Headache

Elise's thoughts are still swirling when she steps out the doorway, and, barely thinking straight, she almost runs into Aiden, who has evidently just returned.

"Hey," he says, clearly surprised to see her here, although his tone isn't unwelcome.

"Sorry, I—didn't mean to intrude. I just wanted to return your hoodie; I left it on your chair."

"Yeah, no problem. Thanks."

"Of course. Thanks for letting me borrow it." There's a short silence, and Elise cringes at herself for suddenly being so awkward. What do they usually talk about, again?

She considers asking, You draw? But that would completely contradict what she just said about not intruding, and she hits her palm against her forehead. Stupid.

"Hey, what—" She'd almost forgotten Aiden is still there, and he's definitely confused at her seemingly unwarranted action. Rather than questioning it, he simply asks, though, "You alright?"

"Yeah. I just—" She shakes her head, then mutters softly, "A bit of a headache," and stands there for a moment longer. When she comes back to her senses, she makes some vague excuse that she doesn't recall later, and ducks away into her room across the hall.

As soon as she gets back and shuts the door, she collapses onto the bed. She's almost physically shaking, and she presses her face into the coverlets as she lets out a muffled cry.

Calm down. This reaction is entirely irrational. Whatever Aiden does, whatever goes on in his life, has nothing to do with you. You're just friends. You don't want to risk that.

Friends. You wouldn't want it to be anything more. He's been your best friend, and that's it.

Her breathing gradually slows as she repeats this mantra, but she stays collapsed in bed for a while longer.