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Cam

We're being so mature. It's disgusting.

Harper

The maturest. Is that a word?

Cam

Definitely is, lol.

Harper

Good. We're the maturest friends who've ever maturely friended.

Cam

You're ridiculous.

Harper

You like it.

Cam

I do.

Harper

Goodnight, Cam. Thank you for understanding. For respecting my boundaries without making me feel bad about them.

Cam

Thank you for being honest. For not asking me to be something I'm not ready to be.

Harper

We're so emotionally healthy right now. It's weird.

Cam

Extremely weird. I don't like it.

Harper

Same. Goodnight, friend!

That word again. Friend. Ouch.

I pocketed my phone, closed my eyes, and let myself sit with the reality of what had just happened.

Harper was attracted to me. She wanted me and thought about me in ways that made my skin feel too hot and my breath come too fast.

But she couldn't be with me. And she wouldn't ask me to change for her.

So we were going to be friends.

Friends who wanted each other but had chosen to nurture a connection over nothing.