The FuBu

chapter 10: always

Going back to their classroom, Yanna's heart skipped a beat as she caught sight of Fox waiting by the entrance door, a knot of uncertainty forming in the pit of her stomach. She couldn't help but wonder if he was waiting for her, or if he was simply biding his time until Trixie arrived—the object of his affection.

As she approached him, Yanna tried to suppress the rush of conflicting emotions that threatened to overwhelm her. She knew she had no right to feel jealous or possessive over Fox, but seeing him standing there, looking so handsome and composed, stirred up a whirlwind of emotions within her.

"Hey, Fox," she greeted him, her voice tinged with forced casualness. "What are you doing here?"

Fox turned to face her, a warm smile spreading across his face at the sight of her. "Hey, Yanna," he replied, his voice soft and gentle. "I was just waiting for you."

Yanna's heart skipped a beat at his words, a surge of hope coursing through her despite her best efforts to quell it. Maybe, just maybe, Fox's presence here was more than just a coincidence. Maybe he still valued their friendship as much as she did.

Yanna felt a rush of warmth flood through her at Fox's words, his gentle smile easing the tension that had been building within her. For a moment, all of her doubts and insecurities melted away, replaced by a sense of reassurance and comfort in Fox's presence.

"Thanks, Fox," Yanna replied, returning his smile with one of her own. "I appreciate it. But seriously, you waiting for me? Or are you secretly hoping to catch a glimpse of Trixie?"

Fox chuckled, shaking his head. "I swear, Yanna, you always think I'm plotting something. Can't a guy just wait for his best friend without an ulterior motive?"

Yanna arched an eyebrow, a teasing glint in her eye. "Oh, I know you too well, Mr. Fox. There's always a scheme brewing in that head of yours."

Fox laughed, nudging her playfully as they walked side by side. "Maybe I just like your company, ever think of that? Besides, who else is going to keep me entertained with all that sass?"

Yanna feigned shock, placing a hand dramatically over her heart. "Me? Sassy? Never! I'm the picture of sweetness and light."

"Uh-huh, sure you are," Fox retorted, rolling his eyes in mock disbelief. "Sweetness and light... and a whole lot of trouble."

They both burst into laughter, the easy banter between them smoothing over any lingering tension. As they approached their classroom door, Yanna couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the bond they shared.

"You know," Fox said as they reached the entrance, "no matter what happens, I'm glad we've got this—our friendship, our... whatever you want to call it. It means a lot to me."

Yanna's smile softened, her heart swelling with affection for him. "Me too, Fox. Me too. Now, let's get to class before we're late and have to explain to the professor why we were too busy making fun of each other."

"Deal," Fox agreed with a grin, opening the door for her. "Ladies first."

"Why, thank you, kind sir," Yanna replied with a mock curtsey as she walked through the door. "Now, let's ace this class and show them what we're made of."

As they settled into their seats, Yanna felt a renewed sense of confidence. No matter the complexities of their relationship or the uncertainties that lay ahead, she knew she could face anything with Fox by her side. And in that moment, that was all she needed.

As they fell into step beside each other, Yanna couldn't help but steal glances at Fox out of the corner of her eye, her heart racing with anticipation. Maybe there was still hope for them, after all. Maybe their bond was stronger than she had ever dared to imagine.