An unexpected dinner; friends, lovers and a final decision
Under the light of the moon, secrets are born that change everything. This is the story of two souls who meet and discover that, sometimes, friendship is the true treasure
Laura was in her office on a Friday afternoon, finishing up the final details of a project when her phone vibrated with an unexpected message. It was David, an old college classmate. They had shared a few classes and a couple of group outings, but they were never really close. Despite that, there was an undeniable connection between them, an attraction that never materialized into anything more.
“Dinner tonight? I’d love to catch up.” The message took her by surprise, but after a tiring week, the idea of going out and relaxing with someone from the past seemed appealing. Laura, without expectations but with some curiosity, accepted the invitation.
Back home, Laura carefully prepared for dinner. She chose a simple but elegant dress and looked in the mirror, feeling a mixture of nervousness and excitement. What would have motivated David to contact her after so many years?
When she arrived at the restaurant, Laura saw him waiting for her at the entrance. David was the same as he was in college, although more mature. Her smile was warm, and seeing her made his eyes light up. “Laura, you look the same as always,” he said, and she blushed slightly, laughing.
Dinner began with small talk about their jobs and life in the big city. Laura told him about her career in marketing, and David told her about his work as a graphic designer. They both shared anecdotes from the old days, remembering study nights and college parties. The atmosphere was relaxed and the conversation flowed naturally, as if time had not passed.
As the night progressed, the conversation became more personal. David began to talk about his recent breakup with his girlfriend, confessing that he was looking for a new direction in his life. Laura, feeling comfortable, shared her own challenges, such as pressure at work and difficulties finding a balance between her professional and personal life.
After dinner, David suggested a walk in the nearby park. Laura accepted, and as they walked under the lights of the park, the conversation continued fluidly. They both laughed at each other’s jokes and enjoyed each other’s company. The atmosphere was intimate and relaxed, and the cool night air gave them a feeling of freedom.
Reaching a bench under a large oak tree, David stopped and looked at Laura with a contemplative expression. “You know, I’m really glad I did this. I didn’t expect the night to be so nice.”
Laura, nodding. “I’m happy too. It’s been a really nice night.”
The conversation became lighter and more playful. David, with a playful gesture, made a joke about one of the college stories, and Laura laughed out loud. Laughter and complicity grew between them, and Laura realized that, although the attraction was still there, it was something calmer and less burdened with expectations.
Finally, David offered to take Laura home. In the car, the atmosphere was still friendly, and the two of them continued chatting animatedly. Upon arriving at her apartment, David walked her to the door. The night had been a success from his point of view, and it was clear that he had enjoyed every moment.
“Well, Laura, thank you for tonight. I really had a great time,” David said, with a sincere smile.
Laura looked at him gratefully. “I had a great time too. It was an unexpected but wonderful night.”
David, in a friendly gesture, gave him a quick hug. But before he could pull away, Laura kissed him softly, a kiss they had both anticipated all night. The kiss was slow, deep, and full of the chemistry they had shared since college. Neither of them was quick to break contact, enjoying the moment.
Finally, they separated, their breaths labored and their smiles knowing. Laura invited him to go up to her apartment to have a last drink and continue the talk. David accepted, and the two spent the hours talking, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company.
Amid the laughter and intimacy of the night, the desire between them was rekindled. The kisses became more intense, and without anyone planning it, the situation escalated to something more. Laura and David ended up in bed, where their physical connection was as strong as their conversation had been. They both surrendered to the moment, enjoying every caress, every kiss, without pressure or promises, just the pleasure of the shared moment.
Later, as they rested in bed, Laura realized how comfortable she felt with David. There were no expectations, there was no rush. It was a pure connection, free of complications. As fatigue began to set in, David hugged her, and together they fell asleep, satisfied and at peace.
The following weeks, Laura and David continued seeing each other. Although the intimate encounter had added a new dimension to their relationship, they both knew that what they really enjoyed was each other’s company. They continued seeing each other at dinners, walks, and outings to the movies. Their encounters remained spontaneous and light, a mix of friendship and desire that flowed naturally.
However, as time went by, they both began to realize that, although they got along very well, what they felt was not enough to build a long-term romantic relationship. There was affection and attraction, but also a lack of that spark that turns a good relationship into a love story. Laura and David were aware of this, but instead of regretting it, they accepted it maturely.
One day, while they were walking through the park where they had shared their first deep talk, David was the first to break the silence. “Laura, I’ve been thinking about us. I think what we have is great, but I’m not sure it’s anything more than a friendship with… some benefits.”
Laura looked at him and gently assisted. “I’ve thought about it too, David. I love spending time with you, but I think we’re better off as friends.”
They were both relieved to say it out loud. There were no hard feelings or disappointments, just a mutual understanding that although what they shared was special, it didn’t need to be more than it was.
“Let’s stay friends, then,” Laura suggested.
“Sounds perfect to me,” David responded, relieved. “I don’t want to lose you as a friend.”
So, with one last knowing smile, they continued their walk, knowing that they had made the right decision. Life would continue for both of them, with new experiences and, perhaps, new relationships. But what wouldn’t change was the friendship they had built, a friendship that had withstood the test of attraction and come out stronger.
In the end, Laura and David remained friends, sharing coffees, laughter and confidences. And although romance did not blossom between them, they both knew they had found something equally valuable: a sincere and lasting friendship.
When the moon sets, only memories remain. They decided to be friends, knowing that sometimes, the true ending is a new beginning.