Chapter 12 (Will you be my friend?)

Those words of his left her shocked and puzzled. 

'Why would such a petty and simple thing matter to him? Maybe he felt a bit disrespectful when I left his side and choose to stay opposite to his.'

"Okay I'll try," she said smiling.

He left her wrist that she didn't even know he was still holding and walked away. A cold air passed through the skin where his hand was holding just few seconds ago making her feel the absence of his warm hand.

While working, his words were still roaming around her mind. It somewhat made her uncomfortable and happy at the same time. It was obvious for her to feel uncomfortable, but happy?

Rest of the day went by well and hectic. It was finally time to leave the office building and go home. All four of them were outside the company building when Stefen spoke leaving the rest of them puzzled... again.

"Jazz, wait here I'll get my car." saying that he went to get his car.

We never planned that we'll go back together as well, did we? Jasmine thought.

"Did I hear it right? Stefen the innocent is dropping you home yet again," Jack said in a surprised tone.

"So, what's wrong in that?" She tried defending him whereas the truth was, that she was equally addled listening to Stefen. "Now don't repeat what you said yesterday about him being a gay and all that shit," she replied.

As Jack and Jasmine were arguing, Jasmine stopped talking when she noticed Alice standing looking a bit sad and lost. 

"Are you fine Alice? Is there a problem?" she asked her.

Alice raised her head back up bringing her concentration back to reality.

"Of course, she has a problem... IN HER BRAIN." Jack interrupted and focused his volume on the last three words. "Didn't you know that Jazz?"

"Ha- ha- ha Jack very funny," she said faking laughter. "Alice?"

"I'm okay... Actually, I'm getting late. I'll take a leave now. Bye Jazz go home safe," Alice left saying those words.

Alice seemed normal during working hour but she was usually silent during lunch and whenever the guys were around. This sudden change in her behavior was not unnoticeable.

Jasmine and Jack stood there waiting for Stefen when they heard a horn sound; Jazz knew who it was. 

"Bye Jack, see you tomorrow," saying that she entered inside the car. 

"Hey buddy, my car ran out of petrol, can I get a lift my dearest best friend," Jack said lowering down to see Stefen.

"The reason is still not good enough Jack, keep trying buddy," with that Stefen started the engine and drove away.

"Seriously, it was the best. You guys need to change your taste," Jack said looking all frustrated keeping his hands on his waist.

They ignored him as usual.

"How long have you known Jack?" she asked him.

"He was the first friend I made after shifting to here. We've know each other for more than a decade now."

"Oh."

"He has always been there for me. We went to the same school, high-school and university. He is the friend whom I can trust blindly... He's like a brother to me. He knows me more than I know myself and he understands me, not to forget his sense of humor." They both laughed. 

"That's really cute. You're really lucky to have a friend like him and he's lucky to have a friend like you too."

"Does that mean you are lucky as well?" he said giving her a short smile and concentrating back on the road.

"What?"

"You just said that whoever has me as their friend are lucky, didn't you?"

"Yes... so?"

"So, you too are my friend, doesn't that make you lucky as well?"

Oh my god, when did this happen? Me... his friend? But we just met yesterday.

"Why are you silent? Don't tell me you don't consider me your friend," he spoke again faking pain in his voice.

"No, it's not the way you are thinking. I just didn't realize that we were ALREADY friends."

He stopped the car and looked at her with a questionable face.

"What? Why did you stop the car?"

"Don't tell me you come under those types of people who needs a written statement saying we are friends? And if you are, then you need not worry, I know a lawyer who can prepare the paper and we can officially and legally become friends. How about that?"

She chuckled hearing him. He was too sweet.

"No, I did not mean that."

"Then?"

"Even I'm confused now."

"Okay I have an idea that'll erase all your confusions," he said snapping his fingers.

"And that is?"

"Jazz, will you be my friend from this day onward? Though, I considered you my friend a long time ago, but to clear YOUR confusion, will you be my friend?" He said in such sweet tone that she would say yes even if it was a marriage proposal. Wait what...

"Literally we met just yesterday but you considered me your friend a long time ago?" she laughed. "But on a serious yet not so serious note, yes Stefen, I will become your friend from this day onward," saying that she forwarded her hand to do a handshake but he suddenly took off his seat belt and gave her a tight hug leaving her whole body numb. All she could feel was the warmth his embrace had.

He broke the hug after few seconds only. 

She was complaining in her head. Why didn't the hug last long?

Then without saying anything or giving Jasmine a glance, he started the car.