I Just Wanna be Besties With Benefits

~7~

The days flew past. Minnie was in a committed relationship with Willow, and at the same time she entered a committed friendship with Rain, who seemed to insert herself in Minnie's life whenever she could. On some occasions, Minnie, Willow, and Rain would spend time together as a group, hanging out at each other's houses and bonding over drinks.

Minnie liked the way things were.

~~~~~~~~~

Sipping on smoothies, Minnie and Willow sat on a bench together and watched the people walk past. Willow reached over and gently held Minnie's hand, rubbing her thumb over her knuckles.

"Hey, Minnie?"

Minnie looked over with a smile. "Yeah? What's up?"

Willow looked down, the corners of her lips twitching. "I love you."

Minnie didn't respond right away, as the words hadn't struck her as odd. The impact of them crept up on her slowly; first, she realized that Willow had never said that before, then, she realized that the words evoked no emotion in her other than a slight, cold panic.

That slight, cold panic expanded as she gazed into Willow's eyes, and as she sorted through her thoughts. What was she panicking for? Surely this was a joyous moment, a hallmark of her relationship. Surely she could say it back.

But she couldn't. Because it would be a lie. Minnie was not in love with Willow. She had never been in love, and never would be. Minnie elbowed people out of the way as she sprinted down the sidewalk, away from Willow.