They're completely supportive

As for our friends, much to my relief, nothing changed between us. For their part, Stephanie and Corrine took it on themselves to tease Amy mercilessly whenever she accidentally stuttered or blushed during the times when all of us were together. Aside from a rib or tickle in retaliation, Amy took it all in stride. She'd gone from the most "anti-romance" girl in the group to "slightly open to the idea of romance, I guess" girl in the group, and she wasn't going to lose that reputation for a while at least. Owing to her time with Rachel, Talia ended up being the last to know - which she made up for with excited squealing and glomping me and Amy multiple times.

The one bit of worry I did have was about Elizabeth. Despite her blessing, there was no denying that I had inadvertently hurt her badly. As it turned out, Amy had the same impression, and it was by chance that I came across the two of them talking one day, just as I was going to meet Amy for our usual run.

I tried to give them some privacy, but I couldn't avert my eyes. The observation that a girl changes her image after heartbreak was true - gone was the conservative, mousy girl I knew as Elizabeth. She was sporting a sleeveless top and skirt that barely hid her knees, and her hair had been curled at the ends such that it flared enticingly. Conversely, Amy was looking apologetic, murmuring something too quietly and somewhat awkwardly for anyone to hear. The whole role reversal vibe was surreal to behold, to say the least.

Eventually the tension deflated after the two hugged it out, and that's when they noticed that I'd been staring in their general direction for some time. Promptly, Elizabeth marched up to me with the most stern expression she could manage...

Before she wrapped her arms around my neck and gave me a kiss. It wasn't as sultry as the first one she gave me way back when, but somehow, it spoke volumes more than any words would suffice. She broke the kiss, and we smiled at each other, sharing in the unspoken assurance. We were both cool with each other, and still firm friends.

"Thanks," I eventually managed. Elizabeth merely nodded, still smiling, before she walked off. I stood on the spot, stunned for a while until Amy nudged me on the side of my head.

"C'mon, stud," she smirked. "The park's not going to run around itself."