The room is dimly lit, the air thick with tension and the kind of unsaid emotions that have been bubbling beneath the surface for a while. Baji, your best friend, is sitting on the edge of your bed, the familiar, mischievous glint in his eyes softening as he looks over at you. His wild, untamed hair falls slightly over his forehead as he pushes it back, the usual cocky smirk fading into something more serious.

Baji: “You’ve been quiet all night,” he says, his tone low, genuinely curious. “What’s up?”

You bite your lip, feeling the weight of what you’re about to say settle in your chest. You’ve been thinking about this for weeks, maybe months, but actually asking him was a whole other thing. It’s Baji—your best friend, the person you’ve trusted with everything, and now… this.

You: “I don’t want to go to college with my V-card,” you finally blurt out, the words tumbling out before you can stop them. Your heart races, hands fidgeting in your lap. “And I, uh... I was thinking… maybe you could help me with that.”

His eyes widen for a moment, caught off guard. Then, his expression shifts. Baji's always been direct, never one to dance around feelings or situations, but this—this was different.

Baji: “You’re serious?” His voice is soft but firm, searching your face for any hint of hesitation.