FRIENDS

Ignoring the Player

Summer hesitated, then declined the call. "Not now, Kingsley."

She silenced her phone and focused on her studies, pushing thoughts of Kingsley aside.

Later, Kingsley texted: "Hey, Summer. Can we talk?"

Summer ignored the message, determined to maintain distance.

Kingsley tried again: "I understand I messed up. Please give me a chance."

Summer's resolve wavered, but she refused to respond.

Days passed, with Kingsley sending occasional texts, each more sincere than the last.

Summer remained unmoved, her heart still guarded.

One evening, as Summer walked home from class, she noticed a familiar figure leaning against his luxurious car, parked outside her apartment.

Kingsley's eyes locked onto hers, filled with determination.

----

Nelly hadn't left her house in days, hiding from the vicious rumors. Her phone buzzed nonstop, but she ignored it.

"The lies are spreading," Nelly thought, tears welling up. "No one believes me."

Red's constant support and encouragement helped, but Nelly felt trapped.

"I need to clear my name," Nelly resolved.

Determined, Nelly began gathering evidence to expose the truth.

Meanwhile...

Kingsley leaned against his car, waiting for Summer. She emerged from her apartment, looking radiant.

"Summer, please hear me out," Kingsley pleaded.

Summer's expression remained guarded. "What do you want, Kingsley?"

Kingsley took a deep breath. "I want to prove I've changed. Let me show you."

Summer raised an eyebrow. "How?"

Kingsley smiled. "Let me take you out, properly this time. No tricks."

Summer hesitated.

----

Summer entered their shared apartment, finding Nelly curled up on the couch, looking subdued.

"Hey, Nelly! How are you holding up?" Summer asked, concern etched on her face.

Nelly shrugged, her eyes welling up. "I just feel so alone. Everyone believes those lies."

Summer sat beside Nelly, wrapping a comforting arm around her shoulders. "I'm here for you, and I know the truth."

Nelly's voice cracked. "Thanks, Summer. That means everything."

Summer encouraged Nelly to open up. "Talk to me, what's going on?"

Nelly shared her pain and frustration, tears streaming down her face.

Summer listened attentively, offering words of support.

After Nelly composed herself, Summer shared her own news. "Kingsley asked me out, and I'm considering it."

Nelly's expression changed. "Be careful, Summer. He's got a reputation."

Summer nodded. "I know, but he seems genuinely sorry for his past actions."

Nelly's eyes sparkled. "If anyone deserves happiness, it's you."

Summer smiled. "Thanks, Nelly. Now, about those rumors...have you thought of doing something?"

Nelly's determination returned. "I've been gathering evidence. I want to cancel the school's annual gala to expose the truth."

Summer's eyes widened. "That's bold! I'm with you, Nelly."

Together, they strategized, forming a plan to clear Nelly's name.

-----

The next day, Summer and Nelly attended school, surrounded by curious glances.

"Hey, they seem fine," someone whispered.

"Yeah, no more drama," another student chimed in.

After school, Summer and Nelly returned to their apartment.

At 7 PM, Kingsley arrived, looking dashing.

"Hey, Summer! Ready for dinner?" Kingsley asked.

Summer smiled politely. "Yeah, let's go."

Kingsley opened the car door for her.

As they drove, Kingsley inquired, "So, what do you think of this restaurant?"

Summer replied, "I've heard great things."

At the restaurant, Kingsley chose a cozy table.

Over dinner, they engaged in light conversation.

Kingsley shared stories about his friends, Kyle and Kelvin.

Summer laughed, feeling at ease.

As the evening unfolded, Kingsley realized Summer's boundaries.

"You're not considering this a date, are you?" Kingsley asked.

Summer clarified, "Just dinner, Kingsley. We're just becoming friends."

Kingsley nodded, respecting her decision.