As Felix and I stepped into the restaurant, I couldn't help but feel a pang of worry when I saw Max and Lance sitting at a nearby table. They seemed to be enjoying their meal and each other's company, completely unaware of our presence.
I glanced over at Felix, hoping that he hadn't noticed them yet. But he had, and he looked back at me with a quizzical expression.
"What's wrong, Iris?" he asked, concerned.
I took a deep breath before answering. "It's just that... I invited Red for dinner too. I'm worried about how he'll react when he sees them together."
Felix looked thoughtful for a moment before nodding in understanding. "I see what you mean. But remember, we can't control how other people feel or react. All we can do is be there for them and support them."
His words made sense, and I felt a small sense of relief wash over me. He was right - we couldn't control how Red would feel or react, but we could be there for him and support him in whatever way he needed.
As we sat down at our table and ordered our food, I tried to push my worries to the back of my mind and enjoy the evening with Felix. He was such a calming presence, and being with him made me feel safe and secure.
But as the meal went on and Red still hadn't arrived, my worries began to resurface. What if he decided not to come? What if he saw Max and Lance together and felt hurt or angry?
Just then, Red walked into the restaurant, looking a little hesitant. He spotted us and made his way over to our table, greeting us with a small smile.
I felt a surge of relief at seeing him, and I tried to put on a brave face as we chatted and caught up. But every time I looked over at Max and Lance, I couldn't help but wonder what Red was thinking.
"Are you okay?" Felix asks Red.
"I'm fine," he let a deep sigh, " they look good together," he said, looking at max and lance.
"they're just friends, Red," I told him, so he won't overthink.
"I doubt that," he said, sulking.
Felix looked over at me, silently asking for my help. I took a deep breath and decided to speak up. "Red, I know it may seem like something more, but I can assure you that they're just friends. Max and Lance, they're just catching up over dinner."
Red looked at me skeptically, but Felix spoke up before he could say anything. "And even if there was something more going on, it's not our place to judge or make assumptions. What matters is that they're happy and treating each other with respect."
I could see the tension in Red's shoulders start to ease as Felix spoke. "You're right," he said, looking at us both. "I guess I was just feeling a little insecure. But seeing you guys and having dinner together has helped put things in perspective."
I smiled at Red, happy to see that he was feeling better. "We're always here for you, Red. We support you no matter what."
He nodded, his smile growing a little wider. "Thanks, guys. I really appreciate it."
As the evening continued, we enjoyed our meals and each other's company. The worries and tensions of earlier seemed to melt away, and I felt grateful to have such supportive and understanding people in my life.
By the time we finished our dinner same as Max and Lance. We greeted each other outside the diner.
"Hey," Max said to us. I quickly glanced at Red to see his reaction, and I saw him give a small smile to Max.
"We just talked about work, and catch up with each other," max explained, looking at Red.
"That's nice," Red said.
I could see that Red was trying his best to be civil, and I felt proud of him for it. Max and Lance said their goodbyes and headed off, leaving the three of us standing on the sidewalk.
"I'm glad you could join us for dinner, Red," I said, breaking the silence.
He smiled at me. "Thanks for inviting me,"
***
MAX'S POINT OF VIEW
"should I explain to him?" I ask Lance as we went inside his car.
"Relax! You can use me to make him jealous," then he laughed, so I slightly punch him.
"He's already drifting away from me, I can't lose Red," I said.
"Why do you think he's drifting away from you?" Lance asks once again.
"I don't know. I really don't know, and it bothered me a lot. I wanted to talk to him, but I don't how to start a conversation with him anymore, he barely talks to me," I said, feeling sa don what is happening between me and Red.
Lance looked at me with concern. "Maybe you just need to give him some space and let him come to you when he's ready to talk. Sometimes people just need time to process their feelings and thoughts."
I nodded, understanding what he was saying, but still feeling worried. "But what if he never comes back? What if I've lost him for good?" I said, my voice breaking slightly.
Lance reached over and placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "I don't think that's the case. Red cares about you a lot, and I'm sure he's just going through something right now. Just be patient and give him the time and space he needs. And in the meantime, focus on yourself and your own happiness."
I took a deep breath and tried to take Lance's words to heart. He was right - I couldn't force Red to talk to me or fix our relationship. All I could do was be patient and take care of myself in the meantime.
"Thanks, Lance," I said, giving him a small smile.
"Anytime, Max," he said, returning the smile.

-
As I lay in bed that night, I couldn't help but think about Red. It had been a long time since she had felt this way about anyone, and she was surprised by how much she cared for him.
She had always thought of Red as a friend, someone she could confide in and rely on. But lately, her feelings had started to shift, and she found herself wanting his attention so much.
But were my feelings more than just friendship? I wasn't sure. She had never been in a relationship with a man after Lance and it's been a long time, and I didn't know what it felt like to be in love again.
As I lay there, lost in thought, I realized that I was afraid. Afraid of losing Red as a friend if I told him how she felt. Afraid of being rejected if I took a chance and told him the truth.
But then I remembered something Red had once said to me. "Life is short," he had said, "and sometimes you have to take risks if you want to be happy."
I knew that he was right. I couldn't keep my feelings bottled up inside forever. I had to take a chance and tell Red how I felt, even if it meant risking our friendship.