The evening had fallen, and the streets of the city were starting to buzz under the streetlights. Dylan walked quickly, hands in the pockets of his sweatshirt, a light breeze brushing his face. After a day of work and training, he needed a bit of comfort. He wasn't ready to go home just yet, not yet. His thoughts were still swirling in his head, like the last leaves blown by the wind. His mind was still on the basketball court, the sensation of the ball in his hands, the music in his ears, the adrenaline running through his veins.
But there was something else too. He wanted to see her, to be with her, even if just for a few minutes. Her, Diana, his best friend, with whom he had shared so many childhood memories. She was the only one who understood him without needing him to say a word. Their friendship was simple, pure, with no pressure or expectations. Just a natural connection, as if their lives had intertwined at some point, without them even realizing it.
Diana lived just a few streets away, in a quiet neighborhood, far from the hustle and bustle of the city center. Her house was a small building at the end of an alley, a peaceful place, almost secret. She lived with her mother, a warm but discreet woman, who knew all about Dylanâor almost everything. Her mother had always treated him like family, like a brother, and it had been a while since they had had a real conversation. But tonight, it was Diana he wanted to see.
When he arrived in front of the house, he paused for a moment, observing the windows where a soft light filtered through. He knocked gently on the door, then waited, his heart beating a little faster than usual. He knew Diana was expecting him, that she'd be happy to see him, but he couldn't shake the strange feeling in his stomach.
The door opened slowly, and there she was, standing in the doorway. Diana. Her long, black hair cascaded around her face in soft waves. Her eyes, so calm and soothing, looked at him with a mix of surprise and joy.
"Dylan, you're really coming to see me tonight?" she said, smiling, her voice soft and full of tenderness. "I thought you'd be tired after your day."
"I didn't want to go home just yet," he replied, trying to hide his unease. "And I figured a little visit to my best friend wouldn't hurt."
She laughed gently as she stepped aside to let him in. "You know you're always welcome here."
Dylan entered, greeting Diana's mother, who, as always, offered him a warm smile. "Good evening, ma'am," he said before following Diana into the living room. The inside of the house was simple but cozy. Some family photos adorned the walls, and a gentle scent of vanilla lingered in the air, as if every corner of the house breathed tranquility.
"Do you want something to drink?" Diana asked, heading toward the kitchen.
"A coffee would be perfect."
She nodded and busied herself preparing the cups. Dylan sat on the couch, observing the shelves filled with books and little decorations that gave the place a warm, intimate atmosphere. He felt at home here, away from the hustle of the city.
"So, how's it going with your group?" Diana asked as she returned with the coffee cups. "Are you making progress?"
Dylan took the cup, thanking her with a smile, but his gaze drifted for a moment. "It's going," he replied, but he knew that answer wasn't enough. There were tensions beneath the surface within the group. Thomas and Jasper were his best friends, but sometimes he wondered if the pressure of fame, if it ever came, would end up breaking something between them. He shook his head, choosing not to talk about it for now. "We're progressing at our own pace. I think we're starting to find our place."
Diana sat beside him, watching his face closely, as if she could read him without him having to say a word. "Are you sure?" she asked softly.
Dylan nodded, but he knew he was lying a little. Of course, he had doubts. Everyone did, right? But with Diana, everything seemed easier to accept. She was always there to listen, without judgment, without asking uncomfortable questions.
"You know, Diana," he said finally, "we're going to make it. We have talent, we have friendship. Nothing's going to stop us."
She smiled at him gently, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I know. And I'll always be here for you, Dylan. No matter what happens."
He suddenly felt lighter, as if the weight of the world had been lifted from his shoulders. Maybe everything would be okay after all. Maybe they would make their dreams come true, together.
"Thanks, Diana," he murmured, touched by her words.
They sat there, both of them, in silence, just enjoying the moment, far from the worries of the outside world.
But as the evening went on, Dylan knew he would have to head home eventually. Life would soon catch up with them, and the dreams they nurtured had to become a reality. But for now, all that mattered was this moment with her.