Rival Offline (Anya Forger x Damian Desmond)

Chapter Twenty Three: The meaning of Love

Anya was seated on the floor of the hotel room, her legs crossed comfortably as she looked around at the disheveled state of the room. The crisp white sheets had been pulled from their corners and lay in a messy heap, a stark contrast to the once neatly tucked arrangement. Becky, on the other hand, was energetically rummaging through her bag, pulling out various snacks and items with a sense of purpose.

The room was filled with a mix of excitement and chaos as Becky laid out a colorful array of snacks on the bedspread—mochi, chocolate biscuits, and an assortment of Pocky sticks. She hummed a cheerful tune as she worked, clearly in her element.

"Wow, you brought so many snacks," Anya said, reaching her hand into the bag of peanuts. Her fingers lingered on the edge of the bag as her thoughts drifted back to the shopping trip they'd taken before the trip.

The memory of Damian's words echoed in her mind: "It was a lucky guess." A slight blush dusted her cheeks as she remembered the unspoken connection they'd shared during that moment.

Her fingers fumbled with the peanuts as she tried to focus on the present, but the warmth of the memory lingered. Anya glanced around the room, catching Becky's enthusiastic chatter and Maya's more subdued presence, and she felt a flutter of contentment mingled with the lingering blush.

"So, Anya, you and Damian?" Becky asked excitedly, propping herself up on the bed and looking towards Anya with a mischievous glint in her eye.

Anya remained calm, her demeanor steady as she replied, "I'm really glad we're friends now. I never liked all the unnecessary hate between us."

Becky groaned dramatically. "That's not what I mean!" she insisted, her face flushed red as she offered Maya a Pocky stick. "I want to know more about the... dynamics between you two!"

Maya accepted the Pocky stick with a grateful smile, but her expression was a bit guarded. Anya noticed Maya's hesitation and wondered if she had forgotten to take her suppressants.

Anya's mind whirred with curiosity as she glanced at Maya. "Gah, I hope they didn't notice I'm acting strange."

She caught a glimpse of Maya's thoughts, which were laced with a mixture of anxiety and curiosity. "did I forget to take my suppressants?" Anya thought as she sat up and reached for her back.

Maya's internal monologue revealed her own uncertainty. Does Maya like someone? It was clear that Maya was also struggling with her emotions, and Anya's curiosity was piqued.

"Uh.. Maya what about you? you seemed pretty into Emile?" Anya said directing the conversation to her

"Huh? N-No, I don't like him!" Maya stammered, her cheeks flushing slightly. "He's okay, but I don't really... like him like that."

Becky's eyes sparkled with intrigue. "Oh, come on, Maya! You can tell us!" she teased, leaning in closer. "We're all friends here!"

Maya hesitated, fiddling with the wrapper of her Pocky stick. "Like? Him? What exactly does 'liking' someone even mean?" she wondered aloud, her brow furrowing slightly. "I've never really... fallen in love before," she admitted, her voice soft, almost questioning.

Anya's gaze softened, sensing the genuine confusion in Maya's words. "I think... liking someone is when you feel happy just being around them," Anya offered thoughtfully. "When you care about them, even when they annoy you sometimes."

Maya looked thoughtful, biting her lip. "But how do you know if that's what you're feeling? It seems so... complicated," she murmured. "Sometimes, I think I might like someone, but then I don't know if it's real or just... something else."

Becky nodded sagely, trying to sound wise. "Love is a mystery! It's not always straightforward. Sometimes, you don't even know what you feel until it hits you," she said dramatically, making Anya and Maya giggle.

Anya leaned closer to Maya, her tone gentle. "It's okay if you're unsure, Maya. I think everyone feels that way at some point. It's just part of figuring things out."

Maya nodded, seeming relieved by Anya's words. "Yeah, maybe," she said softly, her expression lightening. "I guess... I just need more time to understand it."

Becky clapped her hands together, excited to keep the conversation going. "Well, whatever happens, we're here for you, Maya! And who knows, maybe one day you'll find out what all the fuss is about or you'll realize that you don't feel those types of feelings!"

Maya's confusion deepened. "So... there's a possibility that I can't feel love?" she asked, her voice soft and thoughtful, as if she were turning the idea over in her mind for the first time.

Becky nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! There's a whole spectrum of feelings people can have. Some people just don't feel romantic love the same way others do, or at all," she explained.

Anya smiled gently, sensing Maya's uncertainty. "A lot of people experience that," she said. "You might be aromantic or asexual or something else entirely, or maybe you just haven't met the right person yet. The one thing I've learned from the internet is that there are so many different types of people, different ways to feel and to love... or not love. It's a big, messy, wonderful world out there."

Maya's expression softened, a bit of wonder creeping into her eyes. "I've never really thought about it like that," she admitted. "I always just assumed that one day I'd meet someone, and then... I'd know. But what if I never do?"

Becky chimed in with a reassuring smile, "And that's totally okay! Love doesn't have to look the same for everyone. And whatever you feel—or don't feel—is perfectly normal for you."

Anya nodded. "Exactly! What matters is that you're true to yourself, Maya. However you feel is just a part of who you are, and there's nothing wrong with that."

Maya took a deep breath, her confusion easing into a small, appreciative smile. "Thanks, guys," she said, feeling a bit lighter. "I think I'm starting to understand a little more... or at least, I don't feel so weird about it."

"Actually, there's this one person I'm very close to online," Anya began, her voice a little hesitant. "And today... I found out who they really are."

Becky's eyes widened with curiosity. "Oh? Who was it?" she asked, leaning in closer, eager for the scoop.

Anya took a deep breath, feeling a bit nervous. "It was Damian. He and I were online best friends this entire time."

Becky let out an excited squeal, practically bouncing on the bed. "That is *so* romantic! Two rivals finding out they've been friends all along and then falling in love with each other!"

Anya chuckled, her cheeks warming. "Maybe... not that last part," she clarified with a small smile. 

Becky pouted playfully. "Oh, come on, Anya! It's like something out of a storybook. You never know where things might go!"

Anya shrugged, still smiling. "I'm just happy we're friends. I don't think I could ever be with someone of his status," she admitted, her tone thoughtful.

Becky waved a dismissive hand, her excitement undeterred. "Oh, come on! Who cares about status?" she exclaimed. "Love always finds a way, no matter what!"

Anya laughed softly, appreciating Becky's enthusiasm. "Maybe," she replied, "but for now, I think being friends is enough. It's nice... to know the real him."

Becky sighed dramatically, flopping back onto the bed with a dreamy expression. "You two have the perfect setup for a love story," she insisted. "Rivals turned best friends... there's gotta be more to it!"

Anya shook her head, still smiling. "You're hopeless, Becky," she teased, but her heart warmed at the thought of what could be.

she found herself on the same page as Maya, what did it mean to fall in love?