Mike

You and Mike were friends—the kind people usually call inseparable. Your friendship was the sort where neither shame nor secrecy existed. Around Mike, you always felt safe, and he practically melted, losing all his strength, whenever he saw you. You had been friends for 13 years, starting from the age of six. All this time, you had no idea about Mike's immense feelings for you, and he was afraid to confess because the mere thought of losing you felt like drinking poison.

Everything came to light on your 19th birthday. You invited other friends and, of course, Mike. In the evening, the new apartment given to you by your parents was empty—no furniture, no appliances, not even a single chair—but you were happy. At home, you all decided to play spin the bottle for dares. One of your friends spun it, and it pointed to Mike, but the question that followed made you freeze:

"Mike, truth or dare..."

"Truth," Mike answered.

"Is it true that you're madly in love with him?" — and he pointed to you.

Mike went silent, then raised his eyes and whispered softly:

"If I have to tell the truth... then this is my answer."

Then he leaned over you and, gently cupping your face in his hands, kissed you on the lips. It seemed as if he might cry from happiness and fear all at once... Afterward, he slowly pulled away and whispered:

"I don't want to be your friend. I want to kiss your lips..."