𝓦𝓲𝓵𝓭 𝓡𝓸𝓼𝓮𝓼 𝓖𝓻𝓸𝔀 𝓣𝓸𝓸 🥀

Six

The YouTube video played on, its vibrant thumbnails and animated graphics flashing across the screen, but it was the faces of the five girls sitting in the dimly lit living room that radiated the most color. Taylor and Bryan, hosts of the video, exuded charisma, with their featured influencers—Spice, Sariya, and Kent—passing the screen in lively banter that kept viewers captivated.

"Oh my gosh, did you see that part when Spice tried to eat that ghost pepper? I thought he would implode!" Nia squealed, her excitement sparking a ripple of laughter through the group.

Stevie, unable to contain herself, let out a high-pitched scream that echoed through the room as she pumped her fist in the air. "Best video ever! They should do more collabs like this!"

Niecy, her eyes sparkling, leaned forward, glancing at the others. "How do you guys feel after watching that? I'm buzzing! I need to check the comments—I just know they're thriving!"

"I gotta see if they're talking about us!" Kiya exclaimed, already scrolling through her phone. "I bet people are freaking out over Spice's ridiculous dance moves!"

Charlie, who had been sitting quietly, felt a flutter of nerves in her stomach. "I'm kind of nervous about what the comments will say, though. I hope they're nice ones." She offered a sheepish smile, but her eyes wandered to Jennah, who was unusually quiet.

Deep inside, Jennah was battling her own thoughts, her heart racing and her mind swirling. She could hardly focus on the chaotic excitement around her as insecurity took hold. What did Charlie think of her? Did those looks mean something, or had she imagined it all? Suddenly, feeling overwhelmed, Jennah dropped her head, biting down on her anxiety, and without a word, she stood up and walked toward the door.

"...Jennah, were you going?" Charlie called after her, a hint of confusion in her voice.

But Jennah didn't respond, her feet carrying her out of the apartment, leaving the rest of the girls in a collective state of shock.

"What just happened?" Stevie whispered, her excitement dissipating into worry.

Nia exchanged glances with Kiya, who bit her lip, and the two stood up almost simultaneously. "Let's go check on her," Nia said, determination sparking in her eyes.

Kiya and Niecy stayed behind, concern evident on their faces.

"Charlie, I'm just not sure what happened..." Charlie said, her brow furrowed. "Was it the video that upset her? Or is it something else... or is it me?"

"Girl, I told you things are tense," Niecy interjected gently, placing a hand on Charlie's shoulder. "You need to tell her how you feel. It's so clear that something deeper is going on."

Kiya nodded in agreement, her enthusiasm from before replaced by a more serious tone. "Honestly, it's obvious you two are meant to be together. And considering that she hasn't been into girls at all... It says a lot that she's all into you, Charlie."

The words echoed in Charlie's mind, twisting together with her own insecurities. "I just have this feeling that I messed things up, and I—"

"Stop it," Niecy interrupted, her voice firm but kind. "This is about being honest with each other. You both need to clear the air. It's not just the video that's important—it's your friendship and feelings."

Still unsure, Charlie's heart raced as she considered the possibility of being forthright with Jennah. "What if she doesn't feel the same?" she murmured.

Kiya raised an eyebrow. "But what if she does? What if you're both just too scared to admit it? In any relationship—friendship or otherwise—communication is key."