timeless | mason mount

xii

MAY 27, 2024
AUTHOR POV. 

Frenkie and Charlotte had decided to keep things casual. There was undeniably something there between the two of them, something that was more than just friendship. It was the first time that either of them had felt that way about someone in a long time. However, they agreed that neither of them were ready for anything substantive and concrete yet. The idea of being in a relationship seemed too heavy, too serious—something that neither of them were ready for. Thus, they had decided that maybe it would be best for both of them to keep things casual. Exclusive, but not committed. 

It probably wouldn't make sense to anyone except them—it was so context-sensitive to the two of them that it could seem illogical to others. However, they were like a sanctuary to each other and neither of them wanted to ruin that by moving too fast.

When she explained this to Phil, sitting at a coffee shop in Stockport, he simply raised his eyebrows and asked, "So you're friends with benefits." 

"No! Oh, my god!" Charlotte exclaimed in horror. "That's not how it is at all." 

"I'm struggling to understand what it is." 

"I don't know. I really like him, and we're both attracted to each other romantically. But neither of us are ready to be in a relationship yet, you know, So we're just taking it slow, and keeping things casual. There's no reason to move fast." 

"What's the difference between your guys' situation now and being in a relationship?" 

"Well, we're not in a relationship. Being in a relationship denotes so many responsibilities that neither of us are ready for. Besides, both of our last relationships were so serious, and, well. It was exhausting, sometimes. Neither of us want the emotional labor that comes with a serious relationship. So we're adventuring and exploring where life takes us, you know? If it works, it works. And if it doesn't, it doesn't." 

"I'm still confused, but whatever makes you happy, Lottie." Phil shrugged, taking a bite from Charlotte's croissant. 

"He's a great guy, you know. I think you would like him a lot." 

"You say that about every guy." Phil said, earning a glare from Charlotte. "Okay, sorry. But you get my point." 

"I can't explain it in words, but we're taking it easy and low-stakes, you know? There's no pressure. If it works, it works, and if it doesn't, it doesn't. We've been having a good time, actually, and it's been working so far. We talk, we get along." 

"Yeah, and have sex." 

"If you really must know, we haven't had sex yet." 

"I think sex is the point of no return. There's no way you can actually go back to being just friends after that."  

Changing the topic Charlotte asked, "Who'd you invite to our dinner? Lily and Kiera said they're coming, and Iza, Paula, and Sophia as well." 

"Just some of the lads from the team that you're close to. I know you want to keep it small. And besides, we don't want to do anything too extravagant that'll throw us off our game, you know." Phil was referring to how City would be playing in the final of the Champions League once more. 

"Looking forward to it." Charlotte said, finally stealing her croissant back from Phil and putting it in her mouth. 

"Besides, it's also John and Kyle's birthdays, so I thought we'd just do something lowkey but fun together." 

"When are you leaving for the Euros?" 

"The third day of June, right after the Champions League. The competition starts on the 14th, so we have a little less than two days of training."