Best Friend Or Crush?

Chapter 1 - Joshit

I leaned against the wall tightening my grip on the glass of mocktail I was holding. Unable to stand the sight of my girlfriend bedazzling over half the crowd at the party, I stalked out of the hall to embrace the breezy whispers of the evening.

"Hey, Josh", a familiar melody startled me. I turned back. "Oh, yo Anayra." You look stunning as ever. I almost said that out loud. I mean, it's not my fault, the dark blue frock that adorned her is sparkling under the moonlit sky portraying this celestial being.

Anayra coughed, snapping me out of my thoughts. "So....", she says shooting me a knowing smirk. Shit, she caught me checking her out. Clearing my throat, I say, "How's the party going?".

"Pretty dull. Your girlfriend abandoned me for mocktails."

Ugh, not that again. I don't even know why I call her my girlfriend, at this point. "Lmao. Seems like we're both suffering the same fate, today.", I said, trying to bring this extremely dry and dull conversation to a lighter note.

"Anayra, don't you think it's a little too cold to be wearing that?", I said, catching her goosebumps.

"Aw, little Josh is feeling cold.", she drawled sarcastically. Rolling my eyes, I offered her my hoodie. "Here."

"Nah bro, little Josh is going to die of cold. Plus, it's too big and will destroy the essence of my outfit.". No, I wasn't listening to her anymore. I bluntly slipped the hoodie down her silky hair. Imagine running your hands through such soft fragrant hair.

She looks startled but shoots me a grateful smile which confirms that I'm not the only one feeling cold tonight. "Joshit, I don't want you to come down with a fever halfway through our excursion."

"Hah, as if I'm letting you go through that instead." Before she can utter her response, I intertwine our fingers ushering her to take a stroll with me. We walk in silence for a good few minutes. Gosh, I couldn't have asked for better company while I'm tearing apart within. Personally, I think, the best form of support is when someone is just there for you no matter what (even in utter silence). It's their presence that matters. That's Anayra for me.

Anayra and Riya both joined our school this year. I still don't get how they're both best friends with completely different personalities. Anayra is the kind of introvert who is picky in her company but real while Riya is the most social being on the planet and spreads comfort through her extraordinarily fake communication skills. I've learned the hard way that falling for looks and an extrovert isn't the best decision I've made. I try to brush these sickeningly depressing thoughts away and try not to think of Riya flirting with all the guys and girls in there. I caught Anayra looking at me. Oh, God. Those eyes. "What?"

"You look so depressed." Is it that evident? Maybe I should confide in her. She deserves to know, after all, she's one of my best friends.

"Eh, Riya just getting on my nerves for God's sake.", I admitted.

"Sheesh", she wasn't surprised.

"I'm going to break up with her."

"Woah, relax. Don't you think that's a huge decision you're making on impulse? Give it time. Think before you act, you know?", she tried advising me.

"I think I've had enough time to think about this. I'm not going to let her destroy me mentally. The day I glanced at her phone casually and saw Ishaan flirting with her was the day I'd given up. Plus, he can console her tomorrow after I break up with her tonight. That's a good plan", I blab (more like convince myself).

Will I be sent to an asylum if I say that I'm repelled by and attracted to Riya at the same time?

Anayra didn't say anything. She looked at me with disapproval. I know this must be hard for her since Riya and I are both her best friends but I really don't think I can take this anymore. Plus, if she chooses Riya over me after this, I wouldn't be surprised and will accept the fact.

I hear that loud familiar voice and quickly pull my hand away from Anayra.

"Oh Joshi babyyy", Riya drawled. She was definitely not all right at that moment but I couldn't care less.

"Hey". I tuck my hands into my pant-pockets. That's when I realized Anayra was still wearing my hoodie. I hoped Riya wouldn't notice (it's quite dark). Don't get me wrong. I'm not cheating on her. I don't have anything to hide. As Anayra's bestfriend, it's the least I can do by not watching her freeze. But I still don't want Riya to get the wrong idea because she'll gaslight Anayra into thinking life is worthless (even though it is – for me).

"Wanna go for a stroll under the moonlight?", she questions eagerly. A stranger would totally melt looking at her breath-takingly fake smile but, I, for one, can see clearly through that plastered expression. I considered Anayra's idea and decided to pull this dating-thing off until tomorrow.

"I feel under the weather. I think I'm going to head back to my room if that's okay.", I state truthfully. Riya looks slightly taken aback, definitely not expecting this. I don't wait for an answer and head downstairs. 

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That's all for chapter 1, guys! Feel free to tell me comment about what yall are expecting and want.. I'll try to add it in the upcoming parts <3