Hard to (not) Love [an Aj shabeel x reader Story]

"You're falling for AJ," Niko says, pointing at me like he's just cracked a code.

And just like that, it hits me.

Am I? Am I really falling for AJ?
I mean... we're not even friends. We argue all the time, throw shade, avoid each other in public. But then again — he has this ridiculous power over me.
A hand on my waist, a whisper near my ear, one of those stupid nicknames he made up just to annoy me — and suddenly my whole brain turns to mush.
That moment before, when he touched my back and whispered in my ear... I felt weak.

"Y/N."

But I can't be falling for someone who hates me, can I?
And even if I am — what the hell am I supposed to do about it?
Maybe Niko could help. He always knows what to say. But how do I just act like nothing's changed?

"Y/N!"

I snap out of my thoughts and blink. Chunkz is looking right at me.

"Sorry, what?"

"You just zoned out," he says with a little laugh.

"Yeah... sorry. Just thinking."

"You good?" Niko asks, his expression now soft, a little concerned.

"I just... I can't believe it," I say, shaking my head. "How the hell am I falling for AJ? What am I even supposed to do?"

"Don't worry about it — you've got us," Niko says with a reassuring smile.
God, I love him. No wonder he's my best friend.

"Do you... want to start something with him?" Chunkz asks.

And honestly? I have no idea how to answer that.

"Ugh," I groan, rubbing my temples as my head starts to ache from overthinking.

"I don't know. I mean... yeah, he's good-looking, and maybe being in a relationship with him would be kinda cute, but... we are still supposed to hate eachother.
And I don't know if we could ever look past that. Plus, he probably doesn't even like me."

I pause for a second, before letting out a breath.

"I mean, let's be real. I've talked so much shit about him. Sure, he deserved it all — but still. If the roles were reversed i probably wouldn't give him a chance either''

"I think you should give him a chance," Chunkz says, voice calm but sincere. "He's a really good friend... and probably an even better lover. If he likes someone he's willing to do anything for them."

Somehow, his words actually manage to calm my nerves.
Chunkz has that effect — he doesn't overreact. He just listens, and then says exactly what you need to hear.

Maybe he's right.
Maybe I'm overthinking everything — like always.

"Maybe you're right," I murmur, giving a small nod.
Even if I'm not ready to act on it, I decide to keep his advice in mind.

"So, Chunkz, Niko told me you had something to tell me," I say, trying to change the topic to ease my mind—though I'm still curious about the news he has to share. "What is it?"

The moment I ask, I notice his cheeks turning red.

"Uhhh... Chunkz, are you blushing?" I tease, smirking. Niko, sitting next to me, starts giggling under his breath.

"Tell us, Chunkz, I don't know either," Niko adds, nudging him to finally spill the tea.

"Soo... you guys know Nella, right?"