeping on the floor.”
Ariana hid a smile as she took a seat at the counter. Watching him cook, she found herself getting lost in the ease of his movements, the way he expertly diced vegetables and added a pinch of salt. When he looked up, catching her staring, her cheeks flushed.
Adrian Reva
He leaned over with a teasing smirk. “Hungry?”
Ariana Dreak
She quickly looked away, mumbling, “Just a bit.”
He placed a plate of scrambled eggs and toast in front of her, then poured her a coffee. Their fingers brushed as he passed her the mug, lingering a second too long before he pulled away, turning to grab his own breakfast. The air between them felt electric, charged with things left unsaid.
There was a knock on the door. Ariana opened it to find Amelia, whose flushed cheeks and relaxed smile hinted at a blissful morning. Richard was right behind her, and the two best friends exchanged knowing glances before Ariana pulled Amelia aside.
Ariana Dreak
“Amelia,” Ariana whispered, raising an eyebrow, “what’s going on with you and Richard?”
Amelia Cissily
Amelia’s cheeks turned a deeper shade of pink, and she fumbled for an answer before letting out a sheepish laugh. “Well… let’s just say I missed my morning rounds today.”
Ariana Dreak
Ariana’s eyes widened, a playful smirk creeping onto her face as she nudged her friend. “Look at you, skipping work! I’m proud.”
Meanwhile, Adrian and Richard exchanged a similar glance.
Richard James
If I didn’t know better, I’d say things are starting to change here, too.” He nodded toward Ariana, who was still engaged in a whispered conversation with Amelia.
Adrian Reva
Adrian sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “It’s… complicated.”
Adrian Reva
Richard grinned. “It always is. Just don’t wait too long to figure it out.”
As they all gathered for an impromptu lunch that Adrian prepared, laughter filled the small apartment.
But soon, Amelia and Richard had to leave for work, exchanging quick goodbyes. As they walked out, Adrian and Ariana found themselves alone in the now-silent apartment, the absence of their friends suddenly amplifying the tension between them.
Adrian Reva
Adrian cleared his throat, trying to break the silence. “So… uh, any big plans today?”
Ariana Dreak
Ariana shrugged, avoiding his gaze as she fiddled with her cup. “Just some designs to work on. Nothing too exciting.”
Adrian Reva
“Need any help? I’ve been told I have an eye for color,” Adrian teased, trying to lighten the mood.
Ariana Dreak
She raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. “Oh, is that so? Last I checked, your idea of a good outfit was a white shirt and dark jeans.”
Adrian Reva
He chuckled. “Hey, classic never goes out of style.”
Ariana Dreak
She rolled her eyes, unable to hold back a grin. “Alright, Mr. Classic. Let’s see if you can keep up.”
The hours drifted by as they worked side by side, Ariana sketching and Adrian occasionally tossing in his opinions. Their banter was easy, playful, with each laugh and stolen glance adding a layer of closeness that neither could deny. Ariana found herself relaxing, surprised by how natural it felt to be around him, despite everything they’d been through
As evening fell, Ariana suggested ordering dinner.
Adrian Reva
Why don't I cook instead?
Adrian Reva
“Since last night didn’t go exactly as planned.”
Ariana Dreak
Ariana’s eyes sparkled with mock. “Are you sure you won’t be the one on the floor this time?”
Adrian Reva
He laughed, pulling out ingredients from the fridge. “I’ll take my chances.”
They cooked together, Ariana attempting to help but mostly getting in his way, while he navigated the kitchen with ease. Watching him chop, stir, and season with confidence and focus stirred something in her, a quiet admiration mingled with an ache of old memories. She remembered the younger, more uncertain Adrian—she’d fallen for him then. And now, seeing how he’d grown, that feeling was stronger, warmer, harder to ignore.
Dinner was simple but delicious, and they settled on the couch afterward, comfortably full. They fell into easy conversation, sharing stories from their pasts, laughing over shared memories of awkward school days. And in a rare moment of honesty, Ariana found herself confessing something she’d never thought she would.
Ariana Dreak
“You know… when you rejected me back then, it hurt more than I thought it would,” she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Adrian Reva
Adrian’s expression softened, a flash of regret passing through his eyes. “Ariana… I’m sorry. I wasn’t ready. I thought I knew what I wanted, but I was just scared.” He paused, searching her face. “If I could go back, I wouldn’t have let you go so easily.” *held her hand
Ariana Dreak
Just then, Ariana’s phone buzzed, breaking the moment. She jumped, pulling her hand away as if burned. “It’s Amelia,” she mumbled, checking the message. Amelia had texted a teasing line: “Hope you two lovebirds didn’t burn the apartment down.”
Ariana Dreak
Ariana chuckled, shaking her head. “Amelia’s meddling even from afar.”
Adrian Reva
Adrian smiled, leaning back. “Yeah, she and Richard have quite the setup, huh? Who would’ve thought?”
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