It's not always Black and White

The unexpected

Bea's POV

I invited Ryan to my house.

So, there I was, with Ryan sitting on my couch, the man who was once my boyfriend and is now my friend. Ah, the joys of navigating the post-relationship friendship territory. Ryan had been a great boyfriend, but we both realised that we were better off as friends. Or at least, that's what I kept telling myself.

"So, Bea, how's life treating you?" Ryan asked, sipping his drink casually.

"Oh, you know, same old, same old," I replied with a nonchalant shrug, trying to act cool as a cucumber.

He raised an eyebrow, looking a little too perceptive for my liking. "You seem a bit... off. Is something bothering you?"

"Nah, I'm just enjoying the single life," I said, attempting to change the subject.

Ryan chuckled, seeing right through my feeble attempt to deflect. "Sure you are. So, any interesting prospects on the horizon?"

I mentally cursed myself for inviting him over and putting myself in this awkward situation. "Um, well, you know, there might be a guy I'm interested in," I said, trying to sound casual.

His eyes lit up with curiosity. "Really? Do I know him?"

I had to think on my feet, making up some elaborate story. "Yeah, you might have met him at the party a few weeks ago. He's funny, charming, you know, the whole package."

Ryan's smile faded a little, but he seemed genuinely happy for me. "That's great, Bea. I'm glad you're putting yourself out there."

"Thanks," I replied, feeling guilty for lying to my friend.

I guess he also forgot about my fake boyfriend, Jake-

"So, do you think you would ever consider getting back together with Josh?" Ryan asked, his voice tinged with a hint of hope.

I hesitated for a moment, thinking about the secret relationship I have with Josh. "Honestly, I don't think so," I said, putting on my best poker face.

Ryan looked a little disappointed, but he nodded understandingly. "Well, it's a shame. You two were good together."

"Yeah, it's just... not the right time, you know?" I said, trying to sound convincing.

"If you ever change your mind, you know I'm here for you," Ryan said, giving me a reassuring smile.

I smiled back, grateful for his support. "Thanks, Ryan. You've always been a great friend."

The conversation continued, and we caught up on each other's lives. Ryan mentioned his lunch date with Jess, and I couldn't help but be curious. "So, how did the lunch date with Jess go?"

Ryan chuckled, leaning back on the couch. "Jess is fun to be around, but I don't think it could ever be anything more serious. We're better off as friends."

I nodded, secretly relieved that he felt that way. The last thing I needed was any more complicated dynamics in my life.
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Josh's POV

Here I was, standing at Bea's doorstep with a bouquet of flowers in hand, determined to make her happy and, okay, maybe hoping for some bedroom action later on. Hey, I'm a guy, cut me some slack.

I knocked on the door, my heart pounding with anticipation. But when the door opened, it wasn't Bea who greeted me—it was Ryan. Talk about a fucking plot twist.

"Hey, Josh, what are you doing here?" Ryan asked, looking as confused as I felt.

"Uh, hey, Ryan," I stammered, trying to regain my composure. "I, uh, brought these flowers for Bea's mom."