God, I'm in love with him. My thoughts were completely consumed by none other than Dick Grayson. I wasn't sure I could make it through a whole day without thinking about him at least a hundred times. It was ridiculous, I know, but can you really blame a girl?

Just yesterday at school, my feelings for him almost slipped out when I was doodling in my spiral notebook. He crept up behind me, trying to peek at what I was drawing. I snapped it shut just in time, but I still worried he saw the hearts surrounding both his name and mine.

The day before, I was caught staring at him while we were training. Luckily, Artemis saved me with her quick wit. That's why she's my best friend—she's always got my back, even if she does push me to tell Dick how I feel. But she'd never force me.

I've spent too many years pining after a boy who doesn't like me back, so today, I'm starting Step One of my five-step program to get rid of my feelings for Dick Grayson.

Step 1: No more touching. No more cuddling, hugging, forehead kisses, holding hands—none of the cute, couple-y things we do. It's got to stop.

You see, Dick and I act like a couple—sort of. It hurts because, while he's affectionate, he only sees me as his best friend. Yes, he's touchy, but that doesn't mean he loves me. It doesn't mean he likes me the way I like him.

So, today was the day. No more pretending.

As I walked into the cave, I was already going over my five-step program with Artemis and Megan over the mind link. I quickly reviewed Step One with them.

"Wait, but I thought you liked how touchy and cute Robin was with you?" Artemis thought, raising an eyebrow at me, her mental voice full of amusement.

"I do," I groaned, "but it has to stop if I'm going to get over him."

Both girls laughed as Megan chimed in, "Good luck with that, because he's heading your way, and I bet he's going to go straight for a hug."

My eyes widened in panic as I spotted Robin—Dick—beaming at us. Sure enough, he was walking over with his arms wide open, Conner trailing behind him. Wally could be heard rummaging in the kitchen for food, and Aqualad was in Atlantis, while Rocket and Zatanna were off doing who knows what.

"Hey, ladies! How was the movie?" Dick asked, coming straight for me, just as Megan had predicted.

In a panic, I dropped my purse, muttering, "Oops," and bent down to pick it up. Crisis averted. No hug for you today, Dick Grayson.

He crouched beside me, helping gather the fallen items with a grin. "Here you go," he said, handing me the contents.

"Thanks," I replied, pretending to reorganize my bag. Mental pat on the back—go me.

"It was kind of boring," Megan said, glancing at me with a knowing smile. "The main girl didn't even end up with the guy."

I could feel her words had nothing to do with the movie and everything to do with me.

"Yeah, tragic. She made a list of reasons not to love him and ended up alone with cats," Artemis added with a smirk, clearly piling onto the tease.

Conner, confused, chimed in, "Didn't you guys see Despicable Me?"

"Yep," Artemis replied nonchalantly, flipping her ponytail over her shoulder just as Wally entered, skidding to a stop beside her. He gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"Hey, babe," he greeted, throwing an arm around her waist. Artemis, who rarely showed her softer side, gave him one of her loving smiles. "Hi," she replied softly.

I looked away, feeling the familiar sting of jealousy creep up my spine. That's what I wanted—what they had. I couldn't help but pout.

"Why the face, Birdy?" Dick asked, snapping me out of my thoughts as we followed the others into the kitchen.

Stick to the program, Charlie. Be strong!

"What face?" I said quickly, avoiding his gaze. "I'm not making a face."

"Yes, you were. You were totally pouting," Dick said, his observant eyes locked on mine.

I sighed. He never missed anything. "Okay, fine. I was pouting. So what?"

His expression softened, and he gently took my arm, making me stop walking. "I don't like seeing you sad," he said quietly. "You'd tell me if something was wrong, right?"

My heart melted at his concern. He was so caring. Focus, Charlie!

Suddenly, he pulled me into a hug. My whole body tensed for a moment, and my brain screamed, No touching!

But he held me close, his voice strained as he whispered, "You're sure you're okay?"

I sighed again, my heart betraying me as I melted into his embrace. "Of course I'd tell you, Dick," I replied, looking up at him. His sunglasses made it impossible to see his eyes, but I could feel the sincerity in his words.

"You're my best friend," I said softly, offering a weak smile.

He hugged me tighter, and I caved completely. I was a weak, miserable excuse of a girl. A weak, but happy girl. Because being in Dick's arms was my favorite place to be. So, for a moment, I allowed myself to enjoy it, savoring the warmth of his embrace as he tucked me under his arm.

As we walked toward the kitchen where everyone else had gathered, I sighed internally. Tomorrow, I decided. Tomorrow will be the day.

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Can I get a "fuck ya!" I the comments from everyone who still reads my book and likes them.

Get ready for 5 new chapters because I have been hit by inspiration and I'm a writing storm!!!

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