Loving you is worse

Chapter Six

The night air was cool and crisp as Noah and I walked along the deserted road, streetlights casting long shadows that danced across the pavement. The echoes of our footsteps reverberated in the silence, creating an atmosphere thick with unspoken tension. Noah's gaze was fixed on the ground, his emotions palpable.

"So, uh, about back there at the farewell..." Noah hesitated, his voice betraying a mix of insecurity and frustration. I looked at him, surprised. "Noah, it's not like I was going to say yes. It was just a farewell gesture. Besides, why did you have to pull me away like that?"

Noah's shoulders tensed, and he struggled to find the right words. "I don't know, it just got under my skin. I didn't want to see someone else trying to take you away."

I sighed, feeling the weight of the night pressing down on us. "Noah, we're just friends. You don't have to act possessive. It was supposed to be a fun night for everyone."

He looked away, the dim glow of the streetlights highlighting the conflict in his eyes. "I get it. Maybe I overreacted. It's just... I care about you, and seeing someone else making a move like that bothered me."Softening my tone, I reached out to touch his arm. "Noah, we've been friends for so long. You don't need to be jealous. I value our friendship a lot. Besides, I'm here with you now, walking on this empty road at night. Let's enjoy the moment and forget about the farewell drama."

Noah met my gaze, and a moment of vulnerability passed between us. "It's just hard seeing you with someone else. I guess I got jealous."

I smiled, appreciating his honesty. "Noah, we're more than that. We're friends. You're not just 'someone else.' I'm here for you, and I want you to be comfortable. Let's not let this ruin the night."

He nodded, the tension in his shoulders easing. "You're right. I'm sorry for overreacting. Let's make the most of the night."

As we continued our walk, the weight of the conversation lifted, and the night became a canvas for us to paint with shared laughter and the simplicity of our friendship. The empty road stretched ahead, symbolizing the path we were navigating together, leaving the farewell drama behind us.

The dimly lit road led us to a small street food stall tucked away in a cozy corner. The enticing aroma of various delicacies wafted through the air, awakening our senses. Noah and I exchanged a glance, a silent understanding passing between us. A shared smile played on our lips, and in perfect synchronization, we both uttered, "I'm hungry."

The stall was a burst of colors and flavors, its menu boasting an array of tempting treats. The vendor, a friendly older man with a weathered apron, greeted us with a warm smile.

Noah chuckled, his eyes scanning the menu. "What are you in the mood for?"

I pondered for a moment, feigning a thoughtful expression. "Hmm, maybe some street noodles or those crispy dumplings?"

Noah nodded in agreement, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Sounds perfect. Let's get a bit of everything."

As we placed our order, the vendor skillfully prepared the street food, the sizzle and sputter of the cooking adding to the lively ambiance. Our anticipation grew as we watched the tantalizing dishes take shape before us.

Noah leaned in, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You know, pulling you away from that farewell drama was worth it just for this."

I laughed, nudging him playfully. "Agreed. Sometimes, a late-night food adventure is just what we need."

The vendor handed us a medley of delicious treats, their warmth radiating through the paper plates. We found a quiet spot to sit, the night around us humming with a gentle breeze. As we dug into our street food feast, the tensions of the farewell drama seemed to melt away.

Noah grinned, a speck of sauce on the corner of his mouth. "Best decision of the night, right?"

I nodded, savoring a bite of crispy dumpling. "Absolutely. Here's to spontaneous late-night food escapades."

Under the glow of the streetlights, we continued our feast, reveling in the simplicity of the moment and the joy that good food shared between friends could bring. The night unfolded, a chapter in our friendship written with laughter, shared bites, and the comforting ambiance of a street food stall.