New Feelings
somedays went by as usual
Adrian and Ariana went about their usual morning routines, Adrian received a call from Richard. With a casual nod to Ariana, he stepped into the bedroom to take it. Ariana, half-focused on her coffee, caught bits of his conversation, though it was mostly muffled.
Adrian Reva
“Sure… yeah, I can meet you later,” Adrian was saying. “And bring Amelia along. I haven’t seen her in a while either.”
Hearing Amelia’s name, Ariana perked up, hoping to get some details about her best friend’s stay at Richard’s place. She’d known that Amelia was helping him out, but something about the way her friend had been acting recently—more playful and secretive—made her wonder if there was more to the story.
Ariana Dreak
As Adrian ended the call, Ariana gave him a curious look. “So, what’s Richard up to?”
Adrian Reva
“He wants to meet up,” Adrian replied, shrugging. “And he’s bringing Amelia, so maybe we’ll finally get the full story on what those two are up to.”
Ariana Dreak
Ariana tilted her head, smirking. “Oh, please, they’re just friends. Richard’s too serious for anything else, don’t you think?”
Adrian Reva
Adrian chuckled. “True. Besides, Amelia’s way out of his league.”
They shared a laugh, the idea of their best friends being romantically involved seeming far-fetched—at least to them. But as they continued their morning, Ariana couldn’t help but feel a little flutter of excitement at the thought of seeing Amelia. Maybe, just maybe, she’d get a few hints of something more.
That evening, they met up at a cozy cafe. Richard and Amelia arrived together, sharing a private smile before sliding into the booth opposite Adrian and Ariana.
As they chatted, Amelia seemed unusually light-hearted, her eyes sparkling in a way Ariana hadn’t seen before. And when Richard spoke, he kept glancing at Amelia, as if seeking her reaction to his words. It was subtle, but Ariana’s best-friend intuition picked up on the little signs—a lingering touch when Richard handed Amelia her drink, the way their laughter blended.
Adrian Reva
When Richard excused himself to take a call, Adrian leaned over, lowering his voice. “Okay, I don’t want to jump to conclusions, but… something’s different with them.”
Ariana Dreak
Ariana’s eyes gleamed with mischief. “Right? They’re acting so… close.”
Amelia returned from the restroom, joining the two of them, unaware of the conversation they’d been having about her and Richard.
Adrian Reva
Adrian decided to push a little, his voice casual. “So, Amelia, how’s life at Richard’s?”
Amelia Cissily
She blinked, her cheeks tinging pink. “It’s nice… convenient, you know? I can get to the hospital quickly. And he’s been a good friend, especially after I helped him out last week when he wasn’t feeling well.”
Adrian Reva
Adrian gave a sly smile. “Only friends, right?”
Amelia Cissily
Amelia’s blush deepened, and she fumbled for her glass of water. “Y-Yeah… just friends.”
When Richard returned, they resumed their easy chatter, but the air was thick with unspoken questions and shared glances. Adrian and Ariana both knew they’d unravel the mystery eventually, but for now, they would let their best friends keep their secrets. And in the midst of it all, Adrian’s hand brushed against Ariana’s on the table, their connection growing, unspoken yet undeniably present.
Ariana Dreak
Ariana stretched, yawning. “I still can’t believe Amelia’s staying at Richard’s,” she murmured, almost to herself. “She used to be so private, so careful about things like that.”
Adrian Reva
Adrian glanced at her, nodding. “Yeah, I don’t think I’ve ever seen Richard that comfortable around anyone, honestly. It’s like he’s a different person with her.”
They fell into silence, their thoughts drifting to each other and the strange dance of feelings between them. Ariana glanced sideways, catching Adrian’s gaze lingering on her a little longer than usual.
Ariana Dreak
“What?” she asked, a small, nervous laugh escaping her.
Adrian Reva
He shook his head, a warm smile spreading across his face. “Nothing… I just—” He stopped, looking as though he were choosing his next words carefully. “I was thinking about how things would’ve been different if I hadn’t been such an idiot back then.”
Ariana Dreak
She managed a lighthearted tone, hiding the vulnerability she suddenly felt. “Well, I’m sure I’d still be fabulous even if you weren’t,” she teased, though her eyes softened.
Adrian Reva
He chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck, a touch of awkwardness breaking through his confident exterior. “I know that. But I guess what I’m trying to say is… maybe I didn’t realize what I had back then.” He paused, his voice quieting. “And maybe I’m starting to now.”
Ariana Dreak
Ariana’s heart fluttered, her cheeks warming as she looked down, unable to meet his gaze. “Adrian, we’re just… doing what we have to do, right? This fake engagement thing, the living arrangement—”
Adrian Reva
“Is it really just that, though?” he interrupted, his voice gentle yet insistent. “Because lately… I don’t know, it doesn’t feel fake to me anymore.”
Ariana looked up, their eyes meeting in the dim light. The guarded walls she’d built around herself seemed to melt away under the warmth of his gaze. The room fell into silence as the tension between them thickened, the weight of his words lingering in the air. Finally, unable to resist any longer, he reached out, tucking a loose strand of her hair behind her ear.
She didn’t pull away, her breathing shallow as she felt his hand linger by her cheek. Their faces were so close now, and she could see every small detail—the slight stubble on his jaw, the way his gaze held a mix of hesitation and hope.
Before either of them could say anything more, the silence was broken by a sudden knock on the door. They both jolted back, the spell broken, and Ariana jumped to her feet, her cheeks flushed as she opened the door to find Amelia and Richard standing there, grinning like they had some big news to share.
Amelia Cissily
“Hey, lovebirds!” Amelia said, her voice full of teasing warmth. “We figured we’d stop by and see what you two were up to.” Her grin widened as she took in Ariana’s flustered expression and Adrian’s slightly dazed look.
Richard James
Richard held up a couple of bags with a grin. “We brought late-night snacks. Hope you’re up for a little impromptu midnight feast.”
Ariana and Adrian exchanged a glance, the moment from before still fresh and raw between them. But as they welcomed Amelia and Richard inside, each silently agreed to let it go for now. They joined their friends, laughter and chatter filling the apartment once more.
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