Get That Girl!

**"Hi. I love [[you|you]]."**

Your [[heart|heart]] skips a beat. Your [[face|face]] turns bright pink. Your [[hands|hands]] shake as you read the message over and over again on your phone. [[//How do you respond?//|response]]

The message came as a surprise; you can't help but feel a little happy hearing it. It's not long before the girlish hope becomes a dull ache as you remember that she doesn't mean it the way you wished she did. But enough of that, you need to [[respond->you]].

You've always had a natural blush on your face, but this time you can feel the warmth spread up to your ears. Shaking your head wildly, shoulder-length black hair swishing around you in support, you remember that you need to [[respond->you]].

Sweaty palms are nothing new to you, but when you talk to her, it feels like a waterfall spouting from your fingertips. You remember the last time she held your hand, when she made you forget you ever even had clammy hands at all. When she was the first one to accept you. When she made you feel loved. Respond to her [[message ->you]].

Okay, okay, okay, [[deep breaths]]. You can do this. You've talked to her millions of times before, nothing has [[changed]]. [[//> Send memes.//|meme]] [[//> Send "I love you too!"//|loveyou2]]

Oh god your breathing is getting erratic. You've always had pretty bad [[anxiety]] but there shouldn't be any reason why you're nervous talking to your best friend, right? Okay, let's get back on [[track|response]].

"Nothing has changed" my ass. Maybe nothing has changed to her, but to you... It's just hard going from seeing someone platonically to seeing them romantically, I guess. It's like everything has changed, even though you don't want it to. [[//> Go back.//|response]]

You sent a picture of [[Waluigi]]. Is this even considered a meme? What if she doesn’t think it’s funny? [[//> Check phone.//|check1]]

You know she probably means it as [[friends]], so you casually respond in a way that doesn’t make it too obvious that you actually like her in [[that]] way. [[//> Check phone.//|check2]]

You've had anxiety since you were a kid, which results in really bad stomach pains and shallow breathing. It's gotten better ever since you stopped drinking [[coffee]] and started gaining self confidence, but sometimes it likes to spike up when you think about things too hard. [[//> Go back.//|deep breaths]]

Ah yes, coffee... You used to drink it regularly just because you liked the taste when it was drowning in creamer. After realizing that it gave you terrible anxiety, you stopped drinking it as much, but you do miss it dearly. Just like how you miss her dearly. Sigh... How did you get to this topic [[again|anxiety]]?

You fondly remember when you sat together in [[class]] and discussed why Waluigi didn’t have his own game yet. I mean, even Wario has his own set of games, so why doesn’t Waluigi? It’s simply unjust. [[//> Go back.//|meme]]

It’s always hard to tell when a girl says “I love you” if they mean it as friends or romantically. I mean, girls say it to each other all the time. If only she meant it the same way you did… You're getting off track again! Augh why does she make your head spin so much? [[//> Go back.//|loveyou2]]

You’ve felt a strong connection with her ever since middle school, when you first met. The way she understood you when you were in a dark place, the way she’d send you pictures that reminded her of you, the way she’d tell you she loved you… How could you not fall in love with her? [[//> Go back.//|loveyou2]]

She responded with that one GIF of Luigi’s death stare from [[Mario Kart]]. You can’t help but smile to yourself; that GIF never fails to make you laugh. [[//> Respond.//|response2]]

**“:) Can’t wait to see you again. How’s college been?”** [[//> Respond.//|response3]]

You two had been friends since middle school, remaining close to each other even after college began. Some of your fondest memories are when you sat together in class and talked about the wildest things. It felt like you were the only two people in the world. And you'd do anything to relive those moments. [[//> Go back.//|Waluigi]]

You used to play Mario Kart with her a lot in middle school. You were always taken aback by how she'd come in first place every time, despite how perfectly you felt you did. It's been a long time since you played Mario Kart together, but you treasure those memories dearly. [[//> Go back.//|check1]]

You start button mashing to show that you thought it was funny, but before you can hit enter, she sends something else. **“Memes aside, how has college been? I can’t wait to see you again.”** OH GOD she misses you she cares about you she wants to see you again what do you do?? [[//> erase erase erase//|erase]]

You choose to erase your perfectly crafted “ksfjhlgdkjl” and opt for something else. Maybe you can drop some hints that you like her? [[//"College has been alright, but it would be better with you. ;-)"//|alright]] [[//“It’s been great! I’m getting along with my roomies nicely, and exploring the campus has been a lot of fun.”//|great]]

You’re taken aback by how affectionate she is today. Normally it’s you who sends her messages like “I miss you,” but today is all sorts of flipped around. What to say…? [[//“It’s been great! I’m getting along with my roomies nicely, and exploring the campus has been a lot of fun.”//|great]] [[//“It’s nice and all, but it’s just not the same as when I’m with you…"//|nice]]

She takes a moment to respond. Oh no, what if she thinks you’re happier without her? You didn’t want to seem too clingy, so you opted to tell her something more positive that would make it seem like you didn't miss her //too// much. **“That’s nice! I’ve been having a lot of fun too.”** You don’t know why, but you feel like her response is slightly… sad? Maybe you’re just overthinking things. [[//> Try to change the subject.//|subject2]]

She takes a while to respond. Ahhh what if you creeped her out by being too clingy?? It’s how you really feel though. Your [[roomies]] are nice, and you’ve been settling in fine, but there’s just an empty space in your heart that you can’t seem to fill. **"Yeah, I know what you mean. I'm having a hard time adjusting too."** [[//> Scream internally.//|scream]]

**"Oh stop it, [[ugly]]! But I do think college would be more fun with you around."** You wonder if she means it would be more fun just because then she'd know someone, or if she means that being with you is actually enjoyable. To be honest, you think about her a lot when you're sitting in class. You both got accepted into the same schools but ultimately decided to part ways due to having such different [[majors]]. Sometimes you wish you chose to follow her, but you know that you had to follow your dreams too. Even though you find yourself dreaming of her every night. [[//> Send more memes.//|memes2]]

Maybe it would be better if you focused on something else. You decide to ask her about what she wanted to do when you two meet up again. **"Oh! I was thinking we could just hang out at your place, like always."** Your heart jumps again. A night alone with your crush? You've dreamt about it for months -- crawling up in her arms and watching a [[movie]] together. Ah, but you know it's too good to be true. **"With everyone else, of course."** There it is. [[//"Yeah, that's fine! We can watch a movie and bake cookies or something."//|fine]] [[//"Maybe it could be just us this time..?"//|alone]]

THANK GOD SHE WASN'T CREEPED OUT... And that she seems to miss you too. Maybe there is hope that she likes you back..? [[//"Maybe when we meet up again, we can hang out... with just the two of us?"//|alone]] [[//"Yeah, but at least we can all meet up together soon."//|fine]]

You don't think you're ready to let her know that you have feelings for her. It's better to lay low for now, and maybe tell her [[another]] day. **"Yeah! I gotta go now, but I can't wait to see everyone again!"** You can feel your heart slowly crumbling, and you know that it's your own [[fault]]. To know that you aren't anything special to her... To know that you're just another person in her sea of friends. It hurts. [[//> Say goodbye.//|bye2]]

You hold your breath and slap yourself on the face. Nice going, bub! Way to expose yourself there. You're basically asking her on a [[date]] already. **"Yeah, sure! It's been a while since we've done anything with just the two of us."** Ahhhhhhhh at least she seems chill about it. You don't think she's caught on, but who knows... Maybe she's just ignoring it because she doesn't want to hurt your feelings. Yeah, that's probably it. Your heart starts to sink again. **"I've gotta go now, but I can't wait to see you again. Talk to you soon!"** [[//> Say goodbye.//|bye]]

Everyone in your friend group affectionately calls each other by mean names. You know that her calling you ugly means that she trusts you, which makes you kinda happy despite it being an insult normally. [[//> Go back.//|alright]]

You tell her goodbye. A week passes, and you continue to talk to each other like normal. You're finally back home after an exhausting week of testing and turning in projects. Tomorrow, you get to see her again. [[//>> Move onto the next day. <<//|day3]]

You're hanging out with some of your high school [[friends|friends3]] when you hear the doorbell ring. Quickly opening the door, you finally see her. Dark hair wrapping around her face perfectly, adorable lips that you wish would press into your cheek, eyes so lovely you can't help but stare -- it's her, and you've fallen in love all over again. **"Hey... Long time no see."** You greet her, and it's not long before everyone else joins the two of you. For the rest of the night, you never find any alone time with her. Before you know it, the party's over and everyone is heading home. [[//> Say goodbye.//|bye3]]

**"It was nice seeing you again. I wish we could spend more time together like this."** Hearing her say that makes your heart ache. It aches because it knows that she's talking to everyone and not just you. It aches because you're a coward and never had the courage to tell her how you really felt. As the door closes behind her, you find yourself alone again, picking up the pieces of your heart that you left behind. The pieces of your heart that you buried deep inside out of fear that she would never love you back. And she never will. [[Because you never told her.|badend]]

<div align="center"> <img src="https://orig00.deviantart.net/6e2a/f/2017/308/c/6/i_wish_time_would_stop_by_asterranaut-dbss2jc.png"> [[>> Start over. <<|Beginning]]

You're waiting in front of the door, fidgeting with your skirt and hoping that she doesn't think it's weird for you to dress up when it's just a casual hang out. You didn't want to go too overboard, but you certainly wanted to look cute in front of her. The doorbell finally rings, and you open the door maybe too quickly. **"Oh! Hello, it's been a while."** It takes everything in your power to resist the urge to wrap your arms around her and never let go. She's lovely. Her hair, parted in the center, hugs her face perfectly. Her full lips, which she once was [[insecure]] of, make you wish she would press them gently against your [[cheek]]. And you've fallen in love all over again. [[//> Confess.//|love]]

You blurt it out without even realizing it. The words "I like you" just slipped out of your mouth so naturally that you couldn't stop yourself from saying it even if you wanted to. It's silent. Your fingers are trembling. **"I..."** There it is. The rejection. You knew it was coming. What did you expect? That everything would end up perfect, like some sort of Disney movie? **"I never thought you would feel the same way..."** ... What? Are you hearing that right? She... She likes you too? Your eyes that were firmly glued to the ground now shoot up to meet hers. Smiling like a fool with tears in your eyes, you run up and hold her with all of your strength. She wraps her arms around you and kisses the top of your head, her warmth melting away any insecurities you used to have. She loves you, and you love her, and it feels like all is right in the world. [[//And the two lived happily ever after.//|goodend]]

<div align="center"> <img src="https://orig00.deviantart.net/9d98/f/2017/314/0/8/take_me_back_by_asterranaut-dbtdv54.png"> [[>> Start over. <<|Beginning]]

You send her some more memes. After all, memes are the best when you don't know what to say and you don't want to spill to her just how much you actually [[miss]] her. **"KSJDKFLSJ STOP. I'm gonna die of laughter if you keep sending me memes!"** You smile to yourself. It brings you great joy to hear that your silly pictures can brighten up her day at all. **"I have to go now, but I look forward to seeing you again soon!"** [[//> Say goodbye.//|bye4]]

You're hanging out with some of your high school [[friends|friends2]] when you hear the doorbell ring. Quickly opening the door, you finally see her. Dark hair wrapping around her face perfectly, adorable lips that you wish would press into your cheek, eyes so lovely you can't help but stare -- it's her, and you've fallen in love all over again. **"Hey!! Long time no see, stinky."** You greet her, and it's not long before everyone else joins the two of you. For the rest of the night, you never find any alone time with her. Before you know it, the party's over and everyone is heading home. [[//> Say goodbye.//|bye5]]

**"It was nice seeing you again! I wish we could have fun like this all the time."** As everyone starts to shuffle through the door, you instinctively grab her hand. She turns around, surprised at your sudden action, and in all honesty you're surprised at yourself too. Taking a deep breath, you lock eyes with her and quietly whisper an "I like you." She looks at you with a shocked expression that slowly softens into one that you know all too well. She gently embraces you, and you can feel all the remaining pieces of your heart crumbling into dust. **"I'm sorry. I cannot return your feelings, but thank you for loving me. It just... seems too sudden. I want us to stay just the way we are... as friends."** Tears begin welling up in your eyes, but you try your best to hold them back. You don't know what you were thinking, confessing to her. You knew all along that she only thought of you as a friend. Now here you are, boo boo the fool, in her arms but feeling like you're all alone. Maybe if you stopped joking around so much and tried to make it seem like you liked her as more than a friend, she'd actually like you back. [[//"Guess I'll die."//|badend2]]

<div align="center"> <img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DUm0dy_U8AEE5JY.png" alt="This is fine."> [[>> Start over. <<|Beginning]]

You're an art major, and she's a science major. It's inevitable that the two of you would have to split off at some point, but it still made you sad. The two of you had been together for six years; it would be weird not seeing her every day. You remember when you tried to convince her to follow you to your college. When you thought about how every night would be like a sleepover. When you thought about how much time you could spend together. In the end, she chose to follow her own dreams, and you had to respect her wishes. Because seeing her happy made you happy too. [[//> Go back.//|alright]]

It's actually kinda sad how much you think about her. Every day you sit in class by yourself thinking about how much nicer it would be if you could just rest your head on her shoulder. You think about how much she'd love seeing the animals prancing around campus, and how much she'd love the food. You think about how much more bearable walking up the steep hills would be if you could just walk up them with her by your side. You miss her. [[//> Go back.//|memes2]]

You had generally the same group of friends since middle school, give or take a few people. You love all of your friends to death, but you're really hoping that you can get just a few moments alone with her this time. [[//> Go back.//|day4]]

You actually get along with your roomies quite nicely -- they like a lot of the same things as you, even moreso than some of your old friends. But there's something about spending six years with the same people that makes their friendship irreplaceable. It's hard to imagine that you could ever drift away from your friends back at home. [[//> Go back.//|nice]]

Another day, another day, another day. You've been telling yourself that for months now. When will that day come? It's just terrifying thinking that if she rejects you, it might be awkward and put a strain on your friendship. Not to mention how much it'll hurt to hear a rejection coming from her lips. It's one thing to convince yourself that she'll never like you back, but it's a completely different realm of pain to know for sure that you have no hope. [[//> Go back.//|fine]]

It's your fault because you never garnered the courage to tell her how you really feel. You have no right to feel sad because you had every chance to tell her and you didn't. [[//> Go back.//|fine]]

You love movies a lot, specifically of the animated variety. The two of you have watched quite a few movies together, even the ones that many people brush off as being awful. You fondly remember the time she watched //Trolls// with you. She watches a lot of things with her other friends, and you know that it isn't anything special for her to do this for you, but it made your heart flutter just spending those few hours alone with her. [[//> Go back.//|subject2]]

Of course, you've dreamt about taking her on dates millions of times before. It sounds lame, but you frequently think about going on a Disneyland date with her before bed. Going on all the rollercoasters together, sharing Dole whip, and taking photos together in front of the castle... If only it would come true. [[//> Go back.//|alone]]

She's insecure about a lot of things, and your only wish is that you could help her wash away every single one of them. She's a wonderful human being, and it pains you to see her feel sad or unsure of herself. [[//> Go back.//|day3]]

You're not ready for kisses on the lips yet, and even a kiss on the cheek seems like it would be too much for your fragile heart to take. You're sure that going from friends to more would be such a sudden jump that it would take the both of you a while to adjust, if you ever started dating. [[//> Go back.//|day3]]