The morning was crisp, with a cool breeze cutting through the usual warmth of campus. Ere'ana and Avarina walked side by side, their shoes crunching on the gravel path as they headed toward their first class of the day.
"So," Avarina said, breaking the silence, "you're sticking to our plan today, right? No sneaking off with Jack during lunch or after class."
Ere'ana rolled her eyes, but a small smile played on her lips. "Yes, yes, I remember. Today is all about us. No distractions, no boyfriends."
"Good," Avarina said, smirking. "Because I'm not letting you bail on me again. I still have a ton of tea to spill, and you owe me some serious girl talk."
Ere'ana laughed, nudging her friend lightly. "Fine, spill it now. What's the latest drama?"
Avarina opened her mouth to respond, but before she could say anything, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out, glancing at the screen.
Her eyes widened slightly, and Ere'ana noticed a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks.
"Who's that?" Ere'ana asked, her curiosity piqued.
"No one," Avarina said quickly, locking her phone and shoving it back into her pocket.
Ere'ana raised an eyebrow. "Really? Because that blush says otherwise."
"I'm not blushing," Avarina said, though her voice was a little higher than usual.
"Oh my god, it's a boy, isn't it?" Ere'ana teased, stepping in front of her friend to block her path. "Who is it? Spill!"
"It's nothing," Avarina insisted, trying to sidestep Ere'ana.
Ere'ana wasn't having it. "You've been grilling me about Jack for weeks, and now you expect me to let this slide? No way. Tell me!"
Avarina sighed, clearly realizing she wasn't going to win. "Fine," she said, pulling out her phone and showing Ere'ana the message.
The text was from someone named "Kaden," and it read: Hey, Avarina. I was wondering if you're free after class today? I'd love to hang out.
Ere'ana gasped, a grin spreading across her face. "Who's Kaden? And why didn't you tell me about him?"
"He's… a guy from my literature class," Avarina admitted, looking away. "We've been talking a little, but it's not a big deal."
"Not a big deal?" Ere'ana repeated, her grin widening. "He just asked you to hang out! That's definitely a big deal."
"It's not," Avarina insisted, though her blush deepened. "We're just friends."
"Uh-huh," Ere'ana said, crossing her arms. "And does this 'friend' know you spend all your time obsessing over my love life?"
Avarina groaned, shoving her phone back into her pocket. "Can we just drop it? It's not like I'm going to say yes."
"Why not?" Ere'ana asked, frowning. "He seems nice, and it's not like you've been seeing anyone else."
"Because I'm not interested in dating right now," Avarina said firmly. "Unlike you, I actually have my priorities straight."
Ere'ana rolled her eyes. "Oh, please. You can have a social life and still keep your priorities straight. Besides, if you're not interested in dating, why were you blushing when you saw his message?"
"I wasn't blushing!" Avarina snapped, but her tone lacked conviction.
Ere'ana smirked, knowing she had struck a nerve. "Okay, fine. I won't push. But for the record, I think you should give him a chance."
"Noted," Avarina said dryly, clearly eager to change the subject.
By the time they reached their classroom, Avarina seemed to have composed herself, though Ere'ana could tell she was still thinking about the message.
The class was already filling up with students, and Ere'ana and Avarina quickly found their usual seats near the middle of the room.
As the teacher began the lesson, Ere'ana couldn't help but glance at Avarina out of the corner of her eye. Her friend was staring at her notebook, but she wasn't taking notes. Instead, she was doodling absentmindedly, her mind clearly elsewhere.
Ere'ana leaned over, whispering, "Still thinking about Kaden?"
"Shut up," Avarina whispered back, though there was no real bite in her tone.
Ere'ana smiled to herself, feeling a strange sense of satisfaction. For once, it wasn't her love life that was the center of attention, and she was more than happy to let Avarina have the spotlight.
After class, as they walked to their next period, Avarina's phone buzzed again. This time, she didn't bother trying to hide it.
"It's him again, isn't it?" Ere'ana asked, grinning.
Avarina sighed, checking her phone. Sure enough, it was another message from Kaden: If you're busy, that's totally fine. But if you're free, let me know. I'd really like to see you.
Ere'ana glanced at the message over Avarina's shoulder. "Okay, that's actually really sweet. How are you going to say no to that?"
"Like this," Avarina said, typing a quick reply: Sorry, I'm busy today. Maybe another time.
Ere'ana groaned. "You're impossible. Why are you so scared of hanging out with him?"
"I'm not scared," Avarina said, locking her phone. "I just… I don't want things to get complicated."
Ere'ana frowned, her teasing tone replaced by genuine concern. "Complicated how?"
Avarina hesitated, then shrugged. "I don't know. I've seen how crazy things have been for you with Jack. I don't think I'm ready for all that drama."
Ere'ana sighed, placing a hand on her friend's shoulder. "Not every relationship has to be like mine and Jack's. You deserve to be happy, Avarina. And if Kaden makes you happy, you shouldn't let fear hold you back."
Avarina looked at her, a small smile tugging at her lips. "You're way too invested in this, you know that?"
"Hey, what are friends for?" Ere'ana said, grinning.
Avarina rolled her eyes, but Ere'ana could tell she was considering her words.
As they continued walking, Ere'ana couldn't help but feel a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, Avarina would take a chance on Kaden. And maybe, for once, the drama wouldn't be all on her.