Stuck in the Friendzone

Friendzoned

"I still don't understand why you two aren't dating," Paige said, eyeing Ethan from across the house party.

"He's my best friend," I argued.

"Sure, but he's so into you, Olivia."

"I know," I said. "I just don't want to lose him."

"Yes, because all couples eventually break up," she said sarcastically.

I glared at Paige, ignoring her comment. "Look, Ethan and I promised never to talk about it and make things awkward again."

"Alright, fine." She put her hands up to surrender. "Just know that a lot of other girls would jump at the opportunity."

I rolled my eyes at her, quietly telling her to shut up as Ethan strolled over.

"Hey," he said, his face lighting up as he saw me.

"Hey, Ethan," Paige said as she twirled a strand of hair around her finger.

"Want to get some air?" he asked me, oblivious of Paige's flirting.

As we walked outside, the cold winter air enveloped me and sent shivers through my body.

"Here," he said, taking his denim jacket off and draping it over my bare shoulders. He slung his arm around me, trying to keep me warm.

"Thanks," I said, appreciative. "I should've worn something warmer than just jeans and a tshirt."

"Well, I think you look beautiful," he began before he caught himself. "I mean, you know, for just jeans and a tshirt."

I laughed softly. "Thanks."

He studied my face intently with his brown eyes. "God, I want to kiss you."

This is exactly the kind of awkward situation I didn't want us to be in. "Ethan, that's the alcohol talking," I warned, lowering my eyes.

"I haven't had a single drink," he said, his brown eyes locking with mine.

I didn't know what to say or do. Alarms started flaring in my head as I realized we were headed further and further away from the friend zone.

"I know we're best friends, Olivia, but please don't get mad at me for doing this," he said as he leaned in and pressed his soft lips against mine.

My first instinct was to pull away, but something small inside of me felt a spark ignite, followed by a warm sensation running throughout my body from my lips to the tips of my fingers and toes.

But my instincts kicked in and I pulled away, unsure of what happened.

"Sorry," he apologized.

Pulling away was the right thing to do, wasn't it? Things between us were fine as just friends. But why was it that all I could think about was kissing him again?

"Don't be," I said as I pulled him towards me and locked my lips with his.

In that moment as he kissed me back, I knew that regardless of whether or not we stayed together forever or broke up at some point, I would not regret taking this chance. The only thing I did regret was being afraid of losing him in the first place because we will always be best friends.