Chapter 23: Confession: An Answer to Your Question

Maria’s POV

“Are you done?”

“Ari, that’s the 10th time you’ve asked me that in a span of 10 minutes. So basically that’s a question per minute.” Bree grumbled as she types in front of the laptop.

We’ve been finishing our History project but Bree just cannot finalize the conclusion or can’t find it good enough.

“I’m famished. It’s already past 6. I told you I’ll proofread and reedit it if I must but right now, it’s not what’s important.” I whined while stretching. We are sitting side by side in my room on a Saturday night.

“Why are you so hungry at this time of the hour. You don’t usually eat this early for dinner.” She stated.

“Because I’ve been using my brain more than the usual. It’s like exercising, the more I work it out, the more exhausted and hungry I’ll be.”

I don’t really eat early but the stress is getting on my nerves, I just want a break.

“It’s not like you worked too much but okay since I’m tired as well. Do we call delivery or should we go out?” She finally conceded, earning a subtle smile from me.

“Why go get food when food can come to us?”

“I don’t know if you’re clever or just plain lazy.” Bree sighed as she picks up her phone to order food. I plopped on my bed, arms and legs outstretched.

Finally.

Bree followed suit, situating herself by laying on her side making my right arm as a pillow and draping an arm over my upper torso as she put a leg over my lower ones. Her face a little closer to my neck.

“Heyyy...What are you doing?” I asked as I hear sniffing sounds from her.

“Smelling you.” Her breath fanning my pulse point. I stiffened at the feeling.

“Wh-why are you sniffing me, Bree?” I managed to say but not without stuttering. God, she really is a puppy, sniffing and being cute always. The things she does to me.

“You smell nice, like summer and flowers. I like it.”

I don’t know if she knows that as she speaks every word, it creates a chill in my bones. It feels like there are tiny sparks in me that once they’ve connected, electricity flows, making the tips of my fingers and toes itch and tingle.

At the same time, all my sensory nerves seems to focus themselves on how her nose felt, touching my skin and how close her lips are to my neck. Her breath is hot but I think mine just got hotter, as well as my body temperature. Half her body shadowing over mine didn’t help the situation.

Fuck.

“Uh-uhmm, uhh - ” My mind is in overdrive that I can’t form a coherent word.

She then raised her head to look at my face. I abruptly looked away to the other side, as if it would hide the fact that I'm visibly flustered.

“Wow, you’re flushed, bright red.” Her voice sounded amused and curious at the same time.

“Shut up.”

Why does she have to be this adorably annoying?

“Do you like me, Ari?”

I faced her with my confused expression.

Does she mean? Is she –

She raised a brow, urging me to answer while also putting both arms on either sides of me just above my head. She’s practically trapping me into answering her.

“Of course – you’re my best friend after all. How could I not?” I finally managed to utter while chuckling nervously.

‘That’s not what I’m asking.” I heard her say. The sound just a tad louder than a whisper making her appear more than serious in her query.

I look at her. Really look at Bree. Her black orbs are piercing like it wants to unravel something deep inside of me. Her gaze is focused, unmoving.

I know what she is asking about and I’m damn afraid of how the answer would affect our relationship once I materialize it into a single word. Yet, I know ‘this’ Breana right here won’t take any shit of an excuse or escape I might try if she detects one so I decided to stick to the truth.

The simple truth. Fuck it.

I’m Maria Han. I don’t care what other people think or say of me. I’m me. I’m a fucking goddess.

“Yes.” I breathe out.

A minute have passed before Bree finally said something. I actually thought she’s going to slap, kick, curse at me or leave me there astounded but she didn’t. What she asked me the second time is something I was caught unaware of.

“And this is what it is like when Alex said that you’re a bottom?” She carefully asks, a hint of smile slowly curving her lips as she looks at our position up and down.

What?

Did I hear it right?

“WHAT?! NO! What the fu– ”

Before I could even finish cursing, out of nowhere, she burst into a fit of laughter, rolling on the side while clutching her stomach.

What the fuck is wrong with her? Is she laughing at my admission of me liking her?

Not a nice way of being rejected.

“What’s so funny?” I spat out.

“You-‘d rather – admit – you like me than – admit - being a bottom.” The laughing dumpling wheezes out in between giggles.

When I was about to requite, the intercom buzzed.

“Food’s here.”

“I’ll get it.” I volunteered, after of course, rolling my eyes at her for the ridiculous outburst.

Then we’ve settled ourselves into eating in front of the television watching some variety show.

“Hey! You’ve been picking on my food for like, a lot. Go eat your own.” Bree complained, shielding her food bowl from me.

“I’m done, gonna go shower.” I announced. I cleaned up my mess while getting up.

She didn’t comment on our conversation awhile back and I don’t know if I’m excited or nervous or both on how she would respond to that, at least she didn’t look mad. She didn’t say thing about it and just asked a stupid question. That stupid Alex. I just hoped their outing with Sunny would go well. Sunny needs a rest from the stress and heartbreak. And I need that damn shower to talk to myself and set shit straight with what I just confessed to Bree. God help me.