The FuBu

Chapter 14: The Denial

Yanna forced a laugh, trying to keep her tone light, but inside, her heart raced with anxiety. She had tried to convince herself that Fox's new friendship with Rikka wouldn't bother her, but the truth gnawed at her.

Yanna: "So, you and Rikka seem pretty close lately."

Fox looked at her, surprised. "She's cool. We've been hanging out a lot. Why, does it bother you?"

She felt her chest tighten. "Why would it? We're just friends, remember?" The words came out sharper than she intended.

"Right. Just friends," he echoed, his expression shifting as he tried to read her.

Yanna took a deep breath, forcing herself to relax. "It's just that you didn't mention it before," she said, trying to mask her discomfort. "I thought we were keeping each other in the loop."

Fox shrugged, oblivious to her inner turmoil. "I didn't think it was a big deal. It's just hanging out. I thought you'd be happy for me."

"Of course," Yanna replied, but the sincerity of her words felt forced. "It's great that you're making new friends. Everyone needs them."

Fox raised an eyebrow, sensing her hesitation. "You seem a bit off. Are you sure you're okay with this?"

"Yeah, I'm fine!" she insisted, perhaps a bit too forcefully. "I just have a lot on my plate right now. School and everything."

"School is tough," he agreed, but he studied her closely, his brow furrowing. "But it's not just school, is it? You can tell me if something's bothering you."

Yanna hesitated, the urge to confess swirling within her. But the fear of jeopardizing their friendship held her back. "No, it's nothing. Really." She avoided his gaze, focusing instead on the busy street outside.

"Alright," Fox replied, though the doubt lingered in his voice. "Just know that I'm here for you, Yanna. You can talk to me about anything."

"Thanks, Fox," she managed, but her heart felt heavy. As he turned to look out at the people passing by, Yanna's mind spiraled. Why was she feeling this way? Wasn't their arrangement supposed to keep things simple?

She watched as Rikka posted another photo on social media-a playful snapshot of her and Fox laughing together, their chemistry unmistakable. Yanna's heart sank further, a pang of jealousy surging through her. Rikka's laughter echoed in her mind, mixing with the memories of her own laughter shared with Fox.

"What's happening to me?" she whispered to herself. "I shouldn't feel like this."

"Yanna?" Fox's voice brought her back to reality, and she turned to find him watching her intently.

"Yeah?"

"Are you sure everything's alright?" He seemed genuinely concerned now, and the warmth in his eyes made her heart flutter despite her turmoil.

"Yeah, just tired," she said, forcing a smile. "I'm happy for you and Rikka. Really. It's great that you're finding someone you can connect with."

"Thanks," he replied, the unease still evident in his expression. "But I don't want you to feel left out. You're my best friend."

As he spoke, Yanna felt a lump form in her throat. Those words-best friend-used to fill her with comfort. Now, they felt like a reminder of how much she stood to lose. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "I appreciate that, Fox. I really do."

Just then, her phone buzzed with another notification. Another picture from Rikka, this time with her arms wrapped around Fox, both beaming at the camera. Yanna's stomach twisted at the sight, and she fought back tears.