"BEING FRIENDS IS MUCH SIMPLER THAN DATING"

Bradley's laughter reverberates through the room, his dimples adorning his cheeks. Soft music fills the background as we enjoy our Pasta and wine, seated at the kitchen island. "There's no way that happened," he chuckles, taking another forkful of pasta.

"I assure you it did. I couldn't make up stories like that," I laugh, captivated by the way his eyes crinkle at the corners when he smiles. Bradley sighs, leaning back in his chair, his laughter subsiding.

The sun had long set, and midnight was approaching. Although I had work the next day and should have been heading to bed, I didn't want to leave. I couldn't bear the thought of going another four weeks without seeing him.

Flushed cheeks from the wine he had been sipping all evening and a more relaxed hairstyle replaced his perfectly styled look. He had changed into a simple t-shirt and sweatpants, his skin appearing softer than ever. His lips were even more vibrant, causing me to steal glances at them. In that moment, every aspect of Bradley exuded beauty.

Silence envelopes us as we gaze at each other, my heart racing and my fingers growing numb. I freeze as he reaches out, plucking the pink bluebells from behind my ear. "Mind if I keep this?" he asks with a gentle smile, bringing it to his nose.

"Go ahead," I breathe, melting as his red lips contrast with the pink petals, "I have plenty more."

Green eyes meet mine as I sit there, completely overwhelmed by his presence. A sudden urge to kiss him washes over me, but I'm unsure of what to do. Every fibre of my being urges me to kiss him, yet my mind hesitates. I'm not ready to let someone back into my life just yet. It feels too soon.

"It's getting late," Bradley yawns, stretching his arms above his head. I sigh with relief, turning my gaze away from him to the empty wine glass in front of me. "Want me to walk you home?"

"No, it's alright," I say, shaking my head, "I'm only two blocks away, and you're already home."

He rises from his chair, taking my empty glass and placing it in the sink. "I don't mind," he hums while discarding the pasta box.

"I'll be fine," I smile, gathering my belongings. Harry walks with me to the door, holding it open as we stand in the doorway. "Goodnight, Bradley."

He leans in and plants a kiss on my cheek, sending a jolt through my body. "Goodnight, Laura," he smiles. I turn away, completely stunned by the sensation of his soft lips against my skin.

The entire walk home feels like a fever dream, with the lingering touch of his lips keeping me warm.

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"And then he leaned in and kissed my cheek," I tell Alex as I arrange flowers.

"He likes you," Alex smirks, giving me that knowing look that says, "You like him too."

"What are we, twelve?" I groan, annoyed, forcefully shoving a flower into the vase. "I'm not ready, Alex. I can't go through what I went through last time." My heart can't handle that right now. Maybe not ever again.

The door opens, and a young couple enters, smiles illuminating their faces as they hold hands. "Welcome to Laura's Flower Shop!" Alex calls out from behind the counter where we stand. They greet us with a smile and proceed to explore the store, eyeing the array of flowers. "Just give him a chance. He seems like a nice guy. Evan has been friends with him since primary school."

I sigh, knowing Alex is right. If I keep pushing everyone away, I'll end up alone. Being alone may seem preferable to having my heart broken, but deep down, I know I eventually want someone by my side. The longer I spend time with Bradley, the more I sense something stirring within me, something I've never felt before.

Alex finishes assisting the couple once they select a bouquet they like. I watch them leave, recalling Bradley and my visit to the shop just yesterday. Lately, my thoughts are consumed by him. He permeates my dreams and occupies my mind every second of the day. My fingers graze the spot on my cheek where he kissed me, and I smile, reminiscing about how close we were.

"Have you two even been on an official date yet?" Alex asks me.

"Nope," I sigh. I'm not sure if I would consider yesterday a date, although it felt like one. "Right now, I think we're just friends. Being friends is much simpler than dating."

Alex raises an eyebrow, remaining silent. He sees through me, and that's what I dislike.

Being friends with Bradley is something I enjoy, but I know it won't be long before I fall for him. Everything about him draws me in deeper each time I see him or get close to him, which puts me in a precarious position. Deep down, I know I'm still not over my previous relationship, but I also recognise that I'm ready to move on. He won't be returning anytime soon, so why not move on and start a new relationship? Bradley seems like the right person for that. Bradley is someone I could fall in love with.

When a relationship begins with friendship, it allows the bond to naturally develop as we get to know each other better. Dating often places excessive pressure on both parties to quickly understand one another, whereas being friends removes that expectation. That's why I believe being friends with Bradley first will bring me greater happiness. It gives me solace, knowing I'm not rushing into something too soon, even though it has been almost two years. In reality, it still feels like mere months.

My previous relationship lasted three years, with two of those years spent engaged. That's why it's so difficult for me to move on. Those three years were magical, and for months after he left, I felt paralysed, unable to move or breathe properly. We were young and believed that love would be enough, but it required more. We hadn't considered his career until it took off, and that's when everything started to crumble.

"How does someone burn spaghetti while standing right over it?" Alex suddenly asks, turning to look at me.

I laugh softly and shrug my shoulders. "I don't know. I wondered the same thing. Maybe he just isn't a great cook. So, how's Evan? I saw him last night, but I didn't get a chance to say goodbye."

"He's great. As sassy as ever," Alex chuckles, his cheeks tinting pink as he bites his lip.

I study him closely, taking in his sparkling eyes and flushed cheeks.

"Oh my god!" I laugh, turning to face Alex fully. "You two had sex last night, didn't you? Here I am rambling about myself, and you've had sex."

Alex's face reddens as he looks at me with wide eyes. "What makes you think that?" he nervously laughs.

"Oh, please. I know my best friend," I roll my eyes. "So, how was it?"

"It was incredible," he laughs, and I smile at him. "I swear it was the best sex of my life. I won't tell you how many times we did it; you'd get jealous I chuckle, shaking my head at his words. I'm glad he's happy with Evan. Lately, he hasn't been himself since he met Evan. They are complete opposites, yet they seem perfect for each other. Evan is the kind of person who always tries to make you happy and laugh with his sassy remarks.

"I'm glad you're happy. It's nice to walk in here and see you with a smile," I say, wrapping my arm around his waist.

"Same goes for you," he replies, raising an eyebrow, "You may not notice it, but ever since you met Bradley, your mood has improved."

"Well then, we're both happy, aren't we?" I smile up at him.

"Yes, we are," he smiles back.