A couple months later Phoebe and Julie were walking down the street, discussing how hard it was to find the perfect match. "I just don't know if there's such a thing as soulmates," Phoebe frowns. "It seems like everyone we've dated has had some fatal flaw and things just never worked."

"Tell me about it," Julie replies with a heavy sigh. "I just want someone who gets me, you know? Someone who's as fun and spontaneous as I am."

"Yeah," Phoebe agrees. "I want someone who's kind and caring, but also funny and sarcastic. Someone who makes me laugh and makes me feel safe." She sighs, shaking her head. "But, I don't know if I'll ever find someone like that. Maybe I'm destined to be alone."

"No, you're not." Julie frowns. "You deserve to find love, Phoebe. You're a great person and anyone would be lucky to have you."

"Thanks," Phoebe murmurs, giving her friend a small smile. "That means a lot."

She gasps when she suddenly collided with a chest. She stumbles back a bit, blinking rapidly. "I'm sorry, I wasn't paying attention-" Phoebe started, before looking up and seeing a young man in front of her who looked so handsome he took her breath away. She stared at him for a moment, her heart pounding. As she did this, Julie had bumped into someone as well, causing her to stumble back a bit.

"Whoa," Julie breathes, looking up at the man in front of her. She was speechless. She had never seen someone so attractive in her life. "I'm, uh, I'm sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going." She apologized.

"It's fine," He replies, giving her a charming smile. "Neither was I. I'm Merrick." He reached over to help steady Julie, making her heart race.

As this happened, the young man Phoebe bumped into looks at her with concern. "Are you okay? I wasn't paying attention either, so I'm sorry." He apologized.

"I'm fine," Phoebe smiles, her cheeks pink. "I'm Phoebe. And that's my best friend Julie." She pointed over to Julie, who was talking to the man named Merrick.

"Nice to meet you two. I'm Jake. That's my best friend Merrick." Jake introduced himself, his eyes never leaving Phoebe's. His gaze made her heart flutter, and she couldn't stop the butterflies in her stomach.

"Nice to meet you, Jake," Phoebe says, feeling a flutter in her stomach as she looks at him. "And you, Merrick," she adds, giving him a warm smile.

Julie, still slightly dazed by Merrick's charm, manages to regain her composure. "Yeah, um, likewise." She stammered, offering a friendly smile to both Jake and Merrick.

Jake and Merrick were both very attractive and charming, and Phoebe and Julie were smitten. They couldn't believe their luck, running into these two gorgeous men. It felt like a scene from a cheesy rom-com. The four of them stand there for a moment, caught in a moment of unexpected connection. Then Jake speaks up, breaking the silence. "Hey, would you two like to grab a coffee with us? It seems like we all could use a break and some good company."

Phoebe and Julie exchange glances, a spark of excitement in their eyes. "Sure, that sounds great," Phoebe says, feeling a surge of hope. "We'd love to."

And just like that, the chance encounter on the street turns into the beginning of something new and exciting for both Phoebe and Julie. Who knows? Maybe fate had a hand in bringing them together with Jake and Merrick.

They headed to a nearby coffee shop, talking and getting to know each other on the way. Phoebe and Jake were ahead of Julie and Merrick, both of them walking closely. Julie was laughing, listening to the stories that Merrick was telling her. They were all laughing and having a good time. Phoebe was surprised that she was able to have such a good conversation with Jake. He was so easy to talk to and he made her laugh.

"Here we are," Jake announces, leading them into the coffee shop. Phoebe and Julie glance at each other, excitement shining in their eyes. The coffee shop was cozy and inviting, and they could see a few other couples sitting around, enjoying their drinks. "We come here all the time, it's one of our favorite spots." He admitted, setting a positive tone for the outing. Phoebe smiled, appreciating the comfort of the familiar surroundings.

The group found a booth and settled in, making themselves comfortable. Jake and Merrick sat across from Phoebe and Julie, continuing their conversation from before. They ordered their drinks and chatted for a while, enjoying each other's company. As they talked, Phoebe noticed how attentive Jake was, and how he seemed genuinely interested in what she had to say. He was a good listener, and he made her feel like she was the only person in the world. She couldn't believe how well they seemed to click, and she was amazed by how quickly they were connecting.

She noticed Julie and Merrick got along great too, their conversation flowing naturally. She was happy to see her friend so excited and engaged, and she hoped this would turn into something more. After a while, they all decided it was time to call it a night. They exchanged numbers, making plans to hang out again soon. Phoebe and Julie were buzzing with excitement as they left the coffee shop, their hearts full and their minds racing. They couldn't believe they had met such great guys, and they were hopeful that this could turn into something special.

****

That night at their shared apartment, the girls were sitting in the couch in the living room as they watched a movie and eat popcorn. "Can you believe we met those guys?" Phoebe asked excitedly, a sparkle in her eye. She couldn't stop thinking about Jake and how much she was looking forward to getting to know him better.

"I know, right?" Julie agrees, a big smile on her face. "I've never met anyone like Merrick before. He's so charming and funny, and he's really sweet too." She sighs, her expression dreamy. "He's not the brightest, but he's got a good heart."

Phoebe chuckles, nudging her friend playfully. "Hey, as long as he treats you right and makes you happy, that's all that matters."

Julie nods, leaning back against the couch. "Yeah, you're right. And what about you and Jake? I saw you two hitting it off pretty well."

Phoebe blushes, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. "Yeah, he's amazing. I've never felt so comfortable around someone so quickly. It's like we just clicked, you know?"

Julie grins, nudging Phoebe back. "Looks like we might have found our soulmates after all."

Phoebe laughs, shaking her head. "Maybe. But even if they're not, I'm just happy to have met someone as great as Jake." She smiles, feeling a sense of contentment. "And I'm happy for you too, Julie. I think Merrick is really good for you."

Julie nods, her expression softening. "Yeah, I think so too." She admits, a hint of wistfulness in her voice. "I can't wait to see where this goes."

They sit in a comfortable silence, both of them lost in thought. After a few minutes, Phoebe speaks up, a sly smile on her face. "So, you wanna go next door and steal some ice cream from our neighbors?"

Julie laughs, catching onto Phoebe's mischievous tone. "Absolutely! I'll grab the spoons, you grab the guilty expressions."

The girls laugh and sneak out of their apartment, heading next door to steal some ice cream. They tended to do this often and the boys were used to it by now. Phoebe used the spare key she had to get into the apartment as Julie eagerly went over to the fridge.

She pulls out a carton of cookie dough ice cream, her eyes lighting up. "Score! We're in luck tonight, Pheebs." She grins, waving the carton in the air. She then joins Phoebe on the couch, opening up the ice cream. "I'm so glad we met those guys today. It's like they were sent from heaven."

Phoebe snorts. "Heaven or a cheesy rom-com."

Julie shrugs. "Either way, I'm not complaining." She digs into the ice cream, taking a huge bite. "Mm, so good."

The girls continue eating ice cream, not even caring if the boys were home. And they were, they were out on the balcony drinking coffee and talking about how bad their recent dates they had were. When they went inside, they weren't surprised to find the girls on their couch eating their ice cream.

"Alright, what are we having tonight?" Eric grinned, joining the girls on the couch.

"Cookie dough, of course." Julie beamed, offering him the carton.

Jack chuckles as he walks over to grab two spoons for himself and Eric before he walks over to them, sitting beside Phoebe with the arm of the couch by his right side. "What are you guys doing here? You know, besides stealing our ice cream." He asked with a playful grin, nudging Phoebe gently with his elbow and handed Eric a spoon, who grinned at him in response and took a bite of the ice cream.

Phoebe grins back, feeling a warmth spread through her as she leans into his side. "Just enjoying some late-night snacking," She replies, passing the carton of ice cream over to Jack. "And maybe a little mischief." She added with a wink.

Julie chuckles, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, we couldn't resist. You guys always have the best ice cream."

"It's true, we do." Eric agreed, speaking in the middle of taking a bite of ice cream.

Julie rolls her eyes at him and chuckles, shaking her head. "Gross, man." She teased, earning a laugh from Eric.

Eric shrugged and continued eating his ice cream, a smirk on his face. Jack laughs, nudging Phoebe again. "Looks like you two are guilty of breaking and entering for ice cream." He joked, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Phoebe playfully nudges him back. "Hey, it's not breaking and entering if we have a spare key. Besides, you guys never seem to mind."

Eric grins, nodding in agreement. "It's true, we don't. You're welcome here anytime."

Julie smiles, feeling a warmth in her heart. "Thanks, that means a lot." She glances at Phoebe, giving her a knowing look. "Besides, you guys are pretty awesome. We enjoy hanging out with you."

"The feeling's mutual." Eric assured, smiling at Julie when she locked eyes with him.

Phoebe and Julie spend a bit more time chatting and eating ice cream with Eric and Jack before heading back to their apartment. As they walk down the hallway, Phoebe can't help but feel a flutter in her heart. She feels grateful for the unexpected connection they've formed with Jake and Merrick, as well as the comfortable friendship they have with Eric and Jack. Whatever the future holds, she's hopeful and excited about the possibilities.

****

As the weeks go by, Phebe and Julie spend more time with Jake and Merrick, both couples becoming close friends. They hang out frequently, enjoying each other's company and growing closer. They all find that they have a lot in common and are able to relate to each other. They've recently decided to have a double date, Phoebe and Julie's first, and were currently getting ready.

"Okay, I think I'm finally ready." Julie announced, walking out of her room and doing a spin.

Phoebe looks over, admiring her friend's outfit. "You look amazing as always, Jules." She complimented with a fond smile.

Julie beams, feeling flattered. "Thanks, so do you. Seriously, you're going to knock Jake off his feet tonight."

Phoebe blushes, feeling a rush of excitement. "I hope so," she admits, adjusting her dress nervously. "I really like him."

Julie smiles knowingly. "I can tell. You two are adorable together."

Phoebe grins, feeling a surge of happiness. "Thanks, Jules. And you and Merrick? You're pretty cute too."

Julie blushes, her cheeks turning pink. "Stop it, you're making me blush," she laughs, feeling a warmth spread through her. "But yeah, I really like him. He's different from anyone I've ever dated before."

Phoebe nods, understanding completely. "Yeah, Jake is the same for me. It's like he just gets me, you know?" She sighs dreamily, her expression softening. "He's amazing."

Julie smiles, her expression matching her friend's. "I'm happy for you, Pheebs. You deserve it."

"Thanks, Jules. So do you."

Julie and Phoebe continue chatting about their guys as they make their way to the restaurant where they're meeting Jake and Merrick. Their hearts are filled with excitement and hope for what the night will bring.

Jake and Merrick arrived and met up with Phoebe and Julie, all of them heading inside the restaurant together. The boys had opened the door for them and even pulled out their chairs for them. The evening progresses smoothly as they enjoy a delicious meal together, sharing stories and laughter. Phoebe and Julie find themselves feeling more and more comfortable with Jake and Merrick, realizing just how much they enjoy their company. The conversation flows effortlessly, and there's a sense of ease and connection between them all.

Phoebe and Julie quickly realize that Jake and Merrick were very similar to two boys they already knew. After Jake and Merrick had gotten up to refill their drinks, they started talking about how the date was going so far. "So, okay, this is getting weird, right?" Phoebe admits, narrowing her eyes as she watched the two boys interact with each other. "They're like clones of Jack and Eric."

Julie pauses, looking over at her. "You noticed that too?" She asks, furrowing her eyebrows. "Like, it's freaking me out." She confessed.

Phoebe nods, feeling a sense of disbelief. "Yeah, it's like they have the same mannerisms, the same sense of humor...It's uncanny."

Julie chuckles nervously, feeling a bit unsettled by the realization. "I mean, don't get me wrong, I love hanging out with Jack and Eric, but this is a little too much." She confesses, shaking her head. "I don't know, maybe it's just a coincidence." She reasoned, not wanting to jump to conclusions.

"Maybe," Phoebe says, a hint of uncertainty in her voice. "Let's just see how the rest of the date goes."

When Jake and Merrick returned to the table, Julie and Phoebe shared a look, both of them wondering if they should say something. However, they decided to just let it go for now and see where the night would lead. The group continued enjoying their meal and each other's company, the conversation flowing naturally. The two couples learn more about each other and discover that they have a lot in common, further solidifying the connection they've been feeling.

Phoebe found out Jake had a younger half sister who he hadn't met since a year ago when they found out each other existed and now they were as close as they can be. She found it a bit weird since that was similar to Jack and Shawn's relationship. The whole double date was feeling too familiar for comfort and it was beginning to creep the girls out. Julie learned that Merrick had two younger siblings who he was also close with, similar to Eric. The similarities were piling up, and they were all beginning to feel a bit unsettled.

By the end of the date, the girls were wondering how this could be a coincidence. Everything about the two boys was similar to their best friends next door, and they were feeling uneasy and making them realize something. They couldn't ignore the fact that these two guys were practically clones of their best friends, and it was starting to make them wonder if they had been set up.

After the date was over and everyone was back home, Phoebe and Julie sat in their living room, both of them deep in thought. "Okay, this is officially weird." Phoebe announces, her mind racing. "There's no way this is a coincidence, right?"

Julie shakes her head, her expression thoughtful. "I don't think so, it's too much of a stretch." She admits, feeling a bit unsettled. "Or...Does this mean we like Jack and Eric so much 'cause we're attracted to them?" Her eyes widen in disbelief. "I'm attracted to Eric?" She shudders, the thought feeling so weird and foreign. "No, there's no way. This can't be happening."

Phoebe nods, sharing the same sentiments. "I know, this is freaking me out. I mean, they're great guys and all, but this is..." She trails off, not knowing what to say. She lets out a heavy sigh, feeling overwhelmed. She ran a hand through her hair, trying to process everything. Sure, she had a small crush on Jack, but now that she was thinking about it more, it felt deeper than that. It felt like more than a crush, it felt like something real. And it was scaring her. She never expected to feel this way about anyone, let alone her next-door neighbor.

Julie sighs, feeling just as conflicted. "I don't know, this is just crazy." She admits, shaking her head. "I need ice cream." She mutters, getting up and heading to the kitchen despite the fact they had been eating popcorn. She was craving something cold and sweet to help soothe her nerves. She returns with a pint of ice cream, plopping back down on the couch next to Phoebe. "Okay, now what?" She asked, still feeling a bit lost. She handed Phoebe a spoon she grabbed for her and opened the carton of ice cream, digging into it and taking a bite.

Phoebe takes the spoon from Julie, feeling grateful for the distraction. She takes a deep breath, trying to clear her mind. "I don't know," she admits, feeling overwhelmed. "Maybe we're overthinking things. I mean, it's not like Jake and Merrick are exactly like Jack and Eric. They're similar, sure, but they're still their own people." She sighs, feeling conflicted. "I just don't know what to do." She chewed on her lower lip, her expression troubled. She wanted to give Jake a chance, but the situation was making her question things. And she was starting to think more of Jack and his charm that she adored so much.

Julie sighs, feeling torn. "Maybe you're right. Maybe we're just overreacting." She reasons, trying to push away the unsettling feelings. "I'm sure it's nothing." She ate another big bite of ice cream, hoping to numb her thoughts. She was trying not to think about Eric and how she felt towards him. She didn't want to ruin the friendship they had. Though, she was starting to think there was more to it. She could deny it all she wanted, but deep down, she knew she had feelings for him. She was falling for him and it was terrifying.

The two girls continued to eat their ice cream in silence, both of them lost in their own thoughts. They were trying to sort through their emotions and figure out what to do next. As the night went on, they found themselves feeling more and more uncertain. But one thing was certain, they were going to have to figure out a way to navigate the new feelings they had for their best friends.

Phoebe and Julie spend the next few days trying to figure out their feelings for their best friends and the new guys in their lives. They spent more time with Jake and Merrick, separately and on more double dates, and slowly realized that the feelings they had stronger feelings for Jack and Eric and decided to end things with Jake and Merrick, both girls apologizing. They felt bad but didn't want to lead them on. Phoebe and Julie were surprised and relieved when the boys said they understood and didn't hold any hard feelings towards them.

They even decided to be friends, which helped the girls feel less guilty about the situation. Phoebe and Julie were able to move past the awkwardness and their feelings for their best friends became stronger. They kept their feelings to themselves though, too scared to make things weird between them. And so, they continued their friendship as if nothing had changed, despite the growing feelings they had for their best friends and next door neighbors.

One night without hesitation the girls walked next door to use the spare key they had to get in to see if the boys wanted to hang out. The boys were surprised to suddenly see them, though they didn't seem to mind. In fact, they were glad for the company.

"Well, well, well, look who came into our apartment uninvited again." Eric teases. "The least you could do is knock."

"Hey, you guys do the same thing to us so it's only fair we do it." Julie chuckled with a shrug.

"Good point." Jack nodded with a smile.

"Plus we still have that spare key so we have the right to come over whenever we want." Phoebe grins, sitting on the couch. "But if it bothers you so much, we can stop using the spare key and knock from now on."

"Nah, that's weird," Eric says, joining Phoebe on the couch. "Don't bother knocking, just use the spare key. We're cool with you guys coming over whenever."

"We're happy you're here, actually." Jack adds, sitting by Phoebe's right side and near the arm of the couch. "We just ended things with these girls we have been going out with."

"Yeah, we've been trying too hard to find our soulmates so we're just going to let them come to us. We can't force it, you know?" Eric continued, shrugging casually.

"Oh," Julie frowns, feeling sympathetic. "I'm sorry, guys. Are you okay?" She asked softly as she sat by Eric.

"No," Eric dramatically leans over onto Julie, resting his head on her shoulder. "We're heartbroken, Jules. Completely destroyed."

Julie laughs, rolling her eyes. "You're such a drama queen." She teases, giving him a playful shove. "Seriously, are you okay?" She asked again, her expression softening.

Jack chuckles, shrugging a little. "We're fine, don't worry." He reassured, nudging Phoebe gently. She had been looking at him with concern and his heart skips a beat at the sight. He found himself unable to tear his eyes away from hers, completely mesmerized by her. "I promise, we're good." He murmured, smiling at her.

Phoebe smiles softly, nodding. "Okay, if you say so." She replies, placing a hand on his leg and patting it. "But if you ever need to talk about anything, we're here for you." She offered, wanting to make sure he knows he can open up to her if he needs to.

"Thanks, Pheebs." Jack smiled, his heart fluttering at her touch. He tried to ignore the butterflies in his stomach, reminding himself that she was just being a good friend.

"We broke up with our boyfriends," Julie confesses. "Just didn't feel right and didn't want to lead them on so we ended it." She explained. She had been hesitant at first, but she felt comfortable opening up to them.

"That's rough," Eric replies, his expression softening. "Sorry you had to go through that. Breakups suck, even if they're mutual." He stands up suddenly with a grin. "I know, instead of moping around, let's go out and have fun."

"That's actually a great idea," Phoebe nods, her eyes lighting up. "How about the arcade?" She suggested, knowing how much fun the four of them have there.

"Ooh, yes!" Julie cheers, her mood already lifting. "Let's do it!" She beams, standing up and grabbing Phoebe's hand and pulling her up. "Come on, let's go!" Phoebe giggled at her excitement, letting herself be pulled along.

Eric grins, following behind the girls. "Arcade it is." He announced, walking out the door. Jack was right behind him, a small smile playing on his lips. He was glad the girls were there and that they could always make them feel better. He knew they'd always have each other's backs and he loved that about their friendship.

They made their way to the arcade, eager to have some fun and distract themselves from the breakups. They had a great time, playing games and having friendly competitions. They laughed and teased each other, enjoying the atmosphere. Julie and Phoebe found themselves forgetting all about the breakups and the feelings they had for their best friends. For now, all they cared about was having fun with their favorite people.

It was like fate had brought them all together, bringing them closer as friends and possibly even more. Who knows what the future will hold, but as of now, they were perfectly content with how things were. They had a special bond and an undeniable connection that would last a lifetime. No matter what, they'd always have each other.