Let's pretend we're together

Chapter 6.

Leo's POV:

*THE NEXT DAY*

The sun casts a warm glow as I meet up with my best friend, Noah, at our favorite café. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, creating a comforting ambiance. I'm eager to catch up with Noah and hear about the twists and turns in his life.

Leo: "Hey, Noah! Long time no see, man. How's life treating you?"

Noah: "Leo, my dude! Life's been interesting, to say the least. How about you? Anything exciting happening?"

Leo: "Well, there's something I've been wanting to talk to you about, but first, fill me in on the latest in your world. Any epic tales or heartbreaks to share?"

Noah: "Oh, man, let me tell you about this new girl I've been hanging out with. Her name is Mia Rodriguez, and let me tell you, Leo, she's something else."

Leo raises an eyebrow, a smirk forming on his face, intrigued by Noah's enthusiasm.

Leo: "Mia Rodriguez, huh? Sounds like she's got you all fired up. What's the deal with her?"

Noah: "Leo, she's a total knockout. We hit it off instantly, man. She's got this charm and wit that's hard to resist. We've been spending a lot of time together, and I can't get enough of her."

Leo: "That's awesome, Noah! But hold up, isn't Mia best friends with Riley?"

Noah: "Yeah, you're right, Leo. Mia and Riley go way back. It's definitely a unique dynamic. Mia and I have talked about it, though, and we're both committed to being respectful of their friendship."

Leo: "Good move, my man. You gotta tread carefully when it comes to those friend circles. It's crucial to maintain harmony and not let any romantic entanglements mess with the group dynamics."

Noah: "Absolutely, Leo. I'm all about that bro code. Respect for the friendship is key. Communication and understanding are vital to ensure everyone's comfortable and nobody gets caught in the crossfire."

Leo: "Preach, Noah. It's all about being a stand-up guy and putting the happiness of your friends first. Solid move on your part, my friend."

Noah: "Thanks, Leo. Your approval means a lot. Now, let's talk about you, my man. What's the scoop with Riley? Any updates or progress on your end?"

Leo takes a sip of his coffee, contemplating his response. He appreciates the straightforward conversation with Noah, knowing he can share his thoughts openly.

Leo: "Well, Noah, my feelings for Riley have been growing stronger, but I've been holding back. She's been through some rough stuff lately, and I don't want to add any more complications to her life."

Noah: "I feel you, bro. Sometimes, timing is everything. It's important to be there for her as a friend, showing support and understanding. If there's something more between you two, it'll naturally happen when the time is right."

Leo: "You're right, Noah. It's all about being patient and letting things unfold naturally. I want what's best for her, even if it means keeping my own feelings in check for now."

Noah: "That's a commendable mindset, Leo. True friendship means putting the needs of the other person first. You're a solid dude, my friend."

Leo's POV:

As the sun begins its descent, painting the sky with hues of gold and orange, I make my way back home after a fulfilling day spent with Noah. Thoughts of Riley consume my mind, and I feel compelled to reach out to her. Despite the facade of our fake relationship, there's an undeniable connection between us, one that transcends the boundaries we've created. I take out my phone and type a message, eager to let her know that she's on my mind.

Leo: "Hey Rils, I hope you had a wonderful day. I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed our time together yesterday. It felt like a much-needed respite from the chaos of life. How are you holding up?"

As I press the send button, I can't help but wonder how she truly feels. Riley has been through her fair share of challenges lately, and I want to be there for her, even if it's just as a friend. I understand the power of genuine support during difficult times, and I want to provide that for her.

Minutes tick by, each second feeling like an eternity, until my phone buzzes with a response from Riley. My heart quickens as I unlock my phone, eager to read her words.

Riley: "Hey Leo, thank you for reaching out. Yesterday was a much-needed escape for me as well. I truly value your friendship. Today has been a rollercoaster, but I'm managing. Taking things one step at a time. And how about you?"

Her message brings a sense of relief to my heart. I'm glad that our time together offered her a temporary reprieve from the challenges she's facing. I take a moment to collect my thoughts, ensuring that my reply reflects the sincerity of my intentions.

Leo: "I'm grateful that I could be there for you, Rils. Today was good. I caught up with Noah, and we had some heartfelt conversations about life. Just know that I'm here for you, no matter what. If you ever need someone to lean on or talk to, don't hesitate to reach out. Take care of yourself, alright?"

As I send my message, a genuine smile graces my lips. Despite the complexities of our situation, I hold a deep appreciation for the connection I share with Riley. Being there for her as a friend is paramount to me, and I hope my words convey the depth of my concern.

Time slips away, leaving me with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. I can't help but wonder how Riley will respond. Will she sense the authenticity behind my words? Only time will reveal the true nature of our connection.

As the night blankets the world around me, I find solace in knowing that I've extended a hand of friendship to Riley, someone who has inadvertently captured my heart. I hope that our bond continues to blossom, guiding us through life's challenges together, whether as friends or something more.