Playing With Fire

"I'll go into the kitchen to grab a few more glasses and snacks..." I started to say, but Jade linked her arm with mine and blurted out, "I'm coming with you."

Turning to face her as soon as we were in the kitchen, I asked, "What's wrong? What have you done?"

"Nothing, I just thought I'd help you out in the kitchen."

"Jade, I'm just grabbing a few extra wine glasses. I'm not bringing the entire kitchen into the living room with me."

"I know that. I just want to spend some alone time with my best friend."

"For some reason, I don't believe that. What are you not telling me?"

"N-n-nothing!" She stuttered.

"What trouble have you caused?" I asked, staring deeply into her eyes.

"I asked Akiyo to join us," she muttered, her voice barely audible as she nervously nibbled on her bottom lip.

"You invited her... here... tonight?" I asked, letting out a heavy, frustrated sigh.

"Yes, and Jimin's girlfriend as well. They'll be arriving in a few minutes."

"Does Jimin even know about this?" I asked, massaging my temple slowly, trying to ease the growing tension.

"No, it was an impulsive decision I made while you left me alone in the kitchen to answer the front door."

"Why would you invite them here when you know you can't stand talking to Akiyo and can barely tolerate being around Nara?"

"I wanted to make an effort to get along with Akiyo and Nara because I know how much they mean to you and Jimin," she replied, her smile weak but genuine.

"Did you also invite Brad to join us?"

"His name is Bryan, not Brad, and yes, I invited him too."

"Why do you insist on putting me through this torture? Are you secretly trying to tell me that you hate me?" I grumbled, feeling my blood pressure rise at the mere mention of her cowardly ass boyfriend's name.