just friend

The echoing "thunk! Thunk!" of footsteps guides me toward the one I've been seeking. A girl in a black evening gown turns, gracefully approaching me. Her ebony hair is elegantly bundled in a bun, and her shimmering black eyes are locked onto me. The rhythmic footfalls approaching me quicken my heartbeat, and her smile causes my cheeks to flush. A desire to hold her in my arms and never let go surges within me, but I can't. To her, I'm just...

"Hey Adrien, my best friend... long time no see," she greets me.

"JUST A FRIEND..."

I'm Adrien, the best friend of the most beautiful girl. Initially, we were only online friends. One day, I wanted to meet her in person, to understand why I was so drawn to her. After a year of effort, I invented an earring that could teleport her to my place.

Let me tell a bit more about myself... My name is Adrien. I'm a college student pursuing a degree in artificial intelligence. As you can see, I've managed to achieve it. He..he...

After much trial and error, my experiment succeeded, albeit with some laboratory mishaps. The immense distance between our countries necessitated a twelve-day flight for her parcel to arrive.

And this is the day we finally meet face to face." Despite my yearning for a private encounter, I agreed to throw a party, coerced by my friends' insistence. "Ugh! What can I do now?" I've prepared everything just in case.

Let's return to the present moment...

"Long time no see, Adrien," this is the time our first face-to-face encounter, and I can't stop my smile. "Yeah, long time, Ember," I respond. She embraces me and playfully whispers, "I didn't expect you to be this handsome in real life. I couldn't even recognize you at first glance," making my heart skip a beat.

Stepping back, she gazes into my eyes. "You never mentioned you were throwing a party. I could have come prepared," she remarks with a smile. "Actually, I forgot," I admit, my embarrassment evident.

Curious, she inquires, "Hey, you never told me the reason for this party." I lead her to a quieter spot away from prying eyes. "Come with me," I suggest, wanting to talk privately.

"This place is much better," I say, guiding her to the balcony.

"Oh my... You can't imagine how much I've anticipated this day," I confess, my eyes gleaming as they meet hers.

"Me too," she replies with a smile, her gaze fixed on the moonlight that bathes the night in ethereal beauty.

"You don't tell me the purpose of the party," she reminds me. "Oh, I forgot to mention that I've been nominated for the year's best model award and received a film offer."

"Wow, a model and soon-to-be actor? What a surprise! Congratulations," she exclaims, hugging me.

Interrupting, Nino clears his throat. "Adrien, everyone's searching for you. What are you doing out here?"

"We're on our way," I assure him. Nino inquires, "Who's she? I've never seen her before."

"She's my friend from India," I explain. Nino adds, "India is far from Paris. how is your journey". ember reply," The journey wasn't too exhausting, thanks for asking."

Nino suggests, "Let's return; it's time to dance. I'll be waiting downstairs for both of you."

Back on the balcony, Ember and I stand. "Would you be my dance partner?" I extend my hand. "Of course, but I'm not much of a dancer," she confesses, taking my hand.

"I'll guide you. Just follow my lead," I say, grinning.