Next Steps [Private RP — Closed]

(Sterling 😭)

(Aww.. Sterling…)

The touch was oddly comforting. I heaved a long sigh. “Basically… for a few years, there was a huge misunderstanding between us, which is why I didn’t.. like him very much. But I found out recently that his intentions had been good— and he’s being incredibly confusing. The sight of him used to make me want to throw up because I thought… I thought I knew how he viewed him. But now… it’s stupid. Nevermind.”

(Aww.. Sterling…)

The touch was oddly comforting. I heaved a long sigh. “Basically… for a few years, there was a huge misunderstanding between us, which is why I didn’t.. like him very much. But I found out recently that his intentions had been good— and he’s being incredibly confusing. The sight of him used to make me want to throw up because I thought… I thought I knew how he viewed him. But now… it’s stupid. Nevermind.”

Eden’s POV:

I hummed in understanding. My brother and best friend had gone through something similar. I thought for a moment before replying.

“So you’re confused,” I said quietly. “You don’t know what to do, because now that you know he didn’t have any bad intentions, whatever he does makes you feel confused. You constantly think whether he’s playing you, or if really being honest.”

I didn’t know whether I was saying this because I knew how it felt, or because I somewhat understand.

(Sterling 😭)

(You asked and so you received. 😉)

(I didn’t ask for tears 😭 Sterlinf, she’ll come back home!)

“Yes. Exactly that.” A wave of relief crashed over me. “The other day— some girls made a comment about my weight and he heard and started telling them that I was beautiful and that I mattered to him and that they’d better leave me alone and I am so confused.”

Eden’s POV:

I furrowed my eyebrows. That’s exactly what he kept telling her all those times—that she was pretty and beautiful.

“What did he say to you right now?” I questioned. “If you don’t mind me asking.”

“Basically asking him if I want to get deserts with him.” I sighed.

*me

Eden’s POV:

“When Sterling first asked me out, I said no,” I said to her, a fond smile on my features as I remembered that day. “Now I regret saying no. You should… accept his invitation. Give him a chance. See if he’s being honest or not. And if you’re worried about me, you don’t have to.”

I almost choked on my own spit. “He’s not asking me out—” I spluttered, face going red. “He doesn’t— it’s not like that—“

And it wasn’t. Right?

Eden’s POV:

For the first time in two days, I laughed. I really laughed.

“I didn’t mean it like that,” I said in between my laughter, finding her red face adorable. Was this what Sterling thought when I blushed? “I meant as a friend. See if he’s really a good person. Give him a chance.”

I chuckled, shaking my head.

Suddenly feeling like I was the thirteen year-old girl getting advice from her older sister, I shifted where I was sitting. “R-Right. Yeah. Um.”

Eden’s POV:

“Of course, you don't have to,” I added. “He’ll realize his methods weren’t very efficient.”

I grimaced, glancing back down at my phone. “No, it’s fine…. I’ve left him on Read for a couple minutes now, I should probably reply.” Pausing for a moment, I typed a short message.

VIOLETA: Sounds good. When and where?

Gray’s POV:

I finally, finally received a reply and it caused a smile to bloom on my lips.

GRAY: Tomorrow? If you’d like, I can pick you up at the dorm.

Eden’s POV:

Now that everything was silent, my thoughts drifted back to Sterling. I wonder what he was doing… had he eaten? Was he sleeping properly? I hadn’t seen him for two days and it was pure torture, but the fear still remained rooted in my mind. I wanted to get rid of it quickly so I could talk to Sterling and fix this mess. I wanted Sterling…

“What were you painting?” I questioned Violeta in an attempt to drive my thoughts elsewhere.

I bit my lip as hard as I could. Now it was beginning to sound a bit like a date.

VIOLETA: Nah, I can walk. Where to?

Glancing up when Eden spoke, I blinked. It took me a second to register her question, and my face immediately flushed again. “Just a guy. It turned out bad, so I wiped the canvas clean.”

Gray’s POV:

I smiled, hoping it didn’t seem like I was asking her out on a date. Not that I didn’t want to, of course, but you get what I mean.

GRAY: Crocodile’s Cave is the name. The name’s weird, but the stuff is delicious.

Eden’s POV:

I nodded in understanding, pretending I hadn’t noticed her cheeks turn pink. I had an inkling feeling as to who she might have painted, but I kept my face neutral.

“What time is it…?”

VIOLETA: Coolio. What time?

“Uh.. around one, I believe.” I gave her one of my ‘looks’. “Do you have anywhere to be?”

Gray’s POV:

GRAY: *Depends on when you’ll be free?

Eden’s POV:

I wish. I just wanted to go home.

I shook my head instead.

“No,” I replied with a sigh. “Time just goes by slowly.”

VIOLETA: Does 2 work for u?

“If you say so…” I murmured, glancing off to the side. “What do you want to do?”

(Oh my God, coincidence! I was just about to make Gray pick two. 🤣)

Gray’s POV:

GRAY: Works for me.

Eden’s POV:

I shrugged.

“I don’t know, really.”

(Lol)

VIOLETA: Great :)

“What about…” I bit my lip, trying to think. “Do you want to take a walk? Clear your head?”

Eden’s POV:

I didn’t really know if I wanted to take one. I looked like a mess and I didn’t want to be seen like this, although I didn’t care what other people thought.

What if I went outside and Sterling was there…?

“How about in a while?” I asked her.

“Alright,” I agreed, gesturing to the floor space. “I have.. Twister? If you want to play?”

Eden’s POV:

I frowned.

“Twister…?” I blinked. “What is that?”

I stared at her for a couple seconds. “Twister? The game…? With the circles and the…?”

Eden’s POV:

“I don’t think I’ve played that one before,” I said slowly.

(D’you want to skip or stay?)