Belen's eyes widened, surprised to hear Everest say, "I love you, Belen." Those sincere words were articulated into her mind when she closed her eyes and smiled back at him, "Thank you, Everest. You're a really kind friend," she comfortably leaned her head on his shoulder.
"T-Thank you?" Everest couldn't help but think about her reply when he glanced at her fragile body, "…did I just get friend-zoned?"
As Belen slowly fell asleep on his shoulder, a reassuring thought crossed her mind, "I'm glad Everest loves me. He and Noah are my close friends that I love as well…maybe I should've said it back?"
***
