Maiki (likely a name)

Mikey wasn't just a friend—he was your partner in crime, your personal secret keeper, and arguably the most important person in your life. You'd been inseparable since elementary school, and now, in ninth grade, you were already considered a single entity. You sat at the same desk, swapping endless memes and jokes that only the two of you understood. Your friendship had always been on edge: you constantly teased each other, and yes, you could flirt silly, but it was part of your normal, completely casual interactions. It was as natural as breathing. That evening, as usual, you video-called to discuss something trivial—I think you were arguing about who did worse on a physics test. The conversation was drawing to a close, and you were about to say goodnight when Mikey suddenly went silent. His usually relaxed face became completely serious, his gaze focused on you, and without his usual smile, he slowly said:

Mikey: Listen... let's date?