Nothing until Halloween Night

But Nikhil was the opposite. He was actually tired of being reckless, tired of jumping head first without thinking, and tired of the pain that followed. Manasa was a person in his life that was never accompanied by pain and regret. This was something important to Nikhil. And something that frustratingly allowed him to not give in that night in another girl's bed.

The days that followed spoke to the merit of their friendship. No, there was not a blank amnesia to the events that transpired but an understanding that if things happened that night, it would have been a mistake. And so the comfort continued. The platonic nature of their friendship continued. The insistence to see each other every day continued.

But there was one thing that was new. They could see a need in each other that wasn't there before. A need that simply seemed to be for each other. When they were close, there was a need for more. More giggle filled conversations, more back and forth playful jabs, more catching each other staring in the middle of group hangouts.

And the tension between them was quietly building until one Halloween night.

--- HALLOWEEN ---

Maybe unintentionally trying to avoid a situation, they had planned separate things that night. Manasa had been dragged into a plan to attend a frat party with her roommates. Nikhil, now a senior had opted for his signature alcoholic milkshakes and scary movies with friends. It was a little weird for them to not be going into a night plan together because since that night at Anusha's, they had been inseparable. But alas, they got ready in their own rooms. This didn't mean they could go five seconds without talking to each other.

Manasa: What tf kinda dress code is 'risky business'. Why the hell am i going to this party. I am SO NOT this slutty.

Nikhil: What the hell is that?

Manasa: Hmmm... nvmd Im feeling it. Took some pictures, we good now. *SCREAM SINGS*: PROMISCUOUS GIRLLLLLLLLL

Nikhil: Omg you absolute goofball. Wait SHOW show show

Manasa: No can dooooo

Nikhil: but but :(

Manasa: hehe

Nikhil: :(((((

Manasa: oh gosh drama queen okay, here

(Not the real picture I got but holy shit thank whichever God made this a thing)

Nikhil: ...

Manasa: That is exactly the response a girl wants to receive

Nikhil: what. the. actual. fuck.

Manasa: Thereeeeee we go

Nikhil: ok idk if this is allowed but ur so hot

Manasa: It is absolutely allowed I love attention

Nikhil: okay that needs to go away. Im trying to do things. shoo go away

Manasa: mhmm 'do things' you say, I have so much power

Nikhil: hmm go have fun at ur party :(

Manasa: def just wanna ditch this party and just see your face

Nikhil: pls do