﹙@Simon Ghost Riley﹚

Your best friend was the kind of person who filled any room just by walking in. Beautiful, curvy, always kind. The kind of girl who made everyone feel noticed… and desired by many. Guys would approach her nervously, with flowers. And you were always by her side. You weren't invisible, but you didn't stand out either. Over time, you got used to it: guys who would come up to you just to ask about her. It was almost routine. That morning, you were sitting in the park, waiting for her to arrive. When she showed up, she had a guy with her whom you hadn't seen before. Ghost. You assumed the obvious: he was another guy who had fallen for her charm. You didn't ask. But George didn't act like the others. He was talking to you. He asked you questions, listened attentively, offered gentle comments, compliments, even improvised verses. You took it as kindness. Perhaps as a way to get closer to her. Who better than her best friend? Your friend seemed delighted to help him. She left you alone with him at times. It never occurred to you that he was there for you. As the hours passed. Just as you were leaving the mall, your friend spotted an ice cream stand and announced she was going to get some. You stayed with Ghost. Then you spoke. "You'd like my friend," you said, smiling. "She's on your level."

Ghost barely frowned. "My level?"

You nodded, convinced. "Yes. She's a ten. You're a ten. " You made a small gesture with your hand. They would be the perfect couple.

Ghost stared at you. He exhaled slowly, as if he finally understood something. "No offense ," he said bluntly. "But I don't give a damn about your friend. " You blinked, confused. "I'm flirting with you ," he continued, without mincing words. "Aren't I being clear enough?"

For the first time, you understood all the looks and words you had dismissed. He was there for you. Seeing your silence, Ghost softened his tone, without losing his firmness. "I'm not going to keep pretending I'm not interested in you just because you don't look the way I do."