Toni and Kenny had been enjoying their renewed friendship for several months since their serendipitous reunion at the party. They often spent time exploring the city and catching up on lost years, and reliving their childhood memories. Their bond was strong, filled with laughter and a deep understanding of each other.
Kenny invited Toni over to his apartment for dinner. He had recently discovered a passion for cooking and wanted to impress her with his culinary skills. "Toni, I hope you're ready for a feast tonight,". Kenny said, grinning as he opened the door to his cozy apartment.
"I can't wait" Toni replied, stepping inside. The aroma of garlic and herbs filled the air, making her stomach rumble. "It smells amazing already". Kenny led her to the kitchen where the table was set with candles and bouquet of fresh flowers. He made her favorite lasagna. He remembered. Toni's eyes lit up.
As Kenny finished preparing the food they chatted and shared about their stories from work. Toni admired how confidently Kenny moved around the kitchen, a side of him she wish she could've saw sooner. "This is incredible Kenny. Thank you" Toni said savoring every bite. "I'm glad you like it" he replied, looking pleased.
After dinner, they moved to the living room where Kenny had set up a cozy spot with blankets and pillows. "Really? Star Wars Ken" Toni whined. "Yes really. Come on for old times sake" Kenny infectious smile always made her give it. "Fine". As the night grew later, the conversations turned more personal. They began talking about the significance of their friendship. "You've always been important to me you know that Toni?" Kenny looked down at her as she layed her head on his lap. Toni could feel the mood get intense. There was a moment of silence, Toni faced Kenny, charged with emotions they both leaned in, their lips meeting in a tender kiss as Kenny held her face. For a moment everything else faded. But soon as they pulled back reality set in. They stared at each other , wide eyed.
"Toni I-" Kenny began, but Toni interrupted. "I'm sorry Kenny I shouldn't have." She stammered. "No it's not your fault. We got caught in the moment" Kenny said trailing off. They both looked away, the atmosphere becoming heavy. Toni stood up smoothing out her hair. "It's getting late and knowing janet she's probably stalking me right about now" Toni sighed grabbing her things. Kenny nodded. "Yeah you're right it's getting late I'm sorry if I made things weird. I just missed you midget" Kenny joked and Toni pushed him lightly laughing. "It's okay, we just need to forget about it , right?" Toni said, forcing a smile. "Yeah" Kenny agreed though his voice was tinged with uncertainty. They hugged breifly at the door. Toni left, her mind racing with conflicting thoughts and emotions.
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Toni walked briskly into Janet's house. The kiss had left her confused and uncertain. At this time she knew Janet wouldn't let her rest without telling her what happened. "How was dinner with Kenny?" Janet asked. "Oh it was eventful" Toni rubbed the bridge of her nose. "Eventful? Spill it what happened" Janet said. Toni sighed as she followed Janet into the living room and sank on the couch. Janet sat next to her eating a bowl of pop corn waiting in anticipation. "Kenny cooked we talked then we kissed. Goodnight" Toni got up. "That's it? You didn't give him any?" Janet teased as Toni rolled her eyes. "Bitch That's not the point, me and Kenny have been best friends since we were 9. What if we jeopardized that?" Toni said. "Well does he feel the same way?" Janet asked "I'm not even sure" Toni said. "It felt amazing in the moment but then we both freaked out and regretted it immediately. I just don't want anything to feel awkward especially since we just found each other after so long".
Janet studied her friend for a moment, then leaned forward, her expression serious. "Toni be honest with yourself. Are you falling in love with him?" She opened her mouth to protest but found herself unable to deny the truth. "Listen to me Girl I've know you since highschool I've never seen you light up the way you do when you talk about that man. It's clear there's something more and you both need to acknowledge it" Janet said. " I just don't want to lose him as a friend Jan" Toni says siting back down. "Love is always a risk" Janet said softly. "But you never know what could happen if you don't take that leap, it's obvious he cares about you, he wouldn't have kissed you if he didn't feel something".
"You're probably right, I need to talk to him and figure out where we Stand". Janet smiled. "That's my bestie. No matter what happens you know I'm here" Janet reassured.
