"So El-chan…it's ok if I call you that right?"

"Ye-yes. What's the matter Nai-chan?"

"I see you haven't been buying sweets very often as of lately. Are you on a diet? Maybe I should go on one too."

We were on our way to our respective apartments after the long work day. Elma had passed all of the sweet vendors she would normally buy from after work. I had noticed this development for a week and it was strange. I just had to say something.

I glanced at Elma whose face was stained red.

She hesitated a moment before she spoke.

"I-I-well you are right. I am on a diet."

Something about the way she said it, I could tell she wasn't being 100% honest with me.

"Uh Elma is everything ok?"

"Yeah don't worry about me. Hey what you say, Nai-chan, let's have a girls' night at my apartment. It's the weekend. We can throwback."

My knees began to feel weak.

Did my office crush just invite me for a girls' night?... Maybe she was only trying to change the subject.

"Sure El-chan. Sounds good."

Elma's apartment complex was anything but modern but I guessed that was what she could afford. Her apartment was humble. She had pictures of all different deserts on her wall. There were so many food magazines on her coffee table.

"Make yourself at home."

"Thanks for having me over."

"You don't need to thank me. I invited you after all."

That evening we watched a baking competition show which Elma wanted to do. I didn't object. I got to be so unusually close to her. We sat just centimetres apart from each other on her couch. Being close to her and seeing her go crazy for the wonderful cakes and pies on the screen was adorable. I wish I could take her picture every time she made a face when she saw something delicious on screen.

Ding dong

That was the sound of her doorbell.

"Excuse me, Nai-chan. I'm going to answer the door."

She rose and went to open the door. I watched her every move. I admired the way she sauntered to the door. It was like she had no care in the world. But that day she wasn't her usual self. I could have sensed it.

"Joui, where's last month's rent?"

"Shoo shoo. I have a guest."

I could see her ushering an old fellow outside of the apartment. I assumed he was the landlord.

It finally clicked to me. Elma was not spending any extra money on her usual delicacies because she was skimping or having money troubles.

"Didn't I already tell you that I'm gonna pay you when I get this month's pay cheque?!"

The walls were thin enough to eavesdrop and Elma was hardly trying to lower the pitch of her voice. I assumed they were arguing. I began to feel bad for her.

If only I could do something…Wait that's it! I can ask her to move in with me. But then, I don't want to cause her further embarrassment."

Elma had returned from the hallways. Her expression was downcast. Those aqua blue eyes that had once known joy were now sunken in depression. I was astonished. I had never seen the look Elma wore that day. Elma Joui was certainly Elma Sad in that very moment.

She walked to where I sat on the couch and plopped herself on the cushion.

"I'm sorry you had to hear that. It was a bad idea bringing you into my mess. If you want, we could continue watching tv or I could walk you home."

I couldn't pretend like I hadn't heard anything, especially when she was being so open to me.

"El-chan, would you like to move in with me?"

I gasped silently. I couldn't believe what I had just said. Saying what was directly on my mind, shocked me. I couldn't take it back now.

Elma gaped at me. She replied soon enough. "I could never. I don't want to impose on you. This is my problem and I'll take care of it like any adult would do."

"Oh no! Of course you would, but I am suggesting that you just crash at my place until you can get back on your feet. You wouldn't be imposing. I live by myself. Look Elma, we're friends. I want to help you out. I'm sure you would do the same for me."

Her gaze dropped to the floor. She couldn't look me in the eye.

"I-I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything. Just pack your bags." I could hardly believe these words were coming from my mouth. Being a shy person, I hardly spoke confidently but when I was with someone I was comfortable around…someone like Elma, I felt like I could do or say anything.

"Are you sure Nai-chan?"

"Of course I am El-chan."

Please read and review. Feel free to give me any suggestions. So Elma and Nai are getting really close, they'll be living together huh? U know what that means ;)