"Told you we'd get that win, Ari!" Kenneth Faried of the Denver Nuggets said, high-fiving his best friend who was also a security guard, Aria.
Aria giggled, "Never said I didn't believe you Ken," She said, smiling.
"Maybe next time I'll make a bet with you over the upcoming game; if we win, you'd join me as my date to my friend's wedding," He said, trying to give her a hint that he really liked her.
She didn't seem to catch that and just shrugged, "I wouldn't mind joining you to a wedding, just let me know when it is, Ken." She said, still not realizing that he was somewhat.. in a way asking her out.
He just nodded, knowing he shouldn't say more or else he'll just completely admit that he was entirely in love with his best friend, who was her. "I better get goin' and change into my suit. Later, Ari." He smiled, kissing her on the cheek since it was a thing they did, as best friends.
Aria smiled as she watched him walk towards the locker room. She made her way towards her office, only to find her co-worker Jason standing outside the office.
"Hey Jason..." She said, offering a small smile as she searched for her the key to the office on her lanyard.
"Hey Aria." Jason said, smiling at her. She didn't mind him, but she felt a bad vibe from him this time.
"Can I help you with something?" She asked, unlocking the door to her office and he took her by surprise when he pushed her up against the wall. "J-Jason what are you doin-" She started to say but was cut off by him forcefully kissing her.
Aria tried to push him away but he was too strong for her. She also tried to scream but that didn't go too well either. "Get off of her!" She heard a familiar voice yell, as Jason was pushed off of her.
The person turned out to be her best friend, Kenneth. He had this look of anger and punched Jason right in the kisser. "Stay the hell away from her, punk ass!" He yelled at him, Jason fleeing from the two.
She stood there, still scared from what she had just experienced. It traumatized her to know how malicious Jason turned out to be. Thankfully, Kenneth was there at the right time to save her from him. "Ken... thank you," She said, almost running into his arms.
He held her tightly, before looking down at her. "Are you hurt, did he do anything else to you?" He asked, worried for his best friend.
She shook her head, "N-No, he just forced himself onto me, that's it. But, thanks to you I'm okay now." She assured him.
Kenneth sighed, feeling so bad for her. "I was actually coming to speak with you and I saw him on you. I knew that guy was a prick but he's so lucky all I did was punch him." He muttered.
Aria nodded, taking a seat on her office chair. "Well... now that you're here, what is it that you wanted to speak to me about, Ken?" She asked.
He sat across from her, sighing before he decided to just get to the point. "Ari, earlier when I talked about the bet... I meant it as a way of asking you out. Look, I know that maybe you only see me as your best friend.. but I see you as more than that. I love you, honestly. When I saw that guy all up on you, it crushed me because you never deserve to be treated like that. If you were with me, I promise that I wouldn't ever do that to you. I'd treat you like the Queen you are..." He said, leaving her speechless.
After all their years of friendship, how come she never noticed that he was throwing hints that he liked her? She kept this to herself but she also had feelings for Kenneth but never believed that he'd fall for someone like her.
"K-Ken.. wow. I never knew you felt that way about me, but.. the feeling is mutual and I really do like you too, believe it or not." She managed to say, smiling at him.
Kenneth made eye contact with her, "So... if you do feel the same way, would you like to join me as my date to my friend's wedding?" He asked, hopeful this time.
Aria smiled, "Well, you basically were my hero today and that's the least I could do... so yes, I'll definately join you as your date." She said, getting up to go hug him.
He smiled, kissing the top of her head. "God, I seriously am glad that I got to tell you about how I felt..." He said.
From admitting feelings, Kenneth got the courage to ask Aria to be his girlfriend at his friend's wedding. She of course saying yes and it was the start of a beautiful relationship.
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Hope you like it, Aria! 💟
