They were best friends for years, sharing every secret-except one. When Felix finally confesses his feelings, Josephine lets him down with a gentle lie: she's not interested in men. Heartbroken but determined to keep their friendship, Felix tries to...
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Josephine's nerves tingled with a mix of excitement and apprehension as she pulled up outside the bustling bar where she was meeting Larisa. Larisa lives right next to the bar, so Josephine didn't have to pick her up. The building was alive with neon lights casting a colorful glow over the brick walls and faint bass vibrations spilling out onto the street as groups of friends mingled by the entrance. It was a scene she didn't often find herself in, but tonight felt different—a night of small, uncharacteristic risks and laughter.
She spotted Larisa right away, standing by the entrance in her black dress, head turned as she scanned the crowd. Her friend noticed her almost instantly, eyes lighting up as she waved enthusiastically. Josephine hurried over, feeling the cool night air against her bare shoulders, still adjusting to the attention her dress was attracting.
"You look amazing, Jo!" Larisa greeted her with a hug, then took a step back, giving her an exaggerated once-over. "Everyone's going to be staring at you tonight. Look at you!"
Josephine flushed, "Thanks, Larisa. I feel like I'm getting a ton of stares now to be honest. Not sure how I feel about that."
"That's the point," Larisa said, a mischievous grin forming. "Tonight is all about you stepping out of your comfort zone. Plus, I'm here to make sure you don't bail early."
With a laugh, Josephine linked her arm through Larisa's. "Alright, I'm in. But you have to keep up with me. Let's go!"
Inside, the bar was dimly lit, full of colored lights bouncing off the walls and low music that became louder as they approached the center of the room. Larisa led the way to the bar, where they ordered their drinks—Josephine sticking to a gin and tonic, while Larisa went all out with a colorful cocktail garnished with an orchid and two tiny umbrellas.
"To a night of adventure!" Larisa said, holding up her glass.
Josephine clinked her glass to Larisa's. "To adventure."
They took their drinks to a small table near the dance floor, settling into the rhythm of people-watching and laughing as Larisa made stories up about the other bar patrons. Josephine felt herself easing into the mood as she drank a bit more, her earlier anxieties slipping away.
"So, anyone catch your eye yet?" Larisa asked, glancing around the room with a knowing look.
Josephine chuckled, shaking her head. "I don't see anyone yet. If I don't that's okay, I'm here to enjoy my drink and hang out with you."
Larisa rolled her eyes dramatically. "Typical Jo. Well, at least keep an open mind. You deserve a bit of romance, or at the very least, a good dance partner."
As the night wore on, Larisa didn't let up. She dragged Josephine onto the dance floor, spinning her around and laughing as they moved to the music, surrounded by the warmth of bodies and the pulse of the bass. Josephine felt herself loosen up, the rhythm pulling her into its sway, and the laughter between her and Larisa fueling her confidence. It felt liberating to lose herself in the moment without overthinking it.
