Early Morning
The sky was still a soft gray, the sun yet to rise. For a morning person like Ashley, it was the perfect moment for a cup of tea. Coffee had never been her thing. She opened the door, letting the cool breeze brush against her face, filling her lungs with crisp, fresh air.
She settled onto her bench, one she had built herself—chairs, table, every little detail a testament to her quiet hobby. I always forget how much peace I find in doing this… she thought, wrapping her hands around the warm cup. The sunrise painted the horizon in pale gold, a promise of calm and stillness.
Today was her day off—a day to do nothing, to recharge. A day for herself, alone. Just me, some tea, and the sunrise… That should be enough.
And yet, the calm couldn't fully quiet her mind. The conversation from last night replayed, each word pressing gently against her chest. Why does it still hurt this much…?
She remembered Sarah's words, the way her best friend had smiled while talking about Mark's proposal. Ashley had known all along—she had known before Sarah even realized she was telling her.
Her gaze drifted to the horizon, the pale light stretching over the quiet town. The gentle breeze whispered against her skin, but it couldn't wash away the ache in her chest. I want her to be happy… I really do. But why does it sting so much?
Ashley took a slow sip of her tea, letting the warmth settle inside her. I'll smile for her… I always do. Even if my heart protests quietly.
The bench beneath her felt solid, grounding her as she watched the sun climb higher, a silent witness to her thoughts. Alone, yet not lonely—this was her sanctuary. And yet, the emotions from last night lingered like a soft shadow, a reminder that some truths were harder to bear than the quietest mornings.
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That Night (Restaurant)
Texting on the phone
Sarah: sorry!! 😩 Otw....hehe
Ashley: nyehh otw your face 😑. Already ordered our food. Update me once you arrive.
Sarah: HAHAHAHAHA 😝 Thankiess, my usual order ok? 😚
Ashley: Ik, so stop texting and focus on driving.
Sigh…this girl really hadn't changed at all. A small smile tugged at Ashley's lips as she scrolled through TikTok videos, waiting for Sarah to arrive. The restaurant, their usual hangout, was quieter than normal tonight. Maybe this is a good thing… I don't have to push through a crowd to hear her chatter.
"Helloooo!!! Yezaaaa, on time!" Sarah's laughter filled the air as she approached, playfully brushing Ashley's short hair.
"Heyy, don't touch my hair, jeeezzz," Ashley said, rolling her eyes, brushing it back. Sarah just laughed, knowing it slightly annoyed Ashley. Somehow… I don't mind her teasing me. It's… cute, in a way.
Soon, their food arrived. As they ate, Sarah chattered on as usual, sharing her day in a flood of words. Ashley sipped her tea quietly, curiosity building.
"So… what's this about? Hanging out on a Friday isn't normal for you. Did something happen that couldn't wait until tomorrow?"
Sarah paused, taking a deep breath. I know this might hurt her… she thought. We both know we're not just best friends deep down inside. I suspect Ashley has feelings for me, though she may not even realize it herself. And sometimes… sometimes I doubt if she really feels that way at all, even after all these years since primary school. I still don't really know her fully. She hides her emotions so well, calm and collected inside, yet her actions sometimes hint otherwise. Maybe I'm reading too much into it… or maybe she's genuinely just a close friend. Either way, her mixed signals make me question her sometimes. That's why I want her to hear this first, because I trust her—and because I know she deserves to know, even if our relationship is… more like sisters than anything else.
"Well… actually, Mark proposed to me, and I said yes," she finally said aloud, a soft, awkward smile forming as she avoided Ashley's gaze.
Ashley's heart tightened slightly. She had suspected this might happen… and yet, it still stung. Why do I feel this way…?
After a few moments of silence, Sarah looked up, meeting Ashley's eyes. Ashley tilted her head, silently urging her to continue.
"So that's why I wanted us to meet tonight. Tomorrow, Mark and I are going to look at wedding rings. Don't worry—you're the first to know," Sarah said, chuckling softly. "Mark proposed last week… I guess it's time for us to settle down, right? You know, you're the only one who knows everything I've been through." She reached out, placing a hand gently on Ashley's.
Ashley narrowed her eyes, crossing her arms, a small smile playing on her lips. "Sigh… finally that duck shows some courage. Took him long enough to make a move."
Sarah's brows rose. "Wait… you knew from the start??"
Ashley felt a pang of guilt tighten in her chest. I knew… from the very beginning. And she thought she was telling me first… She hesitated, lowering her gaze for a moment.
"It was his idea. I had my reasons for not telling you. Look… I know how much you love him. Even though sometimes I want to punch him every time I see that clueless look of his, I also know he's a good man. He gave me a really nice speech… which is why I wanted to help him," Ashley explained, eyes soft but steady.
Sarah's thoughts raced. Since when did they get this close? Why is she helping him? Does she have someone else? Has she… moved on?
"Ahh… that hurts," Sarah said softly, rubbing her forehead.
Ashley leaned forward, giving Sarah a gentle flick on the forehead—playful, teasing, like an older sister scolding her younger sibling. "You look like a duck too now," she said with a mischievous grin. "Honestly, since Mira's birthday, Mark approached me with his plan. We exchanged numbers, discussed your likes and dislikes, and… well, the plan worked. More importantly, I wanted the best for you. I know how much you love him, and as your best friend, this is my way of making you happy." She placed her hands over Sarah's, warmth radiating from her touch.
Despite everything… she really just wants me to be happy. Even if it hurts. But why....