Can't Take my Eyes off of You

by Reciprocate

You're like a flower in a field, it was hard for me to realize you're even real. Let alone it's hard for me to comprehend my feelings, because when I see you, it feels like my heart is bleeding.

2. 2

It's not so bad, honestly, I could get used to it?

Me and Retsuko worked throughout the month without a scuffle. Sure, I'd get a little upset when she mentioned Tadano but it's nice seeing this side of her—she's actually happy unlike with the last guy, whatever his name was...

Eh, that doesn't matter. So we got along just fine and blah, blah blah, we worked throughout the days with nothing eventful happening. Y'know how it is.

Wake up, commute, work, work some more, go home and maybe do something, and then sleep. My life is going in the shitter fast...ha...?

Anyway, it's like that stupid saying goes:

One door closes, another opens but no one warned me I'd slam into it.

"Umm, Fenneko..." Retsuko glanced at me, her hands trembling over the keyboard.

"Hm?" I mindlessly typed away at this monotonous workload.

Retsuko glanced around at the other members in the office.

Ton was being his usual lazy self, the creepy new guy stared with a blank expression at his computer, and the others minded their own business for once.

"N-nevermind." Retsuko said.

I raised a brow. "Just say it."

Bet it's the secret.

"It's about..." Retsuko glanced around the room as I froze in place. She whispered, "The secret."

Knew it.

I opened and closed my clammy hands. "Talk ab-" My fur bristled and I recoiled back.

"HEY! I heard something about gossip!" Kabae snuck up behind us, don't ask me how. She rested her hands on the back of our chairs while she stared at us with the...way too happy smile. "So, what is it?"

Me and Retsuko glanced at each other. My heart ceased while my blood ran cold.

Silence.

Kabae leaned in towards us, I could almost smell her...huh, noodle breath? Odd... "Oh tell me please!" Her ears flapped.

Sweat trickled down Retsuko's forehead while she feigned a smile. She glanced at me before Kabae and back to me.

"Umm..." My nose twitched.

Kabae jerked her head towards me, her eyes clashed with mine like she'd found the most juiciest gossip in the world.

For once, I wish Ton would yell and get her away.

I scrunched up.

Kabae leaned forward, she's going in for the kill.

Retsuko waved at her. "Oh, it's embarrassing but...ugh." her cheeks flushed a soft hue of red.

Silence.

"I-I'm ugh."

"What is it Retsuko!" Kabae leaned towards her.

"Umm."

Silence.

Retsuko spoke under her breath:

"I'm constipated again..."

I couldn't tell but I think the whole room stared at her.

More agonizing, awkward silence.

"BYE!" Just as quickly as Kabae came, just as quickly as she goes. Thank goodness.

I exhaled the tension in my chest and whispered, "Supply room, later."

Retsuko nodded.

The creep beside her said, "You two are gross."

We turned to him.

Our phones buzzed.

'Looking at me IS A DISTRACTION AND IS HINDERING ME FROM MY DUTIES!'

The creep panted.

'I WILL FILE A REPORT AND MAKE YOUR LIVES A LIVING HELL.'

Retsuko jolted back, she tucked her head between her shoulders as she went back to work. "Sorry!"

I glared at him while he stared at me like he's possessed. Some people just don't change.

The creep's eyes rolled back and I think he frothed from the mouth? He typed away at his phone while mine buzzed again as expected.

Retsuko flailed her arms before she extended her hand out towards me. "J-just say sorry!"

She's right, he isn't worth the hassle.

I sighed. "Sorry."

The prick smirked with his nose upturned in the air as he typed at the computer.

Besides, if Retsuko slipped up, I better get used to it. Well, more so of being ostracized from everyone at best...and for worse...I'd rather not think about it.

Yet, I don't feel anything? It's like I'm existing but you know the feeling where it's...just there? You can't process anything, you can't really put your finger as to why, and you can't find your ground. It's just drifting through the moment, I guess?

"RETSUKO," Ton yelled.

"Y-yes!"

"TEA!"

"O-on it, sir." Retsuko bowed her head and slid out of the room.

Unlucky for her, but at least fortunate for me.

I chased after Retsuko.

. . .

I strolled up to the tea room.

The kettle whistled.

"Hey." I peeked my head in the dim-lit room.

Retsuko glanced at me and smiled. "Hey." She lifted the kettle and poured the tea into a clay glass.

"So, about the secret?"I stepped into the room and leaned against the entrance's frame.

"Ha...ha...ugh..." Retsuko stared at the ground.

I sighed. "You told someone?"

Retsuko jerked her head back while the side of her lip twitched.

Yup, she did. But I can't be mad at her...just disappointed.

I narrowed my eyes. "Who was it?"

"Umm...it was..." Retsuko shut her eyes and rubbed the back of her neck as she chuckled. "Promise to not be mad?" Her eyes crept open, they met mine.

"I won't."

"P-promise?" Retsuko extended her wavering hand.

My body tensed.

"Fenneko?"

"Just tell me."

Retsuko's ears flattened as the side of her lip quirked down. Her eyes wavered.

I huffed. "Sorry."

"No, I should be the one saying that." Retsuko smiled. "It's my fault after all."

She's not wrong, but I'm sure it isn't all that bad.

"So...who was it?" I asked.

"...Yeah, about that..."

I tapped my foot against the ground.

"It was..."

My ears stood.

"Umm..."

Silence.

Retsuko bowed her head. "It was TSUNODA!"

I think my brain fried because I couldn't process anything. All I could do was stand there in place and watch my world crumble.

Haida said, "Tsunoda what?" His shadow cast down the center of the room.

I clenched my body up and slammed my back against the wall.

Retsuko glanced at me before she stared at Haida.

"Also...who are you talking to?"

"Oh, ugh! I was..." Retsuko glanced at me as I shook my head. "Talking to myself!"

"Uh-huh?"

"Anyway, I should get Ton his tea."

"Are you okay?" Haida strolled into the room and stepped past me.

"M-me?"

"Yeah?"

I slid myself along the wall while slipped out of the awkward situation. I strolled down the corridor and headed back to my cell as I waited for my impending demise.

Eh? Maybe Retsuko is right? Maybe it wouldn't be bad? Just awkward interactions? I mean, our generation is a bit more tolerable? Then again, with the way people act online, I doubt it.

Pulling up my seat, I sat while I leaned against it.

But what really matters is, is what's Tsunoda going to do with the info? Probably make my life a living hell.

And speak of the devil, there she is.

Tsunoda sauntered into the room, she didn't look at me thankfully, she stepped up to Ton's desk with the usual remarks and sucking up that you'd expect. Typical.

Oh Ton you work so hard. Oh Komiya let me suck your d-.

Blah, feel sick to my stomach.

"Hey, Fenneko!" She had to say hello to me...why!

I froze in place, my body anchored into my seat.

"Are you going to say hello?" She stepped right beside me. WHY?

"Shouldn't you be working."

Her damn sparkling eyes wavered as they clashed with my narrowed ones. She's smiling...great, she's here to torment me.

"What?" I turned away before she sucked the life out of me with her lov—repulsive gaze! As I scrunched up and typed. I could feel her eyes burrowing into my soul. I shuddered.

"Oh Fenneko, you're so silly!"

She's playing with me, she's the cat and I'm the mouse. But unfortunately for her: I fight back.

"Mhm." I gulped as my tail thrashed.

"Say..."

Silence.

She encroached into my space and whispered in my ear, "You wouldn't happen to know of any hot women around, would you?" She snickered.

My face tightened and burned as my ear twitched.

"Do you think I'm one of them?" She stepped back and patted my shoulder. "Wow, Fenneko, you're such a good friend." She smiled. "Thanks for covering for me!" She winked.

Yup, she's got me right where she wants me.

"Oh! And if you could, I need some help."

"I'm a bit b-"

"Please!" She stared at me with those big, enchant—no! I mean big dumb eyes!

Cold sweat trickled down my forehead. "I really should get back to work."

She clasped her hands together and stared at me with those puppy...no I guess doe eyes? "But you've been working so hard!"

"I really haven't."

"Oh you have! I see you here all the time without a break." Those...damn eyes are getting to me. "You're so talented with how you're able to keep up. And you do it without asking for any help!"

Any idiot could do it if they just stayed focused.

"I wish I could be as amazing as you! You're probably the best one here! Oh, Fenneko, you're the only one who can help me!"

Great, my one weakness:

Compliments.

I groaned. "Fine."

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

My eyes narrowed. "You can stop now."

. . .

I dragged myself behind her as she led me to the archive room or whatever they call it.

The door creaked as she held it open.

I stepped into the vacant room while I glanced at the shelves with boxes on them. Could be a camera anywhere.

She shut it. "So, Fenneko."

There she goes, showing her true colors.

"About your secret."

"Look, if you're going to extort me." I glanced over my shoulder as I extended my claws. "You bet-"

"Why would I do that?" Her eyes slumped as she rested her hand over her mouth.

I blinked. "H-huh?"

"I just wanted to talk."

"Right."

"No really, I just w-"

"Don't lie." My knuckles popped.

Silence.

"Do you honestly think I'm that horrible?" Her ears drooped and...why did I feel bad for that?

My chest ached for some really weird reason?

"You do, don't you?" Her brows parted and her black heart-shaped nose twitched.

"Don't play dumb." I turned to her with my arms crossed.

"Hm?"

"I know how you work."

"What?"

"Look what you did to Retsuko." My brows furrowed.

"H-huh?"

"She literally slaves over her phone now."

"I'm not following?"

Of course you don't, because you always play dumb!

I drummed my foot against the floor.

"Is that wrong?"

"Yes!"

Silence.

"How?" She raised her hands in the air before they collapsed by her waist.

"She's just another mindless drone wanting attention."

"Is that how you see me?" Her lips wilted and shoulders slumped.

I'm not sure why but when she looked hurt...I felt bad? But she's the villain in this. She's going to try and ruin my life.

I shrugged.

"...I was just trying to be her friend..."

"Right."

"She came to me for help and I helped. Plus we talk now," She lied because she always lies and that's all she does is just lie.

I narrowed my eyes.

"Really, that's all we do!" Her eyes wavered and glistened.

"You're after something"

She blinked and played dumb.

"That's the only reason."

Silence.

I knew I was right, always am. I upturned my nose while I waited for her apology.

Her voice wavered, it sounded...hurt:

"Why do you hate me?"

Tsunoda's question punctured my heart like a knife.

I stared at her, my jaw hung as I rummaged my thoughts for a solution. None.

"...What did I do wrong...?"

Many things.

"You know well enough." I shrugged.

"I don't."

I drummed my fingers against my arm. The bridge of my nose crinkled.

Tsunoda lowered her chin by her chest. "I'm just trying to be your friend."

Lies, blatant lies!

"What am I honestly doing?" Tsunoda threw her hands in the air.

"You're ugh..." I sank my fangs into my tucked lip. "Going to extort me!"

Tsunoda's eyes slanted. "Why?"

"So I'd do all of your work!"

"But Ton does i—I mean, I do it!" Tsunoda waved her hand through the air.

"No, Retsuko does."

"Huh?"

"She does your work!" I popped my knuckles.

"How...? I give it to Ton." Tsunoda raised a brow.

That stupid look boiled my blood, how she tries to appear so innocent when she's obviously mischievous.

"...Fenneko?"

"Ton drops it on her!"

Tsunoda rested her hand under her mouth. "Oh."

"Oh what?"

"Didn't know, I'm sorry." Those damn eyes wavered.

"Mhm."

"If I knew, I wouldn't have done it."

Pfft, if I knew, I wouldn't do it, she must think I'm stupid.

Tsunoda rested her hands on her hips. "I'll mess with other guys then...or..." She paused. "A cute girl."

My cheeks and ears heated up.

"Also." Tsunoda crossed her arms behind her back. "Is that why you're upset at me?"

If it wasn't against company policy, I'd rip her to shreds.

I shook my head.

"Aww, don't lie." Tsunoda smirked. Great. "You must really care about her, huh?"

My cheeks and ears seared while I glared at her.

"Hmm, wonder if you love her too!"

I recoiled my head back and tensed up. How'd the table turn?

Tsunoda shut her eyes and snickered. "Your face says it all."

"W-what?"

"Oh Fenneko, you're just as silly as you are cute." Tsunoda's cheeks...wait, are they red?

I blinked as I stepped back. What's going on?

Tsunoda smiled. "Anyway, I've taken up your time." She covered her mouth and snickered. "Oh and! If you'd like, maybe we could catch a drink tonight!"

"Wait, hold on!"

She slipped out the door and waved good-bye.

My body eased while I stared at the door. Yet, my mind trailed to her soft, cute cheeks when they flushed a shade of red like fine wine. WAIT WHY AM I THINKING THAT?

I shook my head and stared at the door.

Maybe I could take it? Try to get info on her since it's hard to pinpoint what's she's up to. And also how one moment she seemed like she's about the cry and the next she's making jo-

Wait, hold on? DID I JUST GET PLAYED?

. . .

She didn't, no one makes a fool out of me because I always win. Besides, I'm always on top of her.

Don't get any funny ideas.

Anyway, I took her deal to put her in her place.

We met up at the restaurant, the one where we did the...date night thing.

The host led us to a...resvered table, the one we even sat at before.

Tsunoda strolled ahead, the way she walks is even pompous and obnoxious. She donned a cute pink dress, her short little legs carried her stubby body, and the way her hips sw-

NO, NO, NO!

I shook my head as I snapped out of my stupid thoughts. Sweat trailed down my forehead.

Tsunoda pulled out her chair while I stepped around and sat in front of her.

I have to say, when you're face to face with your nemeses, it's different? Like...I can't descri-.

"Something bothering you?"

"Na."

"Oh come on Fenny."

Did she give me a nickname?

I narrowed my eyes while my ears pinned to my head. "It's Fenneko."

Tsunoda smiled. "Come on, loosen up."

"I am loose."

"Then you wouldn't mind drinking?"

Bet that's how she got Retsuko to open up. But...

"Sure." I smirked.

I bet I could get her to.

The waiter stepped up to us. "What would like to drink."

Tsunoda raised her hand, two fingers out. "Two Koshihikari."

"On it." He stepped away.

"So, Fenny."

That's not going to get old.

"I gotta ask." Tsunoda rested her elbows on the table while she cradled her face in her arms and leaned forward. "Who do you think is the hottest girl around?" her eyes eased while her cynical grin stretched along her snout.

I jerked back in my seat as my eyes rounded.

Tsunoda giggled. "Come on, tell me."

I crossed my arms and slumped in my seat.

The waiter arrived with our beer and poured them into a frosted glass. "Ready to order?"

"Give us a while." Tsunoda waved the waiter away.

"Very while." He nodded and stepped away.

Tsunoda sipped her beer. "Well?"

"Why do you care?"

"Wondering who's on your mind." Tsunoda rested her cheek in her palm.

"No one."

"Oh please, I bet it's Retsuko." Tsunoda smirked.

I held my chest as my heart ached as an old wound ripped open, it poured through my body and flooded my mind. "No."

"Really?"

Hate how she's able to get under anyone's skin.

My ear flicked.

"Is there anyone?" Tsunoda said.

This is torture, why did I agree?

I chugged my beer.

"Fenny."

"Don't call me that."

"Aww, but it's a cute name!"

My head throbbed: need to get drunk.

"Just. Like. You." Tsunoda winked.

IS SHE HITTING ON ME?

I stared at her, my jaw dropped.

"What, can a girl not call another girl..." Tsunoda's eyes relaxed as they refused to budge. "Cute?" She sipped her drink. "Or hot?"

My mind blanked, I can't process any of this. Is it a game or is she being real?

"Was that too much?"

I think my heart is trying to fax my brain because it's not getting the message.

Tsunoda drummed her fingers against the table. "Or too little?"

"You're messing with me, aren't you?" I snarled.

Her eyes fluttered. "Why on earth would I do that to someone as lovely as you."

I gulped and tugged on my turtle neck's collar. Can't let her win. I chugged the rest of the beer and gasp. My narrow eyes met her oversized ones. "You want to know who's hot?"

Tsunoda smiled. "Do tell."

"You."

Two can play at this game.

Tsunoda recoiled her head back as her cheeks flushed a soft red...okay, I have to admit, she's cute when she blushes. "Oh...really?"

"Mhm."

"How?"

...Shit...

I mumbled, "You just are."

"Huh?"

The waiter stepped up. "Would you like another?"

Salvation!

"Yes!" I said.

Tsunoda wiggled her bottle. "I'll take another too."

Good, she'll get drunker easier with her size. Plus I already ate beforehand, so she'll be drunk in no time.

She stared at me. "What did you say?"

"Oh, ugh!" Frigid sweat trailed down my forehead. "I think you're hot because..." What can I use, I don't know anything about her...I scavenged my thoughts for anything. Wait, there's one:

"I said...you're hot because of...your thighs." Safe!

Tsunoda raised a brow.

"W-what?"

"Have you been looking at my thigh picks?"

I shook my head while my chest constricted and breathing shorten. "No!"

"How do you know then?"

"I was told!"

"You talk to people about my thighs?"

Who would've thought...I'm my own worse enemy...

I buried my burning face into my wavering palms. I think I'm overheating.

"Not sure if I should be flattered or weirded out."

Where's the undo button when you need one?

"Then again, it's nice knowing someone noticed." Tsunoda snickered, "Not like you save them, right?"

I struggled to fight my smile but my tail wagged and exposed me. Why am I like this?

"Oh that's just sad."

Yay, thank you for reminding me I'm alone.

I grumbled.

"Could you delete them?"

Rummaging my pocket for my phone, I pulled it out and deleted the folder with her pictures. "Done."

"Thank you, Fenny!"

"Not going to chastise me?" My brows crinkled.

Tsunoda sipped her drink. "Why?"

"It's not creepy?"

"Oh it is, but...I get it."

I blinked. "What?"

"You're lonely, can't really flirt with anyone, and it's all you got."

Can't tell if she's being genuine or mocking me.

"T-thank you?" I said.

"I mean it, Fenny." Tsunoda smiled, I couldn't keep my eyes off of her with how benign and playful it is.

"Okay." I reached for my beer bottle but Tsunoda leaned over the table and poured it for me. I squinted when she sat down.

Whatever she's up to, I'm not falling for it.

"It must be difficult." Tsunoda's eyes met mine, yet, when I peered into them, I felt like I could trust her but it has to be the alcohol speaking!

My heart fluttered, what are you doing to me body! "Hm?"

"Don't you feel alone?"

"Nope."

"No, I mean like loveless."

My brow twitched. "Saying I can't find someone?"

Tsunoda's eyes slanted. "I'm saying, isn't it scary being like that?"

"Like what?"

"Being attracted to girls?"

I drank my beer while I averted my gaze.

"It was for me." Tsunoda smiled, and I think she's being...honest? Can't really tell.

My heart pounded against my chest like it did when I...when I loved...Retsuko...no, ha, not like I like Tsunoda in any way!

"Wasn't the brightest to share it either." Tsunoda sipped. "But at least I have friends."

"Friends?"

"Yeah."

"Hmm."

"Do you?"

I nodded.

"Who?"

"...Retsuko."

Tsunoda snickered. "Honestly, I expected her to be gay."

"W-what?"

"Yeah, with the way she drops guys." Tsunoda hummed. "Or bi."

...If only...

My chest ached. "Are you?" Not sure why I asked? Am I getting drunk?

Tsunoda smirked, but this time there's no malicious intent. It's cute like really, really cute.

My heart fluttered...why?

"Guess."

"I don't know...never seen you flirt with a girl."

"Neither have you." Tsunoda finished her drink as her eyes never left mine.

It's oddly getting harder to look away from her but I can't say why?

I shrugged.

"Because it's scary?"

My ears slumped while I dipped my chin by my chest.

"That's why."

"Why...what?"

"Why I never asked a girl out." Tsunoda snickered, her cute cheeks flushed.

"Oh."

"Have you?" Tsunoda ran her finger in circles against the table.

My heartstrings frayed.

Retsuko's voice looped in my fine."I'm sorry Fenneko. I don't feel that way towards you, but I'm glad to have you as a friend."

I clutched my chest. "No."

"Really?"

"Yes!" I snarled as my fangs clenched.

"I see..."

I flicked my nose.

The waiter arrived. "Are you ready t-"

"Just keep the drinks coming." Tsunoda motioned her hand in circles.

He nodded and stepped away.

"Is there anyone you'd want to ask?" Tsunoda leaned forward as I leaned back in my seat.

"Nope." I crossed my arms.

"Wanna know who'd I ask?" Tsunoda rested her chin on her hands. She swayed in her seat. Good, she's getting there.

I shrugged.

"Come on, Fenny, open up."

"Fine, who?"

Tsunoda smirked. "Guess."

"Ton."

She giggled before she leaned back in her seat and burst into hysterical laughter. "You're so funny, Fenny."

Will the torture ever end?

"It's you, silly."

I retracted my head back. My heart skipped. My body heated up.

Tsunoda cradled her cheek in her palm. "It's why I asked Retsuko."

I narrowed my eyes as my ears pinned to my head. "Asked her what?"

"If you were seeing someone."

My ear twitched.

"But she kinda went overboard." Tsunoda chuckled.

"Wait...you didn't get it out of her?"

"Nope."

...Retsuko...why?

I tilted my head back and stared at the roof.

"What's wrong?"

"What...did she say?" I stared at Tsunoda and in her tipsy state: she looks adorable. I shook my head. I meant...okay no, she is really cute.

"She asked me why, and I told her I was just curious."

"Why'd you care?"

Tsunoda smirked. "Why do you think you're here?"

My thoughts clouded as a blissful joy caressed my heart.

Ha...she played me again. She has me right where she wants me.

I shrugged.

"At first, I just wanted to be friends." Tsunoda paused. "But then she told me..." She pointed at me. "You love women."

"T-that's how it went?"

"Yup!"

"Wait...you didn't manipulate Retsuko into telling you my secret...so then you could have me in your fingers and get me to work for you until eventually I want to quit but can't because you'd tell everyone?"

"What?"

I flailed my arms in the air. "Nothing!"

Tsunoda rolled her eyes and waved her hand through the air. "Look, Fenny, I may be a bitch, but I don't ruin lives."

"...Oh..."

"But..." Tsunoda's smile faltered. Her voice ebbed, "Is that how you really see me?"

"I..." My chest ached as her words stung me. I nodded and turned away.

Silence.

"...Why do you hate me...?"

My stomach contorted while my chest pitted.

"Fenneko."

My eyes met her wavering ones before mine darted away.

She deserves the truth, she really hasn't done anything wrong to me. I'm just petty...

I shut my eyes and sighed. "I hate how everyone loves you." I slumped in my seat and crossed my arms.

"H-huh?"

"Guys flock to you, people love having you around, and...I hate..." I paused. "I hate how much of an attention whore you are." My ears pinned to my head. Honestly...she wasn't the villain:

...I am...

Silence.

"What's wrong with wanting love?"

I glanced at her.

Tsunoda's eyes glistened.

There really isn't anything wrong with that...

She scrunched up. "I've gone through life with so little, so what's wrong for asking to be loved?"

My ears stood.

"So what if I post pictures online, or ask guys out...at least I feel like someone cares." Tsunoda paused before she said:

"Even if it's fake, at least it's something." Tsunoda sighed. "And that's what keeps me going."

"...Oh."

Unnerving Silence.

Tsunoda sighed. "I think I should go."

"Wait!"

She lifted her head and stared at me.

"I'm sorry...you didn't deserve that."

"It's fine, I'm used to it."

My jaw hung. "You shouldn't be..."

"Na, I am a bitch after all." Tsunoda breathily laughed. Her lips wilted.

"It's my fault."

No reply.

"You haven't done anything wrong...you invited me to that...date night, you try to talk to me, and." I gulped. "The reason why I was...upset about Retsuko." I paused. "I was worried about losing her."

But just because I'm the villain, doesn't mean I have to continue to be one.

"I'm sorry, Tsunoda." The truth lodged in my throat before I poured my heart out. "I was jealous."

Tsunoda blinked, her cute, big eyes wavered.

"I..." I paused as I lowered my head. "I wanted to know what it's like...being loved." My throat ached. "And...I'm fond of you."

"Aww, Fenneko."

I tensed up and braced for rejection.

"I'm fond of you too." Tsunoda's laughter cradled my fluttering heart and snuggled it with bliss.

My cheeks and ears burned. "W-what?"

Tsunoda nodded. "Now the question is." Her warm, lovely smile dimpled her rosy cheeks. "Would you like to go on a date?"

I smiled. "Sure." I laughed.

"Come on, Fenny, sound a little more enthused."

"I-I'd...ahm...Tsunoda..." I rubbed the back of my neck. "I'd love to with you."

Tsunoda snickered. "Then how about tomorrow after work?"

"Sounds good!"

"Then it's set." Tsunoda winked and blew me a kiss. "See you, girlfriend." She waved the waiter down, paid the bill, and left as I held my heart.

I whispered, "See you soon." I held my warm cheeks as I watched her leave. "Girlfriend."