ALEX SWORE, HIS BACK AGAINST the wall as he sat on the hardwood floor of his bedroom, looking up out of the window, curtains drawn back to let the sunlight in. He didn't know what was happening to him. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions, all centered around her.
They had always been close, best friends since childhood. But lately, something had changed. He found himself thinking about her more often, his heart racing whenever she was near. It was confusing and frustrating, and he had no idea how to deal with it because facing his feelings towards Lily, his ex-girlfriend, had been a shitload easier than his ones towards Evelyn.
"Why her?" he muttered to himself, running a hand through his hair.
He replayed the events of the past few days in his mind. The way she laughed at his jokes, the way her eyes sparkled when she talked about something she loved, the way she looked at him when she thought he wasn't paying attention. It was all so overwhelming.
"Get a grip, Alex," he told himself, trying to shake off the feelings, his hands slowly curling into fists. But it was no use. The more he tried to ignore it, the stronger it became.
He sighed, leaning his head back against the wall. He didn't want to risk their friendship, but he couldn't deny his feelings any longer. He picked up his phone from the floor, opening it before pressing on the group chat he had with George and Lando.
His fingers hovered over the screen as he considered what to type. Hey, either of you up for a chat? Need to talk about something.
Both of them said they were free, and they arrived together not long after, looking concerned but ready to listen.
"Hey, Alex. What's up?" George asked, taking a seat on the floor beside him while Lando lay on his side on top of the sheets of Alex's bed, head resting on his hand, his elbow propping him up.
Alex took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "It's about Evelyn," he began, his voice hesitant. Lando didn't look surprised, a smile already forming on his face. "I don't know what's going on with me. We've been friends forever, but lately, I can't stop thinking about her. It's like... I think I might have feelings for her."
"Aww, do you loooove her?" Lando teased, but both of the men he shared his rookie season with ignored him.
George raised an eyebrow at Alex, a small smile playing on his lips. "Well, that's not exactly a bad thing, is it? Evelyn's great."
"I know," Alex said, running a hand through his hair once again. "But what if it ruins our friendship? What if she doesn't feel the same way?"
"You're oblivious, mate, honestly," Lando said, only to be ignored, yet again.
George nodded, lifting both shoulders in a shrug before dropping them. "That's always a risk, mate. But sometimes, you have to take a chance. If you don't, you'll never know. And who knows? Maybe she feels the same way."
Alex sighed, leaning his head back against the wall. "I just don't want to mess things up. She's too important to me."
"What's the point in me being here if you're gonna ignore me the entire time?" Lando asked, the most acknowledgement he received being a look from George that told him to shut up.
"Then be honest with her," the Mercedes driver advised. "Talk to her. Tell her how you feel. If anyone can understand, it's Evelyn. And if she's really your friend, she'll appreciate your honesty, no matter what."
