The Coming Out

One Last Goodbye

Riley was walking down the street, lost in thought after the talk she had with Carson. When suddenly she heard a familiar voice behind her. "Hey, Riley!" It was Ivan, her ex-boyfriend.

She turned around to face him, surprised to see him. "Ivan, hi!" she said, trying to sound happy to see him.

They made small talk for a bit, catching up on each other's lives. Riley noticed that Ivan seemed a little nervous and jittery, like he was hiding something. Finally, she decided to ask him what was on his mind.

"What's going on, Ivan? You seem a little off," she said.

Ivan hesitated for a moment before finally speaking. "It's just...I don't know how to say this, but I still have feelings for you, Riley."

Riley was taken aback. She had moved on from their relationship a long time ago, and she didn't know how to respond to Ivan's confession. "Ivan, I'm sorry, but I don't feel the same way. We're better off as friends," she said gently.

Ivan looked a little hurt but nodded in understanding. "I know, Riley. It's just...hard to let go sometimes."

They continued walking and talking until Riley accidentally let it slip that she had a crush on Ivan's friend, Cole. Ivan's face fell, and he looked a little hurt.

"I see," he said quietly. "So, you moved on to my friend?"

Riley felt bad for hurting Ivan's feelings. "I'm sorry, Ivan. It's not like that. I just didn't know how to tell you."

Ivan sighed. "It's okay, Riley. I'm not angry or anything. It's just a little weird to hear that my ex-girlfriend has a crush on my friend."

Riley felt a little relieved that Ivan wasn't mad at her. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have kept it a secret."

Ivan smiled. "It's okay. Actually, I have a crush on one of your friends too."

Riley looked surprised. "Really? Who is it?"

"It's Carson," Ivan said, looking a little embarrassed.

Riley couldn't help but laugh. "That's funny. Cole and Carson are best friends. Maybe we should all hang out together sometime."

Ivan nodded, and they continued walking until they reached a nearby bridge. They stood there, watching the sunset in silence for a few minutes before Ivan spoke up.

"Riley... can I kiss you one last time?" he asked, looking at her intently.

Riley hesitated for a moment before nodding. They leaned in, and their lips met in a passionate kiss. It felt familiar and comforting, but also bittersweet. 

After they pulled away, Ivan looked at her sadly. "I guess this is goodbye then, Riley."

Riley felt a pang of sadness but knew it was for the best. "Yeah, I guess it is. Goodbye, Ivan."

They hugged each other tightly, knowing that they would always have a special place in each other's hearts. And with that, they parted ways, ready to move on and start new chapters in their lives.