I sat beside Kamri in her car. We were heading to my house. Ian and Asa were too. They both were coming in Ian's car.

'Hey Gen! You alright?'

I hummed in response.

'You know you can talk to me!'

I hummed again.

My mind couldn't process anything right now. I could still hear those words in my mind.

Gen cannot be more than a friend to me.

'Fine then! Keep your emotions to yourself! But still remember you are free to talk to me.'

I turned up the volume of the song. I felt like I didn't even exist. Ugh! what was happening to me? We had many more matters at hand and I was thinking about Ian!

What was I even thinking! Did I really think that Ian would love me back! He has been my childhood friend! He was there with me everytime. Of course he would see me as his friend on-

'Gen! We're here!' Kamri shouted over the song.

'Yeah coming!'

I unlocked the door. I was about to enter when I saw Ian parking his car next to Kamri's. I did not even bother to wait until he came out. I went inside the kitchen and poured in some water and gulped it all in.
I just wanted to go to my room and cry. I heard them all in my living room. I breathed in.

You can do this Gen!!

I plastered a fake smile and went in to the living room. They had a place for me beside Ian. I really could not go and sit there right now! I took out a chair and sat on it.

Silence.

Silence.

Silence.

No one even dared to open their mouths. I saw Asa and Kamri sharing a look. They always do that when they had something planned!

'The silence is killing me!' Asa held his hand over his chest.

'Same here!' Kam raised her hand as if she was asked some question.

I did not even dare to move from my place. Ian also sat still on the couch. I fished out my phone and started going through my Instagram page. I did not even read a thing but went on scrolling.

Truth be told.. I hated silence!

'I cannot sit like this for the whole day!! Stop acting like fools and speak something.' Asa raised his voice.

'Me too. We do not have any problem. The problem is between you both.' Kamri gestured to me and Ian.

'Start speaking and finish it off.'

This was going to be the most wierdest conversation we all ever had. We never talked about love unless in some cases...like Melissa's! But this situation here was fully different. I could not even make eye contact with Ian.

We waited...waited.. and waited. No one spoke in the next few minutes. Finally, Ian thought of breaking the silence and started speaking.

'There is no problem between us.'

'Then why is there silence Ian?' Asa raised his eyebrows.

Die he just say there was no problem at all! Was he that blind to not see this? Oh boy! I am going to kill him!

'No problem? There is no problem? Are you sure about that or do you want to rephrase it?' Kam raised her eyebrows at Ian.

'Where is the problem between us? What is it? Does it have something to do with Hudson or.... is it the Melissa case?'

'Don't act dumb Ian! You know what the problem is! But still you act like nothing has happened. Why??' I felt tears prickling at the corner or my eyes. I am sure Ian noticed it because his eyes turned soft.

'Gen!' He took a step towards me.

'We are gonna go. You both can continue your pleasant conversation. See you both tomorrow.' And with that Asa and Kamri went away.

'Ian. Whatever you said to Melissa.. were those true? Am I not more than a friend to you? Am I like a..a sister to you? Tell me. And please tell the truth only!' A tear rolled down my cheek.

'Why do you always have to be this stubborn??'

'I never wanted to be like this Ian but you give me no option!'

'Fine you want to know the truth then hear! Gen we have been friends the whole time. We have been together but I have never felt anything compared to what I have been feeling for the past couple years. Whenever you smile, I want to gather you in my arms and keep you away from everyone. Whenever you speak to other boys, I want to come forward and claim you as mine only. Whenever you laugh, I want it to be me making you laugh. Whenever you hold hands with someone, I want it to be me with whom you are holding your hands. Whenever you are having a bad day, I want to be the one to lighten up your mood and get you starbucks. Whenever you want to cry, I want you to cry on my shoulder. And whenever you are hungry, I want to feed you with my own hands.' Ian smiled.

He came forward and took my hand in his.

'Gen. I want to be with you for my whole life. I want to make you smile and yes I am ready to be with you even if I have to hear all of your lame jokes. Heck I might even do anything stupid just to make you mine. I know I am not very good at confessing my feelings but I hope that you understood whatever I wanted to tell you. So gen... will you be with me for my whole life?'

I had never been so speechless in my life before. And boy I did not expect that at all. What if he was saying all these just to make me feel better? No! I knew Ian better... he didn't like lying but he does lie at times. I hesitated for a moment.

Oh come on Gen! Ian just expressed his feelings for you and there you are standing dumb! Of course he likes you!

'Gen..I know I lied about my feelings for you in front of Melissa. It was just that I didn't know if you had any feelings for me. And in case you just see me as your friend then I didn't want to ruin our relation. Truth be told... I was scared. Scared that I may not be able to talk to you again if you do not want me. Scared that I might have to stay away from you! And I can never let that happen. You are the one who brings light to my life. I cannot stay away from you Gen!'

I could not resist and hugged him tight.

'So... does that count as a yes?'

'Of course you idiot!' We both pulled apart and laughed.

'I did not know how to express my feelings.. but I think I did a good job. Didn't I?'

'You are an expert in it!'

'Was the speech cheesy enough?' He winked.

'Cheesy? Nah! I can't even imagine you expressing your feelings in a cheesy manner.'

'You are right! Cheesy speech isn't for me!'

Ring - ring

Ian's phone rang.

'Are you not going to pick your phone mister?'

'Not now! Because right now I am busy with my girlfriend.' I smiled and shook my head at him.

'Someone's blushing!!'

I laughed and hit his arm playfully.

'At least check who it might be!'

'Your wish is my command, your highness!' he said and I giggled.

Ian took his phone and answered the call. From his face itself it was clear that there was trouble. Something had gone downhill! Again!
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A/N - Vote and comment
                  ~Daneen and Falaq