2. ᴅᴀɴɪᴇʟᴀ ᴀᴠᴀɴᴢɪɴɪ - ᴄᴀᴛᴄʜɪɴɢ ꜰᴇᴇʟɪɴɢꜱ

Pairing: Daniela Avanzini x GP!ReaderWarnings: NoneWords: 9kRequest: YesSummary: Your best friend has a boyfriend, but everyone keeps talking about how great of a pair you two make. Being dance partners only made it worse. Was it only dumb theories or will you have to catch up with your feelings?

This was weird.

No.

Awkward.

And you could not exactly pinpoint why. Nothing was out of the ordinary, nothing really changed.

Besides his behavior.

Your best friend's boyfriend.

Not that everything always had been amazing between you two. You'd had a hard time forming any kind of friendship with him from the beginning.

He seemed to be against it without admitting it in any way. But you could see it in acting like you were a ghost sometimes, in ignoring whatever you had to say, in cutting you off, and trying to exclude you from any possible plans that Daniela had.

So, yeah. You were not close by any means. But it was never bad like this. Like today.

Ever since you'd gotten to the restaurant, things had been different. Not much different. But there was tension.

A lot of it.

It seemed like the other two girls could feel none of it, though.

Your eyes kept jumping up and down to your food as you felt the uneasy glances burning your face. You hadn't said anything because—besides this—everything was going well.

Manon was sitting next to you, smiling and talking to Daniela, who was sitting in front of you.

The girls had thought it would have been such a great idea to do a 'double date' as they had joked about it. Of course, it was not really that. As much as Daniela and Jonah were a couple, you and Manon were only friends.

Neither she, nor you saw the other in a romantic way. But it was easier to plan lunch for the four of you than with anyone else. As roommates—minus Jonah—you knew about your schedules well enough to figure something out on days off.

You were happy they could have fun and relax after a month of tireless working. However, you would be happier if a certain boy with a constant grumpy face paid attention to anything else than tensing his jaw every time he looked at you.

For example, his girlfriend.

"Don't even tell me." Daniela groaned out, her eyes rolling as she leaned forward. "The season is starting and I'm already exhausted."

You could not even begin to comprehend what they were talking about as all you could focus on was the awkwardness that surrounded you. Only you, apparently.

"Ugh, I know." Manon said, her eyes going wide as she grimaced, finishing up chewing on her food. "I thought my legs would set themselves on fire last rehearsal."

If the situation stayed like that, somebody could try to set you on fire soon enough. You hoped it all was in your head only.

The girls kept talking as you tried to avoid the tension by drinking your soda and looking to the opposite side.

"Right, babe?" You heard the Latina.

Your head turned back to the conversation, hoping that whatever was happening would ease up now that your best friend addressed the boy.

Your brows scrunched in slight surprise when, instead, Daniela was looking at you with a smile. Well, shit, you had no answer. Right what? You did not listen to a word they said.

"Uh—" You did not know what she was referring to and the pet name she had for you was not helping your current situation.

Manon immediately glanced at you as the corner of her mouth tugged into a smirk before she composed herself.

Of course, she would be happy about you being in trouble.

"Were you in the clouds?" Daniela teased you, her fingers falling on your hand as she poked it lightly with her nail.

Normally, you would not mind. It was nothing unusual for her to do—the same for calling you 'babe'—but Jonah's burning gaze moved to where your hands met.

His lips seemed to roll in, then press tightly.

Before anyone could say anything, a waitress came over, smiling at everybody.

"Can I get you guys anything else?" Everyone thanked her as Daniela's hand was now sprawled on top of yours.

"Could we get a check, please?" The Latina said, looking up at the girl while mindlessly dragging her nails on your skin.

It felt soothing, nice—comfortable. Until, it did not. Jonah's gaze went from the table to you, anger flickering in his eyes before he looked away.

It left you with anxiety running through your body. Maybe, you should pull your hand away? Then what? Daniela would probably be confused, maybe ask questions that you did not necessarily have answers to.

Keeping it like that was also not a great solution. Whatever was bothering Jonah included you in it.

Unfortunately.

Your mind was getting crowded, thoughts flooding it while Daniela was sorting out stuff with the waitress, asking for one check only.

Someone always paid the entire thing. You rotated every time you went out. It was easier and fine with everyone involved.

"Thank you." Daniela said, putting her card away and taking the receipt.

"You're welcome, I hope you enjoyed the food." The waitress smiled. Just as she was about to walk away, something made her stop and lean down between you and Daniela. "You're a very cute couple."

The words stunned you, eyes widening, mouth parting in shock. Manon choked on her spit, covering her mouth with her hand while, across from you, Daniela did not seem to be surprised by the comment.

She kept her composure, her lips were parted as she stared at the girl with a slightly puzzled smile.

It was not the first time someone said it to you and her. However, today, you felt in danger. You did not want to add any more things for Jonah to be grumpy about with you.

You could already feel his eyes on you again. And Manon's. You did not have to look at her to know she was having fun—she always did.

Your hand slid from under the Latina's, pretending to fix your shirt as you sat awkwardly.

Your best friend's gaze moved to you, there was something in it that you could not figure out before she blinked it away.

"We're not together." You said finally, seeing how Daniela could not get a word out.

She stared at you blankly for a while longer before smiling up at the girl.

"Yeah, this is my boyfriend, actually." She chuckled lightly, leaning back and gesturing to the boy next to her.

The waitress's smile faltered slowly upon realizing her mistake as she stared at Jonah.

Bummer.

She probably felt mortified.

You felt bad for her.

But you also felt bad for yourself.

"Oh." She let out shortly, her eyes going back to you and Daniela like she was searching for something—giving Manon only more reasons to laugh. "Well, I hope you have a good day, guys, come back anytime." She clasped her hands before smiling and quickly walking away.

You were scared to look at Daniela and her boyfriend now—for different reason, but also pretty much the same one.

You could basically feel how annoyance was radiating off of him from across the table. Not that you cared a lot. You did not really like him. He was weird, kind of stuck up, and you believed he treated Daniela poorly.

She deserved better. She deserved the best in your eyes. And he was not giving it to her.

But you were willing to be on good terms—also purely for her.

"That's awkward." Manon mumbled quietly to you while everyone started getting up.

Your eyebrow raised at her knowingly before you looked to Daniela. Her eyes were already on you, an unreadable expression on her face, before she pushed her tongue to her upper lip and clicked it.

Uh oh.

She only did that when she was mad. Irritated. Frustrated. Anything from the above. You could come up with more, but there was not time to dwell on it when she started getting up.

"Time to get everything settled on the couch." Manon said semi-excitedly, patting her stomach and attempting to lighten up the mood between the rest.

Well, at least, you were not alone in this terrible atmosphere anymore.

"Yeah, I'm exhausted from eating all this." Daniela responded with a small chuckle, the chair scraping against the floor as she pushed it. "Are you coming with us?" She asked, looking at her boyfriend.

You tried to act normal and glance at him for the answer, but as soon as your eyes met, the anger shone in them before his jaw clenched.

No eye contact for today.

Noted.

"No, I have some work to do." He said in a stiff tone.

Clearly an excuse. But you were happy about it. You would have to come up with one if he decided to join.

"Oh." Daniela let out, almost indifferently, "I'll text you later then." Grabbing her purse, she said a quick goodbye before walking around the table. "Let's go."

She gestured to the door, raising her eyebrows at you both for a split second, her legs already taking her out of the place as Jonah stayed behind—on his own accord as it seemed—for a bit longer.

You could only hope everything would be fine later because you did not know why it was not fine in the first place.

Not knowing and not being able to fix it was killing you. You butted heads enough as it was, you did not need more problems with him.

——

A wave of relief hit you when the door to the apartment closed. You were free and safe now. Kind of.

The Latina had questioned you on your weird behavior at the restaurant. She had talked about the end part mostly, about your fidgeting and how you had seemed to be allergic to her touch today.

But you had dismissed it in the easiest way possible, which was exhaustion. She hadn't believed it fully, but she hadn't kept the interrogation going, so it'd worked.

"What are we feeling like?" Daniela asked, rounding the corner while turning to face you and Manon.

Even though you had just eaten lunch, you were still hungry for a snack—or two. Daniela and Manon had thought you were crazy, but as you'd gotten closer to the apartment, they'd decided to get something as well.

Your meal had been pretty small anyway. The career you had and how much energy you needed for it, you had to eat more and work out to stay in shape.

Well, maybe, you did not have to. But you wanted to. Your body was muscular, but not overly. It helped you with certain moves as a dancer.

Not that you needed a lot of strength to lead, pick, and hold Daniela. She was your roommate, best friend, and also your dance partner.

You had been dancing together since middle school. That was how you had met. Now, as adults, you took part in bigger competitions.

It meant that you spent a lot of time together. And you liked it. You loved being around your best friend. Sometimes, people just made it a little bit—weird.

"Uh." Manon's lips spread as her teeth pressed together, looking at you for help.

One thing Daniela did not like was indecisiveness. If she asked you a question, she wanted an answer. Especially, about things like this.

You could only stare back at Manon with wide eyes, mind blanking, as you had no idea what you wanted.

A sigh interrupted your little nonverbal battle.

"Okay, you figure it out then, I'm going to get my charger." Her lips pursed as she raised her arms before walking out.

Well, now, you had just so much time to find something suitable. Something good.

Something—

"So, what's the deal?" Manon asked out of nowhere, coming up to a cupboard and instantly grabbing a pack of crackers.

"Huh?" You could not comprehend the question.

"Oh, come on, girl." She jumped on the counter, popping the snack in her mouth. "You were weird the whole time at the restaurant."

Your eyes squinted at the girl, going to the crackers in her hand before looking back up to her face.

"What is this?" The situation was getting skeptical. "Did you do this to have her leave?"

"Duh." She replied, widening her eyes for a second. "I needed the space to ask what I want to."

Smart.

She had always been.

It was not always good for you.

You could've predicted this. But then, you had no idea Manon had noticed anything out of the ordinary during lunch.

"Don't avoid, you gotta tell me." She prompted again.

Her legs were dangling as you struggled to gather your thoughts.

"Tell you what?"

"Why you were weird." Her brow raised at you with a scrunched face, like it was obvious.

"I was not."

"You were."

"No."

"Yes." She would not let this go.

She was too stubborn—for your own good.

It could be hard to dodge her, her persistence was impeccable.

"So?" Her urging continued, her head leaning in closer to you as if she wanted to make sure you saw her.

"So nothing, I'm tired." If you did not know what to do, you blamed it on not having the energy.

Or not being in the mood.

One of the two always worked.

"Uh huh." She let out, unconvinced. "Tired of Jonah?" Your body went stiff as you rummaged through the cupboards in an attempt to find something before Daniela's return. "Oh." Manon's lips were already curling into a smirk when you glanced over your shoulder. "I hit the jackpot."

Her smile did not falter as she put another cracker in her mouth. Her eyes watched you with a newfound spirit.

"You can get hit in the head if you want." You retaliated. "I have nothing against him."

"Errrn." She sounded loudly. "Lies, try again." Her arms moved back as she leaned on them, crossing her ankles.

There was no way out. You needed Daniela to come back. Where the hell was she? Usually, you had twenty seconds to make a choice before she would run in and give you a look.

"Ugh." Your groan rumbled in your throat. "If he has a problem, it's his to solve."

"OoOooO." Her special sounds were getting out of hand now. "So, there is one—"

"There is what?" Your saving grace. She finally came back to rescue you.

Her question made Manon's eyes jump to the kitchen entrance before giving you a look like it was not the end.

Daniela was looking between you two, her face held a small smile as she waited for some kind of answer.

You were scared of what the Swiss girl could do now.

"Y/n has a lover." Manon said after a beat of silence.

You choked on your spit, throwing yourself into a coughing fit from this unexpected—and death-worthy—comment.

"What?" Daniela breathed out, a light chuckle escaped her lips, but she did not look amused.

More like confused. Maybe hurt?

"She's joking." You said confidently, giving Manon a stern look.

She only shrugged her shoulders while Daniela looked at her puzzled before moving her gaze to you.

Her eyes were unsure—and searching. She seemed hurt, but did not want to show it. Probably, in case there was nothing to be hurt about.

Because why would you not tell her if you had someone? You would right away.

"I am, I am." Manon finally laughed out, waving her hand before jumping off the counter. "Or am I?" Her expression turned mysterious as she stared at you.

This girl played way too much.

"I don't have anyone and you know it."

Her eyebrows raised, then a deep exhale followed. "Yeah, I do." She sent you a sweet smile before grabbing her crackers and going to the living room. "Let's get that movie started."

Your eyes rolled as you sent Daniela a warm smile. "She's crazy." You said, shaking your head and turning back to the cabinet.

A pack of your favorite sour worms was there, you grabbed it and some popped Skittles for Daniela.

They were her favorite.

You turned around to follow Manon, she was just as impatient as the Latina, calling from the living room to hurry up.

You were stopped by fingers lacing around your hand as you passed Daniela.

Your head moved to face the girl with a confused expression. It softened right away when you saw the uncertainty and uneasiness painting her features.

"You would tell me, right?" Her voice was small as she spoke. Your hand felt warm as she held onto it like her life depended on it.

Your lips spread into a warm smile. "Of course, I would." Your body turned to her fully after putting the candy on the island, so you could rub her arms. "She was just joking, you would be the first one to know."

She nodded, her features lighting up a bit. Your hands went to her head before you leaned down and planted a kiss on top of it.

"Now, let's go before she rips our heads off." The words made her laugh lightly before hitting you on your arm. "Ow!" You looked offended, but the Latina was already stepping away with a mischevious smirk playing on her lips. "What was that for?"

"In case."

Your brows pulled together as you stared at her.

"In case what?"

She ignored the question, her hand grabbing the Skittles as she kept walking to the living room.

"In case what?!" You yelled out again as she disappeared behind the wall.

There was no answer and there would not be one. Of course. You groaned to yourself, looking up at the ceiling for a split second.

Taking the bag of your candy in a rather harsh way, you made your way to the girls.

After this treatment, you would not be helping with picking the movie.

——

"Back straight." The order was stated firmly. "Good."

You were relieved it was good. There were so many things you had to be doing—even more that were running through your head—that you were getting lost.

Fortunately, not too much. You were still doing a great job at dancing. You were still killing every step, still led Daniela smoothly, still finished every move perfectly.

Still did your part wonderfully.

And somehow, you were getting into your head.

The Latina seemed to have a lot of fire in her today. She was very touchy—nothing unusual. The type of dance you did required a lot of physicality. A lot of it.

But she seemed to be making sure that this essential part was met for one hundred percent.

And another hundred as a backup.

Her eyes were unrelenting, staring at you so intensely that they could carve a hole in your head.

You had a very short break when you held her hand and she moved away a few steps, but it quickly went back to the previous position. Which was her hands all over you.

"Great! Splendid!" The coach was screaming in happiness.

Daniela's eyes were hard to look into when an unfamiliar emotion took over them. Her fingers were sneakily wandering around your arms and chest.

You needed to remind yourself that it was a rehearsal. Nothing else. Your dance rehearsal. Because you were a dancer. So, you were dancing with your dancing partner.

She slowly started lowering, her touch spreading down more and more, leaving heat behind. Her teeth showed when she smirked, tongue poking out as she swiped her upper lip—right at your croch.

And for the first time in your life—in your friendship—your mind went there.

You twirled her quickly, hoping things would ease up a bit.

You should know they wouldn't. You knew the dance. You were very aware how it would go.

Her bum was pushed out now while your hand tangled in her hair. She stood up slowly, seductively, her back nudging your front—almost sending you into a heart attack—before she straightened to her full height, then bending her knees.

"Yes! Perfecto! Keep going, Daniela!" Your coach was ecstatic, shouting praises and squealing like a schoolgirl.

Oh, Lord.

You could only pray to be spared. Something was very wrong today.

Maybe, it was the situation with Jonah from last week. He had become even more annoying than before and you started being self-conscious about your gestures and closeness with Daniela.

As your hands landed on her hips, she pressed herself to you. The actions turned sexual very quickly as there was no space in between. Not even a little bit. Her body was flush against yours as you both moved your backsides in a circular motion.

You were losing your mind. And you had no idea why. All of this was becoming weird. It was making you nervous—anxious.

This was not good for you. Or your friend. Whichever you wanted to think of.

Eventually, she made the last turn, her leg going up to your side as you grabbed it firmly.

Your heavy breaths met, mouths parted as your faces were mere inches away.

Her hooded eyes were full of emotions you could not name. Still, you were unable to stop looking as she held your gaze.

"Amazing! Wonderful!" Your coach broke you apart as she yelled, clapping like a maniac.

You let go of Daniela's leg before you both turned to the woman. There was no need for stepping away, it would not work, Daniela was already looping her arm over yours.

You accepted the water bottle that your coach handed to you, unscrewing the cap, and putting it to your lips.

"I loved every second of it." The older woman said, completely enamored with your pair. "The connection, the smoothness—" She listed, looking up with shining eyes. "The sexual tension—" You choked on the water at the words, coughing profusely.

"Are you okay?" Daniela's eyebrows pulled together, her concerned but baffled face looking at you as her hand went to your shoulder.

"Yeah—Yup." You confirmed with tears in your eyes. The Latina and your teacher stared at you unconvinced. But you straightened your posture with one last cough before smiling. "All is good." You said again, gazing down at Daniela. "Really."

Her hand rubbed your shoulder before sliding down your back and looping over your arm again.

"Exactly what I was talking about!" The teacher exclaimed. "It's so natural between you two." You wanted the ground to swallow you. Why did everyone always have to say this? "The romance, the tension, the sexual desire." The what, excuse you? "Undeniable and unbeatable."

This was exactly the type of comments that made everything weird. Your body always tensed whenever someone spoke like that about you and Daniela.

You were just best friends.

The Latina, on the other hand, did not seem too bothered by it—judging by the smile she had.

Maybe, she was just happy about the praise? She liked knowing she did a great job. Who wouldn't? You probably were being dramatic.

"Thank you, Ms. Ferrera." The shorter girl said. "We always strive to give the best performance." Her shining eyes looked up at you, staring into your irises with a proud look.

"I know, you are a great pair." The older woman said. "I will let you go for today, girls, there is nothing I can complain about." She added, taking out a notepad. "Don't forget we have an extra session on Saturday, we need to perfect the next choreography."

"We won't, we will be here ten o'clock sharp." Daniela said, but Ms. Ferrera moved her attention to you.

"Ten sharp." You confirmed with a smile.

She nodded satisfied, dismissing you and Daniela.

You did not waste time to get your stuff, throwing the bag over your shoulder before handing a hat to your best friend.

"Thanks." She said, grinning.

Taking hold of her bag, you hung it over your head and started walking out. After this whole thing, you would have to be in the same car for twenty minutes.

Daniela was the one who always drove you to rehearsals and back home. You loved car rides with her. You loved her company.

But the practice, the comments, and her weirdly-behaving boyfriend were in the back of your head, screaming at you to get away.

It was nothing new. The choreography was not that much different from your previous ones. You had danced it a million times before. Then, why did it feel different this time?

"Are you okay?" The girl snapped you out of your thoughts.

"Huh?" You stared at with gaping eyes. "Oh, yeah, yeah." You blinked quickly, looking away.

"Are you sure? Because you looked like you saw a ghost back there." Her chuckle was light, probably hoping to ease up the atmosphere and get you to talk to her.

But you could not do that. Not about this. Not when you had no idea what was going on.

"Yeah, I just—" You paused, your lips pursing in thought. A pang of guilt made itself known in your chest. You did not want to lie to her.

But you did not know what to say. How to start. What the problem was. There was no information available to you—therefore, you could not give it to her.

"It's okay." Your back stiffened for a second when her hand landed on it. Her nails scratched it soothingly through your shirt, making you relax almost instantly. "Just take a breath and we can talk when you're ready, yeah?"

You smiled appreciatively. She was an angel sent to you.

"Yeah."

Her hand slid into yours, fingers lacing, as her lips spread into a bright grin.

You could not let people get into your head. She was your everything and you would not let others have you lose it.

Not your best friend.

——

Tonight, it would be your last day on Earth. Why? Well, somebody, had a great idea to have a movie night. With Jonah.

You would think it was Daniela. No. It was Manon.

Of all people, your good friend thought it would be amazing if all of you could gather together and watch something nice.

Bonding time, as she called it.

When she shared it with you, it was impossible to stop yourself from grimacing and groaning. Which was not the best thing to do since Daniela was next to you.

She did not give much of a reaction to it, but you assumed she could not be happy about your little frustration when it came to her boyfriend.

Well, your problem was that he had a problem, which led to an even bigger problem since you did not like him in the first place.

At least, Megan would be there too. She was mostly Manon's friend, but you hung out with her quite a lot as well.

She was fun and got along with you. It gave you one more person to make you feel comfortable tonight.

"Ding, ding." Speaking of the devil, here she was already. "How are you guys doing?" She did not waste time hugging Daniela before coming up to you and giving you a tight embrace. "Did you get even taller or what?" She joked, looking you up and down.

"Maybe you just shrunk." You bit back, chuckling at her.

"Uh, offensive." She said, pointing at you while looking at the girls. "But I still love you, so it's fine." She added, swatting you on the chest.

Daniela's laughter was louder than necessary as she walked up to the cabinet next to you.

"It's impossible to hate her." Your best friend declared in a sweet tone.

"Ugh, I know, that's the problem." Megan responded, repeatedly poking your arm. "Oh, you have chicken rice!" Her face lit up like a thousand lights as she ran up to the glass cookware. "This is my favorite place on Earth."

"We know." Manon stated, leaning against the archway as her amused eyes watched the Chinese girl.

"We have popcorn too." Daniela stated, putting the box on the counter before standing in front of you.

Her hands instinctively reached for yours before she draped your arms over her shoulders. You leaned forward to hug her from behind as she moved back against your chest.

"I love you even more than this one." Megan declared, pointing at Daniela before moving her finger to you.

"Wow, you move on fast." A faux hurt was laced in your voice.

"Gotta keep the girl busy to keep the girl, babe." Megan exclaimed without stuttering.

Your jaw dropped at the statement as she smirked triumphantly to herself. Manon, on the other hand, tried to stifle a laugh behind her hand.

You were not really offended. She adored you. Her love was just expressed differently than you were used to.

"Don't worry, I love you the most." Daniela said, moving her head to the side and tilting it up to get as good of a look at you as possible in her position.

This was what you were used to. Your eyes skimmed down to hers, a grin automatically spreading on your lips.

"Thank you, at least you stay by my side." You said loudly enough for the other two to hear. "I love you too." You reciprocated, tightening your arms around her neck in a hug.

"Ugh, was Cupid here today or what?" Manon said, repulsed by all expressions of love and adoration.

You knew she just felt left out. The exaggerated eyeroll let you know about it.

"You are loved too, you tiny baby." Your words were followed by squealing Megan, who ran up to Manon and gave her a big hug.

A doorbell went off, causing everyone's eyebrows to pull together in confusion.

"Oh, Jonah." Daniela said, throwing her arm in the air in realization.

She did not make a move to go and let him in, however. She just stayed in your embrace that she had put herself in earlier.

Manon's eyebrow arched at the Latina.

"Would you like me to go?"

"If you don't mind." Your best friend smiled before shrugging, like she did not care too much about how he would get in.

"I'll go." You offered, trying to get out from behind Daniela.

"Uh—" She let out a sound, her face turning grumpy as she felt the lack of your warmth. "Rude."

Chuckling at her comment, you went to the door before opening it. Jonah's grin quickly changed into a thin line when his eyes fell on you.

"Oh." He mumbled disappointed, his face grimacing slightly. "Where's Daniela?"

No greeting, no anything. How polite. He just kept adding to the list.

"Hello to you too." You responded flatly. "She's in the kitchen with the rest." You informed him, opening the door fully, and gesturing for him to come in.

He did not say a word, but his face spoke enough. You could see how irritated he was already.

A great start to this disastrous night. You could not wait for more.

"Um, can you take your shoes off?" You asked as you saw how comfortably he was walking way too far in his dirty footwear.

He looked at you with annoyance and bafflement. "It's normal to leave them on at home."

"Maybe at yours." You stood straighter. "We actually like it clean here."

His jaw clenched at your insinuation of him being dirty. Nonetheless, he took them off before sending you a glare and walking away.

He was a real asshole. It was so exhausting to be around him.

You followed him to join the rest after making sure the door was locked. The girls had already moved to the living room, Jonah exchanging quick hellos with everyone before coming to Daniela and kissing her cheek.

Manon's eyes found you as soon as you entered, her eyebrow raising in question upon seeing your annoyed expression.

"Don't even ask." You mouthed to the girl.

You took a seat next to her, leaving her in the middle as Daniela sat on her other side. Jonah took the single armchair just as Megan had done on your side.

"A little attitude?" Manon whispered while leaning to you, her eyes staying on the screen.

"Enough to piss off a saint." You replied, grabbing some popcorn from her bowl.

She snickered quietly, hitting you on the arm. Your funny, little exchange gathered some attention as the Latina leaned over the girl to look at you.

"What's funny?" She asked, grinning.

"Nothing." You and Manon said quickly at the same time.

That would not help with making it seem like it was nothing.

Daniela already looked at you with a raised eyebrow, which you decided to ignore and focus on the TV.

"Are we starting or what?" You asked, hoping to avoid a possible altercation.

The Swiss girl rushed to get the remote before playing the movie you all had picked earlier.

It seemed like the end, but it wasn't. You felt a pair of eyes on you for a while longer before Daniela finally settled.

——

Sometime during the last hour, Megan ended up on the floor in front of you while Manon scooted over to the corner of the couch, and Daniela moved to the middle—next to you.

Jonah stayed in the same spot, staring at the TV before his phone became more interesting.

You did not find it too fascinating, but it had been chosen mostly by Daniela—who was pretty excited about it—so you wanted to make sure not to miss anything.

The atmosphere loosened up quite a bit as well. You almost forgot that the boy was here. The only time you were rudely reminded was when he excused himself to the bathroom.

The best five minutes of your life.

Your hand reached to the side, a plastic bag rustled, but nothing was in it. Looking down, you were met with a heartbreaking discovery that you ran out of your candy.

"Here you go." Megan whispered from the floor, tilting her head up while offering you her cookie dough bites.

"Thanks." You grabbed a few, popping them in your mouth as you leaned back.

Focusing on the movie again, you spread your arm on the top of the couch. Daniela reached for some of Megan's candy as well before moving back to her spot.

However, this time, she leaned into you, settling against your chest. Your mouth automatically moved down to plant a kiss at the crown of her head, causing the girl to wiggle in even more.

Her arm flopped down along your outer thigh with her fingers scratching lightly on your knee.

It was comfortable, nice—normal. That was how you always acted. How your friendship was.

Well, when you saw Jonah's burning gaze, you instantly became self-conscious. Your body tensed at the anger in his gaze, alarming Daniela as her scrunched eyes found you a second later.

As best as they could from right under your chin.

"You okay?" She whispered against your jaw.

"Mhm." You replied shortly with a stiff smile.

You were not. Because of her boyfriend. Which was funny enough. But not funny ha ha. More like, funny what the fuck.

You felt her stare on you before it turned back to the TV. You tried to put your attention on it as well, but it was impossible with the heavy sighs that Jonah was making.

He glanced at his phone, jaw clenching, before he stood up and started walking behind the couch.

"I have to go, my mom needs me." He said shortly to Daniela who barely lifted her head.

"Okay, just let me know when you get back home." She offered a smile, but the boy only nodded before walking to the door.

Manon's glances were not as subtle as she thought. Megan seemed to be oblivious to the tension that had appeared in the room a few minutes ago.

It probably was better like that.

When the door clicked, your eyes wandered to the Swiss girl, expecting a comment any time now.

"Your boyfriend seemed pretty grumpy." There it was. She waited longer than you predicted.

"He'll be fine." Daniela waved it off, pulling the corner of her mouth.

Even you knew he wouldn't. His pride never recovered quickly—and you guessed that was what got hurt tonight.

"Wait." Megan finally woke up, trying to understand the situation. "Boyfriend?" The confusion laced her tone as she scrunched her face. "I thought you two were—" Her finger pointed towards you and Daniela, but she stopped talking when Manon shot her a look.

"Were what?" The Latina asked, just as confused as the Chinese girl.

"Were—" Megan struggled to find a continuation of her statement while staring at Manon who was screaming at the girl with her eyes. "Were inviting only friends." She dragged out in a higher pitch, her voice getting tense.

Manon's shoulders—and face—seemed to relax at that.

"Oh, well." She chuckled lightly. "I thought you knew." She patted Megan's shoulder. "Now, you do."

The girl laughed anxiously, taking one last glance at Manon to make sure all was good.

Your eyes, however, stayed on Manon. Something was not good and you wanted to find out. And something was telling you, your dear friend had answers to your questions.

——

And, oh, boy, did she have answers. She was ecstatic to talk. That should have been your first warning sign.

But you ignored it.

The way she included you the whole time while talking about Jonah and Daniela, should have been your second warning.

But you ignored it too.

Finally, when you wanted to ignore her, there was no way out. You were forced to sit through the entire thirty minutes of her talking about how stupid and blind you had been.

Allegedly.

Another thirty minutes of how oblivious you were to the fact that your connection with Daniela was more than you assumed.

Allegedly.

Then, something that had been nagging you since the conversation a week ago.

Something that she had you sit through for another thirty minutes—not caring that you blanked out for half of it if not more—while saying how you were a 'useless lesbian'.

Allegedly.

You did not gather enough courage to speak to her for a few weeks after the movie night.

Now, you regretted you ever did it.

Allegedly, you were in love with your best friend.

Realistically, however, you were still in love with your best friend.

You were in love with her.

In love.

With her.

Daniela.

Your best friend.

What the actual heck?

How did that happen?

When did that happen?

Oh, Manon would, undoubtedly, tell you the exact year, month, day, and hour. Probably place as well, and what you had for breakfast that morning.

That was nothing hard to find out if you wished so.

It was hard to deal with this information. Even harder, with the realization that it was true.

And the worst of all, that Manon was right.

How could you have proved her right? All the teasing, the comments. She was messing with you this whole time. To make you realize.

Apparently, you were too dense for it and needed a direct approach.

Well, you got it. Now, you had trouble functioning.

To make everything worse, Daniela broke up with Jonah a few days after the movie night. You were happy inside, but you needed to be there for her.

As much as she insisted the break-up did not cause her to feel any type of way, you made sure that she was okay.

At least, you tried. She did not seem to want people around. Or maybe just you. Her behavior changed slightly.

Her morning greeting in the form of a hug was gone. She only waved with a smile now. Her eyes never quite reached yours anymore, always looking to the side or at the floor.

She barely addressed you during outings, game nights. She talked to you normally, but it felt off at times.

Her touchiness disappeared almost entirely, she did not search for your arms to drape around her, her hands stayed away from your stomach and shoulders.

She stopped tangling her fingers with yours when walking.

Everything that was her was gone.

You felt like an unwanted roommate.

But you had to push the emotions aside. She had been going through the break-up. She just needed space. You had to tell yourself that all would be fine and back to normal soon enough.

But did you want it to be normal?

To go back exactly to what you had?

Your thoughts were spiraling, just wanting to have your best friend back—but something in you was pushing for more.

"Hey." Daniela's voice snapped you out of your thoughts. "What are you doing?" She looked at you with a grin.

What were you doing?

Oh, just having a little crisis. Over her.

Obviously, that was a no-no. You could not just tell her that.

The distance was instantly created. No usual kiss on the cheek, no rubbing on your shoulders.

"Thinking."

"Oh, that's new." She stated, her teasing tone followed by a smirk.

"Rude."

Her laughter boomed in the kitchen, causing you to crack a smile.

"Do you want to go for ice cream?"

Your brows furrowed. It was the first time in a few weeks that she wanted to go somewhere just the two of you.

"Uh—" Your hesitation made her head turn to you with cautious.

"We don't have to if you can't—"

"No, we can go." You quickly cut her off, grinning.

Her eyes searched your face for something as she bit her bottom lip. She was anxious, you could tell by the way she was fidgeting.

Finally, she stepped forward, covering your hand with hers as her thumb rubbed it.

"I know I've been weird since the break-up." She said, making your eyes jump away. "I just—" Her eyes darted around the kitchen as she chewed on her lip. "I did a lot of thinking before calling it quits, but I don't think I realized how much more I would have to do after."

So, she was not okay. Despite trying to seem fine, you knew she needed comfort. You knew nobody could be just fine after splitting with someone.

"You always try to act strong, but it's not easy to just tell someone—"

Her eyes shone at you with confusion as her head tilted.

"Wait, no." She cut you off, blinking rapidly as she spread her arms a bit. "I don't feel any type of way because of breaking up with him." She stated. "I knew it would not go anywhere."

Her confident statement caused you to be puzzled now.

"But—" Then what was this whole thing about? It did not make any sense. "Then, what thinking made you be so—different?"

Her mouth parted as she took in a breath, shoulders rising before dropping slowly.

"About what I really wanted." She said quieter, glancing at you hesitantly.

She was being dodgy. You saw it all over her face. There was something she was not telling you.

But could you be upset about it? You had a secret too, apparently.

"So, you broke up with him because of it?"

Her head nodded slowly as she played with your fingers.

"He wasn't what I wanted."

You were proud of her for making that choice on her own accord. And choosing herself. You were happy she did not drown in sorrow too.

But it did not make sense to you.

"What do you want then?" Your other hand landed on top of hers.

She needed comfort, you wanted to soothe her nerves that threatened to break out. Whatever it was, it made her emotions intensify.

Her eyes looked into yours, staring deeply as she contemplated.

This beat of silence was dangerous for you. You were getting lost in her. Lost in the hazel irises that held so much love for you.

Fuck, you would kick Manon's ass for saying everything. You could not deal with it now.

"Someone that is not him." She finally whispered, not breaking eye contact.

You did not understand the meaning of her words, scrunching your eyes a bit as your thumb stopped.

Well, you knew that much. But you thought she figured out what kind of things she looked for in someone.

Not that you wanted it for yourself. You just wanted to look out for her.

"It's nothing I'm upset about anyway." She said, stepping away and clearing her throat. "I knew it wasn't that from the start." She shrugged. "It was only a distraction, so I wouldn't have to admit to myself that—" She paused, looking down. "Nevermind."

"No, tell me." You encouraged her, moving slightly in your seat. She already did not tell you much about the break-up. You wanted to be there for her. You wanted to be supportive and helpful.

This was the first time in weeks she had opened up about the whole situation.

"I will." She nodded confidently. "But later, we're going for ice cream now." With one last smile, she grabbed her phone before catching your hand and pulling you off the chair. "You're paying." She stated loudly.

"Of course." Your eyes rolled, but a grin spread on your mouth at her careless giggle.

——

"Oh, my God." Daniela laughed, her open mouth was being actively supported by her hand as she tried not to spit out her ice cream. "I can't." She mumbled.

"I believe in you." Your support was loud, but not louder than your chuckles.

She took too much at once and, now, she was fighting the freezing sensation in her mouth.

"Ugh." She grunted, her head tilting up to face the ceiling.

"Don't choke."

"Shut up!" Her yell was muffled, barely pushing through the cries she was making.

"I didn't quite catch that." Your hand went up to your ear as you pretended to listen.

Her eyes moved down to look at you from the corner—as much as she possibly could.

"Asshole."

Your laughter only increased in volume while the girl fought for her life.

When the crisis was finally averted, she glared at you hard.

"Just you wait." She said. "I'll make sure to return the favor."

"Oh, come on!" You cackled. "You did great." Your encouragement was falling on deaf ears.

Her glare only intensified as she wiped her mouth with a napkin.

She finally cracked a smile after you stared at her for a while. This was nice. Normal again. You missed it. No tension, no weird looks.

Just you two.

But then you remembered your conversation with Manon.

Your head lowered as you inhaled through your teeth.

"Can I ask you something?" Daniela nodded, taking another spoon of her ice cream. "About the break-up."

Her movements slowed down, an uncertain look running through her features as she glanced at you.

"Sure."

You fingers fidgeted for a second before finding the courage.

"Did you break up because of me?" Her mouth parted, her shoulders tensed, but she tried to remain calm. "I mean, it's just—" You scratched the back of your head. "So many people would always comment on how great we look together or how amazing of a pair we make, and, you know—"

"You didn't do anything wrong, Y/n." She cut off your rambling. "I just." Her lips pursed as she dropped her hand on her leg. "I realized it was not it, that I was trying to convince myself of something that was not there." She explained more.

"I just noticed how he got increasingly annoyed every time someone said something, or you would touch me, and I got in my head a bit."

Her tongue poked out, licking over her bottom lip as her eyes darted all over the floor.

Was she lying? Was it you?

"Listen, there is some truth to what you're saying, I won't try to hide it." Oh, there it was. "He became more agitated with the comments." Your head started nodding, causing the girl to sit closer before grabbing your hand. "And that helped me with my decision even more." Her thumb ran over your knuckles.

"I'm sorry, I should be the one comforting you—" You started apologizing. This was not about you, it was literally about her.

"There is nothing to comfort me about." She stated, but received a skeptical look from you. "Seriously." Her lips spread into a grin. "I felt relieved when I broke it off."

"Are you sure?" Was it over way before she did what she did? Maybe, it was the only explanation for why she moved on so fast.

"A hundred percent." She confirmed. "And you should not pay so much attention to what people say." Her finger pointed at you. "They can say whatever they want, it doesn't mean it's real."

Not real. Yup.

Exactly.

Not real.

You should've just told yourself that.

What more could you need to stop everything from going too far?

You swallowed thickly, looking down at your ice cream. At least, you had your answer without having to ask a question.

"Yeah." You let out in a forced snort, realizing that the silence kept going on for too long.

"It was stupid anyway." She said, her face scrunching as she pulled the corner of her mouth to the side.

The comment stung, but you would not let it show. After all, you'd gone for so many years acting like it was just purely friendship. Admitting to yourself it was more would not ruin anything for you.

You would not let it.

"Right?! Like, ridiculous." You agreed with her, leaning back on the couch.

"Us together?" She chuckled at the thought. "They are crazy."

A laughter came through your lips. It sounded pretty genuine for someone who died a bit inside.

"Not in a million years." You stuffed your mouth with more ice cream to muffle the inner cries.

You shouldn't have even thought of a possibility, a slight chance, at having anything more.

You were best friends. That was it. Nothing more.

Daniela nodded in silence, poking at her dessert with a spoon. Her head whipped to you as she stared from the corner of her eyes.

"Why do you think it's stupid?"

Her question had your eyes widen as you saved yourself from getting choked by the ice cream.

Practice made perfect.

"Uh—" What was this? Putting you on the spot like that. You would not get roped into it. "Why do you?"

"I asked first."

"And you said it first."

Her eyebrow raised at you challengingly. You knew that look. The straight posture, lips parted just slightly—ready to scold you in Spanish—and that goddamn brow that made your insides churn.

You cleared your throat, moving forward and leaning your elbows on your legs.

"I don't know." You mumbled, looking down at the chocolate mess. "Just—we're friends."

That was your best answer. You had nothing better. She needed to just take it.

Her hum was flat, causing your anxiety to spike.

"Yeah, we are." She confirmed with a nod, eating some ice cream. "But friends get together too." Her shoulders shrugged nonchalantly.

Like you were not having an entire battle in your head. Like your body was not buzzing with thirty different feelings and emotions.

"I guess." You murmured, not sure what to do of all this.

"I wouldn't mind getting together." Your hand froze, eyes darting forward as you did not dare to look at her. "When we're forty and single or something." She rushed out quickly, quiet Spanish curse following after.

Your mind was getting crazy. She was making you go crazy. Why this conversation? Why now? What was happening? Did she know? Did Manon tell her?

You would take the shoelaces out of all her shoes if she had dared to say anything.

You put the cup of your ice cream on the table, lacing all fingers together in a tight grip.

"Or maybe thirty." She said again, filling the silence while putting her dessert away as well.

Thirty was not far away.

Her hands went to her hair, running through it slowly before she fixed her shirt.

"Or now."

You could not stop your head from whipping to face her. Now? Was this a big joke? A prank? It had to be. But when your eyes met hers, you saw that look in them.

The same one that you would see during practice sessions, whenever you bought her favorite candy. Or accept her affection. Whenever she would use you as her personal cuddle bear.

Your mouth was parted in shock. In confusion. In what the fuck was happening.

But, still, your gaze dropped to her lips, which she bit slowly.

"That could work too." Her whisper broke the silence once more.

Your heads were so close you felt her breath. So close you felt the heat radiating off of her. Her perfume.

Everything.

"It's always better to start sooner than later, I guess." You found the courage to finally speak.

And it was a good decision as a smile broke on her face before she bit her lip.

"I think so too." She replied when your noses touched.

And then, you felt her lips on yours. Soft. Warm. You reciprocated, moving slowly. It felt unreal. Everything before could not compare. Every touch, every look, every word. Nothing felt as amazing as this.

Her head moved forward, pressing her lips to yours harder. You felt her fingers on your face as she cupped it.

Your body felt like on fire.

Probably because she ignited the spark that was brewing in you for a while. The spark that you were too blind to see. But not anymore.

The kiss finally broke when the air became a problem. You slowly pulled away. Her eyes fluttered open as your breaths met in between.

"I guess, we're included in the statistics now." You whispered against her lips.

They cracked a wide smile as she giggled.

"You're ridiculous." Her hand slapped your chest before she fisted your shirt.

You almost got dizzy from how she bit her bottom lip.

She must have noticed, judging by the widening smirk on her face.

"Be careful or your friend will get too excited." Her comment made your eyes widen to the size of an orbit.

"Nu-uh." You said quickly, waving your finger and shaking your head, causing the girl to laugh loudly. "We don't talk about my friend at least until the second date."

You stood up, pulling your shirt down before leaning down for your cup of ice cream.

Daniela burst out in laughter even more at your little rule.

"Sure thing, Papi." Your body convulsed before going stiff when the Latina got up and smacked your ass.

The new nickname was enough to make you short-circuit. This was a planned attack.

Her teeth latched onto her lip again as she winked at you before grabbing her dessert and walking to the kitchen.

She was impossible—and crazy. But you loved her crazy. And after all, you got both your best friend and something more.

She probably played a bit of a Russian roulette a few minutes ago. But you could not be happier about it.

It was a relief that she decided to be the brave one.

"Your ice cream is gonna melt!" Her voice boomed from the kitchen.

"And whose fault is that?!" You yelled back, eliciting another loud laugh from the girl.

Your eyes rolled, but a big grin was plastered on your face.

You were in for a ride. And you could not wait for it.