Hidden in Plain Sight (Tom Holland Fanfic)

Chapter 4 - Confessions

On my way home, I decided to make a detour to clear my head. I adore animals, but my favourite are dogs, because they are just so loyal and friendly all the time. So, other than writing kids books, volunteering at animal shelters and different charities is what brings me joy. I wouldn't want to fill my free time with anything else. I redirected myself towards the nearest dog rescue center, which is the most frequent place I volunteer at, the people who work there are like a second family. When I arrived, I walked up to the front desk and greeted the familiar face, "Joe, how have you been?", I said warmly,
"Rose? I haven't seen you in so long, yeah I'm, I'm good. What about you?", he said surprised, stuttering slightly,
"I met this guy yesterday, well, I ran into him and it may have meant I ended up coated in his beverage, and I left to shower without talking to him much. But, Mario, Luna and I have come up with a way for me to hopefully see him again, because I really like him.", I said, buzzing with excitement,
"Oh, ok, that's umm great.", replied Joe, obviously disappointed, but me being me, I didn't pick up on it, so I continued as normal,
"So, which doggy is in need of my attention?",
"Hmm, I don't think Daisy hasn't been walked yet today.",
"Okay then, Daisy it is! Do you wanna come with?", I asked,
"Sure why not, I'll go fetch Freya to man the desk while I'm gone. Meet you here in 5?"
"Yep, see ya then.", I said before walking off to fetch today's fluffy companion.
I walked into the supply room, where I looked around me for the name Daisy stuck on the wall. The supply room is where all the dogs belongings are hung up under their names, things like collars and leads. I soon located the small white slip of paper sellotaped to the wall with 'Daisy' inscribed on it, in beautiful cursive. I made my way over to it and untangled the red and black lead and collar from the hook nailed to the wall. Next, the dog. I found my way to where Daisy lives and let her out, trying not to let out the other pups in the process. Quickly, I attached the collar around her neck and hooked on the lead via the latch. Daisy is a gorgeous silver husky, that looks a lot like a wolf, which is why I like her. She's playful and cheeky, and reminds me of myself when I was younger. Daisy leads me back to the foyer, she's really intelligent, I swear she knows her way round better than I do. It had been 3 minutes since Joe and I had parted ways, so that meant I had 2 minutes to pet my favourite companion. I crouched down to Daisy's level, and ruffled my hands into her mop of fur, smiling because of how soft it is. I got lost in my thoughts and didn't notice when Joe walked back into the room. Daisy looked round and saw that I was oblivious, so she licked my face, slapping me back to reality, "Ugch, Daisy, I know you love me, but that was unnecessary", I laugh, Daisy then rolled over into my arms.
Joe coughed to get my attention, "Hello? Earth to Rose, let's go.",
"Oh sorry, I was just distracted by this adorable thing.", I said looking at Daisy.
I picked up Daisy's lead and headed out the door, with Joe on one side and Daisy trotting on the other.
"So, Joe, I've told you about my crush but I want to know whether there's anyone you have feelings for?", I asked as I walked to the park,
"Um, no, no one I can think of off the top of my head.", Joe answered, scratching the back of his neck,
"I can't tell if you're lying or not but if you are, just know I'm your friend, you can tell me anything.", I said encouragingly,
"Um, I ... you.", he muffled, so I missed the middle word,
"Say that again, I didn't quite catch it.", I asked, confused,
"I like you.", he said quickly, almost shouting so people looked around at us,
"I know you do.", I replied,
"Wait, you do?", he said, extremely flustered,
"Yeah, I like you too, that's why we're friends.", I said, confused when his face dropped and he looked down,
"No, I mean, I like you!", he explained, really embarrassed,
"Wait, what, y... you don't mean like, like me, do you?", I said, shocked,
"I just remembered, I've got a meeting now, I'll see you round, bye", he blurted out before rushing off,
"Joe, wait!" I shout, but it was too late, he had turned the corner and was out of sight. I pulled out my phone and immediately dialled Luna's number, while it was ringing, I made my way over to a bench and told Daisy to sit.
"Hey girl, what's up?", Luna asked, not knowing the news that awaits,
"I am literally freaking out right now!" I said, breathing heavily,
"Where are you?", Luna asked,
"I'm walking Daisy at the park.", I explained,
"Alright, I'm on my way!", she answered,
"Luna, you don't ha..", I started, but it was too late, Luna had already hung up.
I sat there in shock, I just found out that one of my best friends has feelings for me, that just seems wrong. Daisy could obviously sense how anxious I was so she rested her head on my knee as she sat next to me. I moved off the bench onto the floor so I could cuddle the giant fluffy thing that was keeping me calm. I stayed there for a what felt like long time. But then I heard footsteps approaching, so I looked up to see my saviour racing towards me. She sat on the floor next to me, putting her hand in mine, assuring me that she was there. After a while she asked, "You ready to talk about it?",
"Joe, he, he likes me. And I don't know how long he has, and it was so awkward but I don't want it to be awkward.", I said quickly,
"I get it, one of my guy best friends liked me during secondary school, and he told me part way through the year and it was really awkward having to see him everyday, because I didn't feel the same. I think you need to figure out how you feel and let him know as soon a possible, to give him a chance to process and get over it. Trust me, you guys will be back to the way things were in no time.", Luna said slowly, making me feel a lot better,
"Thanks for being here for me, Luna!", I said thankfully, I squeeze her hand.
Suddenly, my phone pings and I take it out of my pocket to see a message from Mario : 'It's go time, Tom has entered the cafe!'