The days following Rikka's arrival at school felt different for Yanna. The vibrant energy of their group was now tinged with a sense of competition she hadn't anticipated. Rikka, with her effortless charm and bright smile, had quickly woven herself into their friendship, and Yanna couldn't shake the feeling that she was being pushed aside.
As they walked through the bustling hallways, Yanna couldn't help but notice how Rikka's laughter seemed to echo just a little louder whenever she was with Fox. The way Rikka leaned in closer when she spoke to him or the way her fingers brushed against his arm sent a pang of unease coursing through Yanna.
"Hey, Fox!" Rikka called out one day after school, her enthusiasm cutting through Yanna's thoughts. "You should totally join me at that concert next weekend. It'll be so much fun."
Fox turned to Yanna, raising an eyebrow. "Sounds good! Yanna, you in?"
Yanna forced a smile, feeling her stomach twist. "Maybe. I'll let you know," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady.
"Come on, Yanna! It'll be a blast!" Rikka said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "We can grab dinner beforehand, and I know this great little place nearby."
"Sure, sounds fun," Yanna managed, but the words felt hollow. She didn't want to admit it, but the thought of being there while Rikka and Fox enjoyed each other's company made her stomach churn.
As they made their way to the cafeteria, Yanna fell back slightly, feeling the distance between her and the two of them grow. She watched as Rikka playfully nudged Fox, and he laughed, the sound warm and inviting. But each chuckle only deepened Yanna's feeling of being an outsider.
That evening, Yanna sat in her room, her textbooks sprawled out before her but her mind elsewhere. Rikka seemed to fit in seamlessly, and it left Yanna feeling like she was losing her place in their little trio. A wave of jealousy washed over her, but she quickly chastised herself for feeling this way. They had agreed to keep things casual, hadn't they? Yet, it was becoming increasingly clear that she wanted more.
The next day at school, Yanna tried to shake off her unease, but it only intensified when she saw Rikka and Fox together again. They were chatting animatedly at their lockers, and Rikka's hand rested on Fox's shoulder, a gesture that felt all too intimate for Yanna's liking.
"Hey, Yanna!" Rikka waved as she noticed her approaching. "Are you coming to the concert?"
Yanna hesitated, feeling a tight knot in her throat. "I... I'm not sure. I might have something else going on," she said, avoiding Rikka's gaze.
Fox looked between them, a hint of confusion crossing his face. "But it'll be fun if we all go together, right?"
"Yeah, of course," Rikka added with a bright smile, her eyes sparkling. "I promise you'll have a great time!"
Yanna forced herself to smile back, but it felt strained. "Sure, I'll think about it," she replied, her heart sinking as she turned away.
As the day went on, Yanna found it increasingly difficult to focus. She didn't want to feel this way, but the more Rikka laughed and chatted with Fox, the more she felt like a spectator in her own life.
Later that week, she decided to confront her feelings. She met up with Fox at their usual café, her heart pounding as she prepared to talk about what was bothering her.
"Fox, can we talk?" Yanna asked, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions swirling inside her.
"Of course! What's up?" he replied, looking genuinely concerned.
YOU ARE READING
The FuBu
RandomFox and Yanna had been inseparable since elementary school, their friendship weathering every storm from playground squabbles to teenage angst. By the time they reached college, their bond had only grown stronger, a seamless blend of trust, loyalty...
