I couldn't believe it when I found myself agreeing to marry my best friend that night.
**a ForthBeam short story**
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author...
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When we entered Rancho's on that Friday night, Forth's hand gently resting on my lower back and both of us wearing smiles, our friends resembled a group of vultures eagerly waiting to witness the aftermath of our fabricated marriage. However, their expressions turned into looks of bewilderment.
I struggled to stifle my laughter at Kana's obvious disappointment that the relationship hadn't ended. I also made an effort not to take offense. It had only been a mere two weeks. I believe I deserved a bit more trust than what was being shown.
Alright, well, things had become a little... unusual between us. Not necessarily in a negative way, but there was definitely a shift. I couldn't tell if it was just my imagination or if I was the only one starting to view my best friend differently. I can't pinpoint exactly when it occurred. Perhaps it was when he last kissed me at this bar, or maybe even before that. Regardless, Forth suddenly became more prominent in my thoughts and I started noticing things about him that I had never paid attention to before.
Not only was he incredibly particular about the perfect ripeness of his melons, but also the graceful way his body moved and the gentle look in his tired eyes. Whenever he gazed at me with those sleepy eyes, I longed to embrace him tightly and feel his comforting presence. I yearned to immerse myself in his strength and warmth, leaving behind the worries of the world.
Those emotions were intense, and emotions that were new and frightening simultaneously. I decided to simply brush off the issue altogether. Any strange vibes I felt—or thought I felt—would disappear in a couple of weeks and we could return to our previous state before all of this occurred.
"How's everything going in your married life?" Niev inquired with a touch of kindness that I rarely received from Kana.
"Different than I thought it would be," I own up. Niev was a recent addition to our circle, having joined through marriage with Foei, but she was the one—besides Forth—who truly grasped me. Perhaps it was because she taught second graders, and I surprisingly found myself relating to a seven-year-old more than I expected. Regardless, I felt at ease sharing my thoughts with her.
"That's to be expected," she replied. "I believe many people can relate to that sentiment. Most of us have had the opportunity to date and get engaged before committing to spending a significant amount of time with someone. However, you both were thrown into it without any prior notice or preparation."
I shrugged. "I guess."
She grabbed my hand. "Come on. Let's get some drinks."
I elbowed Forth in the ribs. "You want anything from the bar?"
His annoyance turned into a smile when he saw me making a purchase. "Of course. Go ahead and surprise me."
Niev and I maneuvered through the crowd, finally securing two stools in the corner. As we patiently waited for the bartender's attention, Niev locked eyes with me, her gaze unwavering.
