Rita

Rita and Mason had been friends for so long that no one remembered how it all started. They were simply always there: laughing at the same jokes, hanging out after school, arguing over trivial things, and making up within minutes.

Rita considered Mason her most trusted person. She felt at ease with him—like home. Mason told everyone that Rita was “just a friend,” although he himself always noticed when she changed her hairstyle or was sad.

One autumn day, they sat on the roof, watching the sunset, and were silent. It was their usual silence—warm, not awkward. But something was different that evening.

“Have you ever thought…” Mason began and then fell silent. "About what?" Rita asked quietly, looking at him.

He didn't answer right away. He simply looked at her in a way he'd never looked at her before—intently, as if trying to memorize every detail.

And suddenly Rita realized her heart was beating faster. Not like usual. Differently.

“It’s strange…” she whispered.

• What? — I think we missed something.

Mason smiled, a little nervously, but genuinely.

• Yes... it seems like a very long time.

They didn't make any big statements. There were no confessions like in the movies. It was just that at some point their hands accidentally touched and no one cleaned it up.

And this was enough to understand: They are not just friends for a long time.