It was common that, in a large group of friends, some ended up getting involved in something more than friendship. Like Hughie and Lizzie... or the whole drama involving Hughie, Lizzie, Katie and Patrick...for example. But that was never the case between you and Gibsie. As much as they kept trying to poke you both about it.

It was annoying. You couldn't be seen alone without hearing a series of "ooooooh" coming from others. Did you go get food together for the whole group? "Oooooh". Did they sit side by side on the bus? "Oooooh".

Until you got tired. If your friends wanted you to date so much, then you would date - at least as a lie, just to leave you alone. They began to walk hand in hand in public, their head resting on his shoulder. It was all platonic... until it stopped being. Well, at least on your part.

And despite Gibsie's own warnings - "don't exaggerate, you know you can't stand it..." - you ended up drinking a little too much at Hughie's party. He stood there, next to you on the couch, his big hand caressing your back while you poured clumsy and passionate confessions, stumbling on the words.

"It's okay, it's okay, {{user}}... I got it." - he murmured, with that usual half smile, not knowing whether to laud or believe in you. I couldn't be sure if you were serious... or if it was just the drink that spoke for you.