I Don't Want You Like A Bestfriend // Macolet

Chapter 5 - I Like Me Better

A few days passed, and the heavy weight in my chest hadn't lifted. Colet and Jhoanna's growing friendship gnawed at me, making it hard to focus on anything else. I knew I had to do something before my feelings consumed me entirely.

One evening, I decided to reach out. My fingers hovered over my phone screen before I finally typed out a message to Colet. "Hey, want to hang out at the mall tomorrow?"

Her reply was almost immediate. "Sure, I'd love that! Let's meet at noon."

The next day, I met Colet at our usual spot in the mall. She greeted me with her usual bright smile, and for a moment, the knot in my stomach loosened. We decided to start with lunch at our favorite café. The conversation flowed easily, but I couldn't shake the nagging thoughts in the back of my mind.

After eating, we wandered through the stores, laughing and chatting as we shopped. Colet picked out a couple of cute tops, and I found a new pair of sneakers. But my heart wasn't really in it. Eventually, I couldn't hold it in any longer.

"Col" I said, my voice trembling slightly. "Can we sit down for a minute?"

She looked at me, concerned. "Of course, Maloi. Is everything okay?"

We found a quiet bench in a corner of the mall, away from the bustling crowds. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. "There's something I need to tell you."

Colet's eyes searched mine, a mix of curiosity and worry in her gaze. "What is it?"

I looked down at my hands, gathering the courage to speak. "I've been feeling really off lately. It's because... well, I have feelings for you, Colet. More than just as a friend."

Her eyes widened in surprise, and she opened her mouth to say something, but no words came out. The silence stretched between us, heavy and uncertain.

Seeing her speechless, I quickly added, "It's okay if you don't know what to say right now. We can go home if you'd like."

Colet shook her head, her eyes softening. "No, Maloi. I'm not upset. I'm just... I didn't expect this. I like you too, more than a friend. I've just never known how to say it."

A wave of relief washed over me, mingled with a fresh surge of nerves. "Really?"

She nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Yes, really. I'm sorry if I made you feel left out with Jhoanna. She's just a friend, and I could never replace you."

For a moment, we sat there, letting the weight of our shared confessions settle. The tension that had been building inside me for days finally began to ease. "Thank you for being honest with me, Colet. I was so scared of losing you."

"You'll never lose me, Maloi," she said softly. "I just didn't realize how much I needed to tell you how I feel."

We continued our day at the mall, a new sense of understanding and closeness between us. We shopped a bit more, laughed at silly things, and even took some photos in the photo booth, capturing the moment we'd finally been honest with each other.

As the sun began to set, Colet offered to drive me home. The car ride was filled with comfortable silence, the kind that spoke of mutual understanding and unspoken promises. When we reached my apartment, she walked me to the door.

"Thanks for today," I said, feeling a mixture of gratitude and nervous excitement. "And for listening."

Colet smiled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Of course, Maloi. We'll figure this out together, okay?"

I nodded, feeling a warmth spread through me. "Okay."

She gave me a quick hug, and as she pulled away, our eyes met, and I saw the same feelings reflected in her gaze. "Goodnight, Maloi."

"Goodnight, Colet," I replied, watching her walk back to her car.

As I closed the door behind me, I felt lighter than I had in days. Our friendship had always been strong, but now, it had the chance to grow into something even more beautiful. I knew there would be challenges ahead, but with Colet by my side, I felt ready to face whatever came our way.