The Not-So-BestFriend Kiss

Back in their dorm, Kikidori was still recovering from the absolute **chaos** Ere'ana had caused in class. He had spent the entire day avoiding the stares, the whispers, and the occasional *"Oh my god, did you hear what Ere'ana said to Kikidori?"*

Now, it was just the two of them, sitting on the bed, facing each other. Ere'ana looked completely relaxed—like she hadn't just *casually* confessed her feelings in front of an entire classroom. Kikidori, on the other hand, still looked like he had been struck by lightning.

"So," Ere'ana said, stretching her arms above her head. "Now that you know, what's next?"

Kikidori blinked. "*What do you mean, what's next?*"

Ere'ana grinned, leaning in just a bit. "*I mean... we should kiss.*"

Kikidori nearly choked on his own breath. "*Wait, but—*"

"*Please?*" she interrupted, tilting her head in that way that made it **impossible** to say no.

Kikidori groaned, rubbing his face. "*Ere'ana, we're best friends. Best friends don't just... **do that.***"

Ere'ana shrugged. "*So? We already broke like fifty 'best friend' rules anyway.*"

He let out a long sigh, staring at her like she was the **most exhausting** person on the planet. "...You're not gonna drop this, are you?"

"*Nope.*"

Kikidori muttered something under his breath, then finally sighed again, leaning slightly forward. "*Fine.* But it's **not** romantic. It's like—like a best friend kiss. A totally **platonic** one."

Ere'ana smiled. "*Yeah, yeah. Sure, sure. Whatever you need to tell yourself, Kiki.*"

Kikidori glared at her before hesitantly leaning in. Their faces were close now, and despite how **casual** she was about it, he could feel his own heartbeat **pounding** in his chest.

Then, finally, he kissed her.

It was *short.* Just a quick, soft press of lips. No fireworks, no romantic tension, just... a moment. A weird, confusing, *totally platonic* moment.

When Kikidori pulled away, he exhaled, trying to shake off the weird feeling in his chest. "*There. Happy?*"

Ere'ana smirked. "*Hmm... I don't know. Maybe we should do it again?*"

"*No.*"

She laughed, falling back on the bed. "*You're so easy to mess with, Kiki.*"

Kikidori groaned, flopping onto the bed beside her. "*I don't know why I let you talk me into these things.*"

Ere'ana just grinned. "*Because I'm cute.*"

Kikidori turned his head to look at her and scoffed. "*Debatable.*"

She gasped dramatically, smacking his arm. "*Rude!*"

He smirked, rolling onto his side. "*Get some sleep, troublemaker.*"

Ere'ana chuckled. "*Night, bestie.*"

Kikidori sighed, closing his eyes. *Yeah, this friendship was so doomed.