Closed The Newest Friendship

Esme was shocked. She paused suddenly, her hands on her cheeks….the silence was immense….everything in the background could be heard vividly, though in Esme’s mind, the world also quieted down in order to process.

Aliana wanted me? She knew they were close, and yet…she hadn’t expected Aliana to like her like that….but she couldn’t lie and say she didn’t feel the same…after a bit of being in her head she realized how goofy she looked. She cleared her through and looked around. “More than friends? I….I would love to! I would really enjoy that, but are you positive? Like absolutely positively sure? You actually want to go to the ball with me, more than friends?” She asked, a look of vulnerability, not because she didn’t trust Aliana or because she had a bad feeling. No, it was actually because she knew that she could easily be hurt in this situation, she could have lost a valuable thing, the leverage of having her thoughts contained. Aliana could easily be kidding or worse, and by then Esme will have been completely revealed. And so in this moment, the trust of Esme and her happiness along with it was held in Aliana’s palm, what would she do with it?

Esme thought about what could be if this is true, even if this exchange happened within seconds from reply to reply, in her mind she visualized something much longer, she was half in her head and half over her shoulder, trying to ensure a swift recovery in case of an accident.

@Aliana Duke

I chuckle and give a bunch of nods. "Absolutely, Esme! I'm totally sure! I'm really excited to go with you," I say with enthusiasm. "I wouldn't have asked if I didn't want to go, silly!" The word "silly" slips out playfully, a term of endearment that encapsulates the lightheartedness of our conversation. It's a gentle reminder that her doubts were unfounded, and that I am wholeheartedly committed to going to the ball with her.

As I speak, my voice brims with genuine enthusiasm, reflecting the genuine thrill that courses through my veins. The prospect of creating unforgettable memories with Esme fills me with an indescribable joy. It's a feeling that cannot be contained, radiating from every fiber of my being:

The air around us seems to buzz with anticipation, as if the universe itself is eagerly awaiting our adventure. I can't help but chuckle at Esme's initial uncertainty, finding her doubt endearing. It's not every day that someone questions your desire to spend time with them, especially when it involves embarking on a thrilling journey. But I understand her hesitation; after all, life has a way of throwing unexpected curveballs, making it difficult to discern genuine intentions. With a warm smile, I continue to nod, emphasizing my unwavering commitment to our plans. Each nod serves as a silent affirmation, a promise that I am fully invested in going to the ball.

@Esme Xiao

Esme nods her head slowly, really processing Aliana’s words, letting them toss and turn. “We’ll, since you really mean it, I have no reason to doubt. Sounds like a plan to me.” She smiles passionately, little dimples forming at the corner of her lips. In this moment, this very second, she gave all of her trust to Aliana, she knew that it wasn’t misplaced.

She makes her tone sound important and royal. “On this very day, I announce that you and I will officially go to the ball and have the best day ever.” She takes a twig from nearby and pretends to grant Aliana knighthood.

“And thank you, you know…for telling me, I don’t know if I’d have had the strength to say it myself.” She looked to her side, a wry smile, mocking herself in her head. “But you did us both a favor, no?” Esme was thinking about something, like she was trying to make a decision, weighting the benefits and risks then she shook her head and leaned toward Aliana and gave her a firm hug, not too tight but still tight enough to be cozy. She did this for maybe 5 or so seconds but it felt longer to her. “Sorry if it was too tight.”

She looks at Aliana with an expression like an artist trying to figure out how well a certain color would look on their painting, reading Aliana’s expression closely, however she held herself in reaction would be very important.

@Aliana Duke

My arms wrap tightly around Esme, pulling her into a warm and heartfelt embrace. The weight of gratitude fills my chest, causing my eyes to shimmer with unshed tears. "Please, don't apologize," i whispers, my voice filled with genuine affection. "What you did was beyond perfect. It's more than I could have ever imagined."

A gentle smile dances on my lips, radiating a sense of contentment and joy. "I can't express how thrilled I am that we're embarking on this journey together," i confess, my voice laced with excitement. "The ball is going to be absolutely incredible, and I'm so grateful that you've placed your trust in me."

As i gazes into Esme's eyes, a profound sincerity shines through my own. The anticipation of the adventure ahead fills my with an electric energy, making my heart race with exhilaration. "We're going to create something truly magical," i declares, her voice brimming with confidence. "Together, we'll weave a tapestry of enchantment that will leave everyone in awe."

my fingers gently brush against Esme's cheek, a tender gesture that conveys her unwavering support and affection. "I believe in us, Esme," i murmurs, my voice filled with unwavering conviction. "We have the power to make this night unforgettable, and I couldn't be more excited to take on this incredible challenge with you by my side."

I smile widely most definitely blushing a lot as I giggle and let go from teh second hug.

@Esme Xiao

Esme saw Aliana’s tears, they hadn’t quite dropped down from her cheeks, but Esme felt tears appear on her face as well. Aliana’s glimmering eyes and firm embrace. Esme had an emotional overload and soon her tears had run down her face like a small river. They caught moonlight after dripping down her chin.

“You have such a way with words, how do you do it?” She says with a much softer voice than before, she had gotten progressively quieter, her voice was so quiet now, that you’d have to lean in to hear, which Esme was alright with. To be cuddled up with Aliana, at her side, it was such a gratifying feeling, she almost couldn’t believe it was true. “Aliana, I have to thank you more. I think you’ve officially made me feel more emotion than anyone I’ve met so far.”

As her hand runs along Esme’s cheek, the tears were wiped away. Esme smiled, she was vulnerable but she knew that with Aliana here, she was safe, safe to truly express herself in a way that she doesn’t give everybody.

“Make this night unforgettable? How so? What do you have in mind.” Esme liked having Aliana here to guide her and say beautiful things, even if Esme couldn’t truly take the compliments, she knew that Aliana meant everything she said. “Your face is so red. hǎo kě ài! (so cute!)” she said with a big grin, her eyes closed tight

@Aliana Duke

I can't help but burst into laughter as my face turns even redder. The sheer absurdity of the situation overwhelms me, and I find myself unable to contain my amusement. My hands instinctively shoot up to cover my face. As I struggle to regain my composure, I glance at esme and blush more. It's as if the universe has conspired to create this hilarious moment, and I can't resist embracing it. Finally managing to calm myself down, I remove my hands from my face, revealing a mischievous grin. The absurdity of the situation has not escaped me, and I decide to embrace it wholeheartedly. With a newfound confidence, I look at the person and say, "You know what? I'll be right there with you all night. We can chill and dance togeth-“


I get an idea and immediately blurt out. "OMG OMG WE HAVE TO COORDINATE OUTFITS ESME!! IT WOULD LITERALLY BE SO CUTE!!" The mere thought of us matching outfits sends another wave of giggles and blushes through me, making my heart flutter with excitement. I can already picture it in my mind's eye - Esme and I, strolling hand in hand, our outfits perfectly complementing each other. The thought of us dressed in matching attire fills me with a sense of joy and anticipation. It's not just about the clothes; it's about the connection, the bond we share, and the way we can express our love for each other through our fashion choices.

@Esme Xiao

Esme watched as Aliana turned beet red, and as she blushed, Esme just found it so cute, to see Aliana completely turn into a giggling, babbling individual was making Esme's heartbeat quicken, she felt herself get more alert, she wanted this to be a face that only she saw Aliana make, she wished that this was a moment that was special, and especially special for her, after all, she knows that Aliana might be the only person she'd open up to like this, these intimate moments that they shared was something that Esme would take to heart, every time their eyes meet, every time they blush and hug and smile at each other, she felt like it was all for her, just like how she acted was all for Aliana. This train of thought only made Aliana's reaction even cuter, but then she listened to what Aliana was talking about, after all, looking adorable was only half of what made Aliana so attractive, it was also her persuasive voice and intelligent personality.


After hearing Aliana's idea she could barely contain herself, she squealed like a fangirl at the thought, with her hands on her cheeks, she falls onto her back. "EEEE!" She then realized what she was doing and quickly covered her mouth, attempting to regain her composure. "S-so... What's the match gonna be, how are we gonna do this?" She listened for Aliana's next idea closely, literally closely, she scooted a bit closer before staring into Aliana's eyes and waiting for a response.


@Aliana Duke

I giggle at how adorable she looks while squealing like I look just a few moments ago. “Your adorable- and we will have matching outfits like the theme is white and blue so I’ll wear a nice dress that’s gonna be really pretty and the dress will feature a combination of royal blue and pristine white, creating a harmonious blend of sophistication. The bodice is gonna have delicate white lace, accentuatio the neckline, while the flowing blue chiffon skirt adds a touch of ethereal beauty. The dress is gonna be cinched at the waist with a subtle satin ribbon, enhancing the feminine silhouette. Perfect for the ball.” I ramble on Excitedly as I babble about my dream dress for the ball. I then realize I don’t know what esme wants to wear. “Es what do you wanna wear to the ball? A suit, a dress a fancy outfit? Anything works really what are you most comfortable with wearing?” I say taking Esmes hands into my own looking into their eyes lovingly. As I look at her I take her own thoughts and comfort into consideration. Wondering what she likes to wear and feels the most comfortable in wanting to make her feel confident while with me.

@Esme Xiao

She nods, thinking about what Aliana described, she felt as though she had a good thought of what it would look like. "I see, well I dunno if I can describe it as well as you but I think I'm gonna wear something a bit like a hanfu, it'll be a white garment but it'll slowly fade to blue the farther it is from my torso, the dress portion will be long and flowing as will the hem of the sleeve. And I think I'll wear a bit of makeup, and then I think I'll do my hair so it'll flow with my dress, I was thinking of a cheongsam but I think a hanfu would help me match you better. and then I think I'll have a nice.

Aliana was holding her hands, and Esme loved it somehow the touch of Aliana just never got old, to be with her never got old, and so Esme clenched her hands tighter so their palms would be together, Esme got a warm feeling inside, Aliana's delicate hands were a major contrast from the outside environment, as winter approached and the air got colder and drier, being in contact with Aliana helped her bare through it.

"Hey, what kind of contact is too much, does hugging or holding hands too long make you uncomfortable?"

@Aliana Duke

I look at her with complete love on my eyes my look adoring her. I sit just looking into her eyes for a moment then snap back to reality. “That sounds gorgeous esme! I think for my hair I’m gonna put it up in a bun and put some flowers in it and I’ll just do some light makeup I think. Maybe like a nice light blue eyeshadow or something and lots and lots of glitter.” I say rambling on slightly but snapping out of ur once she squeezes my hands and I squeeze hers back. I look up at her with so much love in my eyes. “god I love being with her holding her hands just being around her she’s so incredible I’m so happy she’s here with me” I think to myself. I then realize I’m most definitely blush A LOT at esme and get very flustered as I try to speak. “I-uh I-ya n-no i-it doesn’t make me uncomfortable or anything… I actually really like physical t-touch it’s my love language.” I stutter out flustered. I giggle a bit laughing at myself as I go back to looking at esme lovingly wondering how I got someone so god dang beautiful.

@Esme Xiao