Uncrossed Paths

Ren's phone buzzed again. He had just finished a sketch and was about to switch to a new video when he saw Maya's name on his screen.

He exhaled, already sensing that she had something on her mind. Lately, things between them hadn't been the same. Their friendship had hit a rough patch after something Maya did in the past had hurt Ren deeply. He hadn't confronted her about it, but the weight of unspoken words hung heavy between them.

Maya's message popped up.

What are you doing?

Ren hesitated before replying, keeping it casual.

Multitasking like Chatting, working on a sketch, watching YouTube.

Chatting? With whom?

Ren smirked at her sudden interrogation.

Of course, with you... and your best friend.

Maya's response was immediate.

Fuck you. She isn't my best friend. I don't even know her. I only know she's Zara's friend. Don't call her my best friend.

Ren shook his head at her reaction, amused. He typed back, teasing her.

Zara is your friend, and Tulip is Zara's friend. That makes her your friend too.

I hate her. Don't call her my best friend.

Her sudden hostility made him pause. Why was she so against Tulip? Before he could respond, another message came through.

In fact, she's your best friend. Why don't you admit it?

Ren decided to push back playfully.

Oh, so you're jealous?

Answer me. Is she your best friend?

He sighed, choosing his words carefully.

Nah, you're my best friend. I was just kidding.

Maya didn't reply right away. Instead, a few seconds later, a screenshot appeared on Ren's screen.

His stomach twisted as he opened it.

It was a chat between Tulip and Zara. Below the chat, Tulip had written: "I think Ren likes me."

Ren's heart skipped a beat. His mind raced, an uneasy feeling settling in his chest. Did she really think that? And more importantly-why did Maya have this screenshot? Was Tulip talking about him in a way that made others assume something between them? His grip tightened around the phone. A strange mix of confusion, nervousness, and something else-something he didn't want to name-swirled inside him.

Before he could process it, Maya's next message arrived.

Is she lying?

Ren reread the message, unsure how to respond. His throat felt dry. Finally, he typed back.

No, I don't like her.

Then go and tell her that. Not me.

Ren hesitated. The idea of confronting Tulip about something like this felt awkward, unnecessary. Why did he have to clear up something she had casually said to a friend? But before he could reply, Maya's next message made his stomach drop.

Block her. Right now, Ren.

Ren's fingers hovered over Tulip's profile.

He stared at it.

His chest tightened, a dull pressure spreading through his ribs. He shouldn't feel this way. Blocking someone should be easy, especially if it meant avoiding unnecessary drama.