We're Just Friends [BOOK 1 Of The 'We're Just' Trilogy]]

"Red"

T W E N T Y  S I X

Nathaniel

I pace around the room, its been hours since i last saw Anastasia. "Nate will you relax, she's probably just sipping on a milkshake or something" Monica sighs, sipping her beer.

I scowl at her "your best friend is out venturing in a crowded city when her psycho ex boyfriend is on the loose. How could you be so relaxed?" She chuckles "oh natey" she gushes, making me roll my eyes "get over that nickname already its been like 5 years.."

She ignores my grumbling "look, anna- sorry 'Anastasia'" she mocks, "-is fine, we all told her the exact same thing as you said earlier so she's probably just self-conflicting. She'll be okay she knows how to take care of herself" i let out a dry laugh "of course she does, that's why she nearly got hit down by a car 3 hours ago right?"

Gen just sits at the foot of the bed and looks between both of us, smiling.

"You too?" I groan, she continues to smile. "Cut it out you look like a freak!" I whine, throwing my hands in the air in an exasperated manner. They share a look before turning to look at me at the same time "you sir, are quite smitten for our little Anastasia" i offer them a sarcastic smile "i'm sorry i care for my friend like a normal human, of course.. you two can't relate" I gesture between them before dropping on the bed beside gen.

They shake their heads but don't press on the matter and i find myself quite relived by it.

Its currently 4 pm, gen and monica decided they wanted to be 'fully rested' for tonight so they succumbed to a lovely to be 4 hour nap while i sat in bed up against the headboard in nothing but sweats, staring into space.

What the hell is wrong with me? We're just friends.

Just friends nate. That's all.

But why do i feel like i'm starting to crave more? Its like i'm being consumed by her everytime we're together, even when we argue i just want to pull her into a hug and apologize even if i'm not the one at fault.

How fucked am i?

Pretty fucked my man..

I decide to close my eyes for a bit, i desperately need something to clear these thoughts.

Just.. until she comes back.
If she comes back.
She will. What the hell?.

I wake up to the sound of the room door slamming shut, my eyes fly open and fall on the most beautiful girl i've ever seen. Its like all the weight has suddenly been lifted off my shoulders when i see her drop her small bag by the foot of the bed and throw herself beside me, her cropped shirt rides up to expose the few stray hickies on her ribcage and i smile.

Damn they look better on her than on any girl i've ever given a hickey.

Then again.. she isn't just any girl

"Stop staring at me i can literally feel you burning holes into my skin" her voice is muffled by the covers but its still clear enough to comprehend. I smile to myself knowing she can't see me, hiding the amusement as i reply "what do you mean? I wasn't staring.. don't flatter yourself".