Thanks Naoko Suki and chibi-chan 2013, your reviews are very much appreciated and here's the next part. :')

Jumping to conclusions

I felt pretty excited as we leave Nick's. Well, going for burgers always makes me excited but well, how do I put it? Nick's been looking really good lately. As in, better than usual. I mean, he's usually looking pretty good but lately? Wow.

I've made fun of him about it a lot recently, but truthfully, the messy, spiked hair, the new shirts (and I swear the other day he brought back some moisturiser for men) - they've made him look insanely good. It's pretty cool to go places with him; having a hot best-friend who takes you out for burgers all the time is pretty damn nice.

I don't think he minds me making fun of him. It's kind of how our friendship works. He's all up-tight and I'm more laid back so we cancel each other out. I can count of him to tell me when I'm going over-the-top and I'll tell him if he's acting too boring and old. Of course, I don't even thing he's boring, or old for that matter. But he can be way, way too uptight about money sometimes. I know he's going through a tough time now though so I decide I'll surprise him by paying when we get the burgers.

We walk side by side on the pavement, lucky for us the burger place is right around the corner but he keeps nearly barging into me and then apologizing and walking too far away from me. He's acting weird again. He's been doing that a lot too lately.

Really, it's just been little things, he's been acting oddly about us being too close. He got all embarrassed the other day when I gave him a hug. I think it might be the age thing. He's probably worried he looks like a pervert who has a girlfriend who's much younger than him. I hope it's not this though, I like hugging Nick. It'd really suck if he decided all contact was inappropriate suddenly.

Our hands accidentally brush and he draws his away; quick as lightning. I wish I knew what was up with him.

And then, as we reach the burger place it hits me. I suddenly figure it out- the clothes, the hair, the withdrawal from any physical contact.

He must like someone. He must be dating a woman, or trying to impress one. It's the only explanation. I feel like an idiot for not working it out sooner and I feel some of the blood rush to my head as the realisation takes me by surprise. I'm not sure how I feel about this.

"Maya, are you okay?" he asks, "You haven't said anything the whole walk. What's up?"

I'm not sure what's up. I feel weird, like all the air's come out of my lungs. Of course he's interested in someone. It was stupidly naive of me to assume he'd stay single forever. And he's been looking so good lately any woman would want him.

OH God. I think, He's going to get a girlfriend. He's going to have her move into our office. They're going to get married and have lots of children. He's not going to have time to hang out with me when he's got adorable kids and a beautiful, hot wife.

My mind sets into over-drive and I know i'm jumping the gun, but I suddenly feel like what I predicted might happen, is true."Um, actually, I'm feeling a bit sick. Maybe we should take a rain-check on those burgers." I manage a weak smile. I'm not even lying. Suddenly, I feel very sick and for the first time, I'm not sure burgers will actually make me feel any better.

Nick looks concerned. "Sick? That's not good. Um, wanna go home then?"

Home. Our home which, before I know it, will be filled up with some other girls junk. I know why I feel so sick now. I'm sick with jealousy. I can stand it; the idea of him living with another girl, another girl hanging out with us, a pretty girl who wants to hug him, kiss him and sleep in the same bed as him. These feelings are so sudden, it's disorientating. How has it taken until now for me to realise I feel like this!

I've got no idea what to do. It's all happening so fast and my thoughts are spiralling out of control. "N-no," I stutter, "I might go home and maybe you should go for a burger. I er, need to be by myself-"

"But I don't want a burger that much, this was all your idea and there's no way I'm letting you go back on your own if you feel sick. You could collapse or something." I think he's trying to look concerned, but more than that he looks hurt that I've randomly decided I want to be on my own.

I shake my head. "Trust me, it's nothing serious I think it's ah- stomach cramps. I'm probably getting my err, monthly gift." I'm blushing now. Monthly gift? Who calls it that! It's all right though. I know for a fact he won't pester me about this now. He even looks a little sick himself now.

"Oh right. Well, I could come back and help anyway? You'll need a hot water bottle or something-"

I'm in shock. I really didn't expect that. I was was so sure he'd go all red and stutter something incoherent. Isn't that how men are supposed to act when you tell them you're on your period?

So stunned, I can barely think of a thing to say, I just nod. "'Kay. Yeah, I mean, if you want." This girl he likes? She's the luckiest girl alive.

"Great. I need to talk to you anyway." he looks at his feet.

I stay silent. I can't think of anything to say other than "I don't want to hear about this girl you'll be replacing me with." But I can't say that. It's immature and he'd just fob me off with "Aww, Maya, no one will ever replace you." and then a month later I'll be back off to Kurain 'cause he doesn't want me crowding up his office when Cynthia moves in. I bet that'll be her name. She'll probably be blonde with massive breasts and long legs, maybe a lawyer who surfs in her spare time when she's not winning beauty pageants, that is.

Scowling I look down at myself. I never saw this coming, jealousy over a girl I haven't even met yet? Why shouldn't Nick find someone? Why shouldn't he be happy?

I want him to be happy, I really do. I just can't believe the person I want him to be happy with might be me.