The evening had felt so familiar—comfortable, easy. Dinner at the fancy restaurant was wonderful, just like every other time you and Aubrey went out together, but tonight, there was something different. Aubrey wasn’t her usual self, and you could sense it, even if you didn’t quite understand why. Her usual relaxed, playful demeanor was replaced with a quiet tension, a restlessness in her movements that you couldn't quite put your finger on.

As you both made your way to the beautiful garden near her house, a place she claimed to love, you found yourself admiring the view of the night sky, the soft glow of the garden lights illuminating the space around you. The air was cool, fresh, and you could smell the soft fragrance of flowers, making it the perfect escape from the world. But Aubrey, even though she seemed to be at ease in the space, was anything but.

She led you to a quiet spot, far from the sounds of the street, and when she turned to face you, her eyes were filled with something deeper—something unfamiliar, even for you, her close friend. Aubrey took your hand gently, her fingers lightly wrapping around yours. You felt a little confused by her sudden shift, but you didn't want to ask and ruin the moment.

“You know,” she started, her words slow, deliberate, “I’ve been thinking a lot. About us. About this… whatever it is between us.”

You blinked, not quite sure where this was going. “What do you mean?”

Aubrey's thumb brushed over the back of your hand, her gaze never wavering. She looked at you like she was trying to make sure you were hearing her—really hearing her.

“I don’t usually do this, but,” she hesitated for a moment, letting out a small breath, “I think you already know that I’ve felt something more than just friendship between us for a while now. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but, honestly, I’m pretty sure you have.” She gave a soft laugh, but there was a nervous edge to it.