Ava:

"That was the best date I've ever been on!" I squeal to Lexi the moment I step back into my room, still riding the high from the night. We're sprawled across my bed, the date playing over in my head like a movie I can't stop watching. "He took me shopping, then dinner- which was, like, whatever -and then he brought me to this cute little lookout. We just stayed there for, like, an hour, Lex. Wow. I've never been with someone like him before!"

Lexi listens, nodding slowly, her gaze soft but distant, almost like she's somewhere else. It's not the reaction I expected, and I frown, tilting my head as I study her. "You okay?" I ask gently, reaching over to place my hand on hers.

She lets out a quick laugh, nodding stiffly. "Of course," she says, her voice light but her smile seems forced. "It's just late, and you're, like, at a hundred right now. I love it, I promise, I'm just... processing, that's all."

I giggle, leaning my head on her shoulder, feeling the warmth of her skin through her shirt. "Sorry, sorry. We can talk more in the morning if you're tired," I offer, pulling back to catch her expression, but her eyes are already half-closed.

Lexi shrugs, flopping back against the pillows with a tired sigh. "Go for it, girl. I've never seen you this excited over a guy before, and you wouldn't shut up about Jake for months, so..." She trails off, her words laced with teasing. "Go ahead, babe."

True to form, I launch into a full recount of the night, gushing about every little detail- how special it felt, how close we were, how I'm already counting the minutes until our next date. My words come tumbling out, excitement bubbling over, and soon I'm leaning over her, propped up on one elbow, unable to sit still.

"Maybe one of these days, we can go on a double date!" I squeal, grabbing Lexi's hands and flailing them around in giddy excitement. "Oh my god, Lex, this is like every bestie's dream! Double date!"

Lexi chuckles, nodding slowly. "Yeah... that could be fun, actually," she murmurs, but there's a softness in her voice now, her eyes heavy with sleep.

I giggle, leaning down to kiss her forehead. "I'm gonna take a shower, but feel free to stay here. You look ready to pass out."

She mumbles something unintelligible, curling into a tight ball beneath the blankets as her breathing evens out, the exhaustion finally taking over. I watch her for a moment before I skip to the bathroom, still buzzing. I crank the shower to hot, the sound of water echoing in the quiet room as I wipe away my makeup, the night replaying itself in my mind over and over.

I feel like I'm floating- still buzzing from the date. Every little detail with Milo keeps replaying in my head, like the universe is trying to remind me how perfect it all was. The way he smiled, how his hand fit perfectly in mine, the way he made me laugh like it was the easiest thing in the world. It's almost unreal, like a dream I don't want to wake up from. I'm on cloud nine, and yet, underneath all this happiness, there's this tiny knot of fear I can't ignore.

It's always there, lurking in the back of my mind. The idea of getting too close, of being tied down... it freaks me out. I mean, I've never really had something serious, not like this. Just thinking about it makes my heart race, but not in the good way.

We haven't even scratched the surface of how messed up I really am. Milo's seen me break down once, but what happens when it starts happening more? Lexi's always been the one to pull me out of my spirals- what if Milo thinks it's too much? He's got his own shit to deal with. What if we're just an explosive mix waiting to happen? And what if he leaves, like everyone else always does?

I try to shake off the negative thoughts as I hop into the shower, letting the scorching water burn away the doubts. Despite knowing Milo doesn't want to have sex for a while, I still take an all over shower. You know, just in case he can't resist me any longer. I mean, who could blame him?

Once back in my room, I peek at Lexi, her long body no longer crunched into a ball, but rather taking up the whole bed. I giggle softly, shoving her to her own side before curling up next to her. She hums softly in content, her head resting against my shoulder as she drifts back to sleep.

But in the quiet of the night, my mind refuses to settle, buzzing with thoughts of Milo. What's next for us? A day at the aquarium? Coffee at some hidden, cozy café? With him, it could be anything. I mean, thrifting? That was such a good idea. My dates used to be nothing more than sitting on the bleachers, pretending to care about whatever sport my date was playing. But this... this feels different. This feels real.

The next morning, my phone buzzes with a text from Milo. He says he had a great time last night and that he's excited for our next date. A smile tugs at my lips as I read the message, then read it again... and again. My heart flutters as I type back, my fingers brushing the screen a little slower than usual.

"When should I expect that?" I reply, looking up just as Kit places my smoothie in front of me, her usual soft smile lingering before she moves away.

Lexi sits across from me, her fingers tapping rhythmically against the edge of her plate as she pokes at her breakfast. "You texting Milo?" She asks, breaking the silence between us.

I nod, feeling a warmth spread across my cheeks. "I really, really like him," I admit, my voice a bit quieter than usual as I take a sip of my smoothie. It tastes like grass, but good. "But I'm also really, really nervous."

Lexi shrugs, nudging her home fries around with her fork. "No need to be nervous. It's not like this is your first serious relationship or anything," she says with a teasing smirk, but her words spark a flicker of anxiety in my chest.

"There was Matt-" I begin, but she cuts me off with a laugh.

"Oh yeah, you dated for a whole week. Super serious," she mocks, her eyebrow raising with amusement.

I scoff, flicking some of my smoothie at her. "Not all of us can have a perfect, loving, three-year relationship like you, bitch," I mutter, crossing my arms over my chest, feigning annoyance.

Lexi laughs, but there's an emptiness to it. "Yeah, three years of the most boring, monotonous relationship ever," she grumbles, stuffing a piece of toast into her mouth. Her words come out muffled as she continues, "Brad's about as interesting as drywall. I wish I could just find the guy version of you."

I dramatically flip my hair over my shoulder and flutter my lashes. "I know, but sadly, I'm one of a kind." I sigh heavily as if it's a curse, and it works- Lexi's laughter bubbles up, easing the tension that had settled between us.

The next few days drift by uneventfully. Milo and I keep our growing relationship quiet for now, but ever since the party and that scene in front of our class, the rumors have started. My favorite so far? That Milo's family is paying me to hang out with him.

Honestly, at this point, I'd pay to hang out with him. Gag. Gag, gag, gag.

Milo's started joining Lexi and me for lunch, our usual duo expanding into a trio. Sometimes Brad joins us too, and one day during lunch, he and Milo click instantly, talking about video games and the latest superhero movies like they've known each other for years. It's refreshing to see Milo enjoy talking to someone, and it's nice that he's coming out of his shell, even if just a little.

I glance at the two of them as they chat, then over at Lexi, who seems miles away. She's been distant lately, distracted, like her mind is always somewhere else. She's on her period, and Mercury's in retrograde, so maybe it's just that. I nudge her gently.

"Earth to Lexi," I say in a robotic voice, waving my hand in front of her face. "Come in, Lexi."

She huffs out a soft laugh, blinking as if shaking herself back into the present. "Yeah, I'm here," she says, her fingers tapping restlessly against the table. "Sorry, just thinking."

I quirk an eyebrow, noticing how vague she's being. Lexi and I are both Yapper Supremes- she's never one to keep her thoughts to herself. "Thinking about...?" I push gently, taking her hand in mine as we talk.

She shrugs again, her gaze distant. "How much I can't wait to get home and go to bed," she mumbles, straightening up before a playful grin takes over her face. She raises my hand to her mouth, and chomps down, hard. I yelp, pulling my hand back and scowling at her.

"Can we please watch Hamilton when we get home?" Lex asks sweetly, as if she didn't just leave teeth marks in my hand.

"Weren't you supposed to come over tonight?" Brad's voice interrupts, pulling both our attention to him and Milo. The guys are watching us now, curiosity in their eyes.

"Oh... right," Lexi says flatly, and I purse my lips. She hasn't mentioned Brad much lately, and when she does, it's with the enthusiasm of someone talking about a dentist appointment. I smell a breakup brewing. "I forgot."

Brad clutches his chest in mock hurt. "Ouch," he teases, tossing her a wink. "Don't sound too excited, babe."

Milo snickers softly beside him, and Lexi's glare could kill him on the spot. He looks at me for help, but I shake my head, wanting no part of this. As much as I like Milo, I don't want Lexi murdering me in my sleep, either.

"I hate men," Lexi mutters under her breath, standing up and smoothing down her shirt. "I'm going to the bathroom. You think you can manage without me, babe?"

Brad's face tightens for a split second, but he laughs it off, loud and forced. "Don't worry, love. I'll hold the fort down for you." He salutes her, and I try not to cringe. Goddamn theater kids.

Lexi doesn't respond, stalking off toward the bathroom without a second glance. I start to get up, thinking about following her, but Brad's hand gently grips my wrist.

"Hey, has she talked to you about anything?" He asks quietly, concern etched on his face. "She's been acting so strange lately. Really distant, like she's not even there half the time. We had an argument a few weeks ago about the play we're in, but... she still seems off."

Before I can answer, Milo speaks up, shrugging. "Mercury's in retrograde," he offers, and a grin spreads across my face. He listens. He actually listens when I talk, and it's honestly the sweetest thing ever.

I nod in agreement, gently wiggling my wrist free from Brad's grip. "You've been with her for three years. You know how she can get sometimes."

Brad looks down, fidgeting with the hem of his shirt, his brow creased with concern. "Yeah, it's just... it's never lasted this long before. What if- what if I'm doing something wrong? She hasn't talked to you at all?"

I lift my hands in mock surrender, shaking my head. "She tells me just about everything, and whatever this is, I can't get her to crack. She's definitely been acting weird. She didn't even mention you guys arguing..."

Brad lets out a frustrated, humorless laugh, raking his hand through his blonde hair. "Yikes. Not even important enough to mention anymore..." His voice is low, defeated. Milo reaches over and pats him on the back, offering silent support, earning a grateful glance from both Brad and me.

"How about you take her on a date?" I suggest, my gaze drifting towards the cafeteria doors, half-expecting Lexi to waltz back in, flashing her usual carefree smile. "How long has it been since you guys went on a proper date? Maybe if you make it romantic, set the mood, she'll... you know..." I make a circle with one hand, inserting my pointer finger through it suggestively, giving him a sly grin.

Brad blushes, swatting at my hands with a mock-scandalized expression. "Bitch," he hisses, rolling his eyes. "You don't think I've tried everything? Romantic dinners, drive-in movies, couples massages- nothing. She's your best friend. Can't you get her to, like, do something?"

I laugh loudly, shaking my head in disbelief. "You think I haven't tried?" I say, and Milo watches us both with wide eyes, as if he's bracing for a fight to break out. "She's a fucking Taurus, stubborn as hell. What do you expect me to do?"

Brad opens his mouth to respond, but I hold up my hand, cutting him off. "I probably should go check on her before she thinks I've abandoned her. Hold that thought, Bradley." He groans as I walk away, yelling at me for calling him by his full name. I just giggle, practically skipping towards the bathrooms.

When I push the door open, I find Lexi perched on the edge of the sink, casually touching up her makeup. The harsh fluorescent lights above cast sharp shadows over her features, but her expression softens slightly when she sees me.

"Hey, girl," I say sassily, hopping up onto the counter next to her. I reach into her makeup bag, rummaging until I find a lip gloss, applying it as I talk.

"So," I start, my voice muffled as I press my lips together. "I was thinking, I should do your makeup, your hair, put you in a pretty dress... and maybe you and Brad can go on a nice date? Didn't that new sushi place just open up down the street from you? The one that's, like, impossible to get into? I bet your dad can get you a reservation."

Lexi chuckles, but it's a hollow sound, the kind that doesn't quite reach her eyes. "I mean... I have been craving sushi," she says, her light green eyes flickering up at me. There's a darkness in them today, a storm brewing just beneath the surface, like the calm before something breaks. I've only ever seen her like this once, after she lost her favorite cousin. Whatever is going on now must be weighing heavy on her heart.

"Whatever is going on," I say gently, brushing a strand of hair from her face, my fingers lingering on her cheek for a second longer, "I'm here for you. If you need to talk, you know I'm always here, right?"

Lexi gives me a small smile, her lips barely curling. "Thank you. I'm fine. Just a little spacey lately. Maybe a nice date will help get me out of this funk." She pauses, her eyes studying my face as if searching for something. "Thanks for being such an amazing person."

"Oh, God, please say that to all the guys I've been with, Riley, my mom..." I start listing names of people I've wronged- or who have wronged me -ticking them off on my fingers one by one. Lexi laughs, finally letting a genuine sound slip past her lips. She hops off the counter, and I follow her lead.

"Come on," I say with a mischievous grin. "We've left the boys alone for way too long. What if they've started thinking for themselves?"

Lexi gasps dramatically, throwing her hand over her mouth in mock horror. "Oh, God, no!" She cries, and we practically run back to the cafeteria, giggling like we're kids again.

When we reach the table, we find the boys sitting in silence, both absentmindedly scrolling through their phones. I heave a fake sigh of relief as we slide back into our seats, wiping imaginary sweat from my forehead. "Phew," I say, causing the guys to look up. "We were scared you were plotting world domination while we were gone."

Milo snorts, shaking his head. "We were more worried you two were getting freaky in the bathroom," he jokes, and Brad nods in agreement, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

I giggle, turning to Lexi and playfully pretending to make out with her. She blushes, her cheeks flushing deep red as she swats at my hands. "Freak," she teases, but there's laughter in her voice.

"You know it," I purr, leaning over to lick her cheek, which makes her squeal, pushing me away with a hard shove. We're both laughing now, our playful banter filling the air between us. "Oh, come on, you love it," I tease, still grinning.

Lexi just shakes her head, still giggling softly, but her gaze shifts away, her smile fading ever so slightly. The bell rings, signaling the end of lunch, and we all stand, gathering our things. Milo and I wave goodbye to Brad and Lexi as we head off toward algebra together.

"Woof," I mumble under my breath, inching closer to Milo but still keeping that deliberate, careful distance between us. "Hot mess express."

The brunet nods, his lips quirking up slightly as we shuffle into class. "Do you think they're gonna break up?" He asks, his voice carrying a quiet curiosity. He glances at me as we pull out our notebooks. "I mean, three years together and they still haven't fucked? Polar opposite of you, huh?"

I roll my eyes, smacking his arm. "Do you want the cold shoulder?" I ask, tilting my head in exaggerated sarcasm. "Because you're dangerously close to getting it."

Milo just laughs, his warm chuckle filling the space, and winks. My heart skips a beat, my face heating up as I quickly look down, huffing at him. I hate the way he makes me feel- the way my body reacts to him. The more I spend time with him, the more he seems to realize that, too. It's been really, really hard not to just climb him like a tree and tear his clothes off with my teeth.

I pull myself away from those thoughts before they spiral any further, refocusing on something, anything else- Lexi. In all my years of knowing her, I've never seen Lexi like this before- at least not without a clear reason. She's always been the upbeat one, the light in every room, quick to make a joke or turn things around when everything seems grim. This version of her, the one who's distant, who barely even notices Brad's half-hearted attempts at affection, it feels... wrong.

It's like there's this invisible wall between us now, one I can't seem to break through. She hasn't opened up to me about it, and it's so goddamn frustrating because she's always been able to talk me through her feelings. I glance at Milo again, feeling that familiar tightness in my chest. It's funny, Lexi's been distant and cold with Brad, yet I'm over here, trying not to let Milo see how much his laugh, his touch, messes with me. It's like we're living in opposite worlds- like we Freaky Friday'd.

My brain flicks between Lexi and Milo for the rest of the day, and it's hard to focus on anything. As excited as I am for my next date with Milo, I'm even more worried about whatever is going on with Lex.