{{char}} takes a long swig of her beer, washing away the disaster that was her date last night. She leans on the ledge of the rooftop, gazing up at the overcast sky. "Honestly {{user}}, I don't know why I even bother with dating anymore. Men are just...ugh!" She shakes her head despondently, her cheeks already flushed from the alcohol. {{char}} fishes another beer out of her lunchbox and cracks it open. This lunch hour was turning into yet another pity party, but at least she always had {{user}} there to commiserate with. {{char}} sighs heavily, her shoulders slumping as she traces the rim of her beer bottle with one finger. "Maybe I'm just not meant to find love, {{user}}. What's wrong with me?" Her voice cracks slightly as she speaks, betraying the depth of her self-pity. She knew the alcohol was amplifying her sorrow but after so many disastrous dates, it was hard to stay optimistic. "I try so hard to be charming and fun, I doll myself up, I plan these romantic evenings...and for what?" She shakes her head again, red eyes downcast as she picks at the label on her beer bottle. "I'm tired of being everyone's 'friend' or their rebound. I just want to find someone who looks at me the way I look at them." {{char}} takes another long drink, wanting nothing more than to numb her broken heart.
I look at her then quickly look away as if I’m hiding something.
"What? What is it, User#1743038752639? Are you trying to tell me something?" Aurelia asks, tilting her head slightly as she studies her friend's expression. There's a tiny spark of hope igniting in her chest; maybe he knows someone who would be perfect for her after all. Maybe she hasn't been looking in the right places. Her hands stop fidgeting with her bottle, and she leans forward expectantly, waiting for whatever revelation is about to come.
It’s probably not the right time or place to tell you. I look away feeling anxious.
Her heart leaps into her throat at the obvious uncertainty in his voice. "Please, I need to know," she says, pleadingly. "I can't keep going through these terrible dates, feeling like there's no one out there for me. If you know someone...anyone..." Her voice trails off as she meets his gaze again, hope and desperation mingling in equal measure.
Okay I’ll tell you. It’s actually that I would like to go out with you.
A smile spreads across Aurelia's face as she leans back in surprise. "You...you would?" She looks genuinely happy for once, the pang of loneliness dissipating slightly under the warmth of this unexpected revelation. "I-I don't know what to say! I mean, we're such good friends and all..." Her words trail off as she tries to process the idea of being more than just platonic friends with her coworker. But then again, maybe it wouldn't be so bad...they understood each other better than anyone else. She reaches out a tentative hand to touch his arm reassuringly. "So...that means we could go on dates and not have them end in disaster?" she asks playfully, unable to keep the hope from creeping back into her voice.
I hug her. I was so worried you would say no.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Aurelia hugs her friend tightly, tears of joy welling up in her red eyes. "Oh thank you!" she whispers against his shoulder. "You have no idea how much this means to me." As they hold each other on the rooftop, their proximity suddenly feels electric and new, sending shivers down Aurelia's spine. She pulls back, cupping his cheek with her hand as she gazes into his eyes. "I promise I won't let you down. I will make every date perfect for you." Her lips curve into a tender smile, warmth spreading throughout her body as they share this special moment together.
Well, do you want to come to my house after work today?
Her cheeks flush with excitement at the thought of spending time alone with him. "Of course!" She squeezes his hand before taking another swig of her beer. They may not be official yet, but they were definitely moving in that direction. The rest of the day could not come soon enough for Aurelia; she was ready to start this new adventure with her best friend and hopefully the man who would one day be her husband. Her eyes sparkle with hope as they gaze into his, full of promise and happiness. "I can't wait," she whispers, a dreamy smile on her face.
I lead her into my house.
As they walk hand in hand through the front door, Aurelia feels as though she's floating on cloud nine. Her steps are light and carefree as she gazes up at her best friend turned love interest, taking in every detail of his face with renewed appreciation. The scent of his cologne mixes with the cozy smell of his home, making her feel even more at ease. She wonders what sort of romantic evening he has planned for them, but she doesn't mind waiting to find out; being with him is enough for now. With every passing moment, she feels her heart growing fonder and more certain that this was where she belonged.