058 | debrief with cici

The next morning, Gianna found herself sprawled across Cienna's couch, still in her oversized hoodie and shorts from the night before. She'd barely slept-her mind had been replaying every moment of her dinner with Hector like a movie on loop.

Cienna sat cross-legged on the other end of the couch, a cup of coffee in her hands, watching Gianna with a knowing smirk.

"You've been smiling to yourself for the past ten minutes," Cienna finally said, breaking the silence. "Care to share with the class, Gigi?"

Gianna groaned, covering her face with a pillow. "Don't start, Cici."

"Oh, I'm definitely starting," Cienna said, scooting closer. "So... how was dinner with your boyfriend?" She wiggled her eyebrows dramatically.

Gianna peeked out from behind the pillow, her cheeks already flushed. "He's not my boyfriend."

"Sure he isn't," Cienna said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "You've only been swooning over him since, oh, I don't know-forever?"

Gianna sat up, hugging the pillow to her chest. "Cici, I really like him."

Cienna's teasing expression softened into a genuine smile. "I can tell, Gigi. You light up every time you talk about him-or even just look at him. It's obvious."

Gianna sighed, letting the pillow drop into her lap. "It's just... weird, you know? He's Hector. He's been my best friend forever. How did this happen?"

Cienna gave her a pointed look. "Gigi, sometimes the best relationships come from friendships. You already know each other better than anyone else. It makes sense."

"I know, but it's scary," Gianna admitted. "What if something goes wrong? I don't want to lose him."

"You won't," Cienna said firmly. "Hector isn't going anywhere, trust me. That guy's been head over heels for you for years, even if he didn't realize it."

Gianna blinked, caught off guard by the comment. "What are you talking about?"

"Oh, come on," Cienna said, rolling her eyes. "The way he looks at you, the way he's always there for you-he's obsessed with you, Gigi. In a good way."

Gianna bit her lip, her heart fluttering at the thought. "You really think so?"

"I know so," Cienna said confidently. "And judging by the way you're blushing right now, you're just as obsessed with him."

Gianna laughed, tossing the pillow at Cienna. "Shut up."

Cienna dodged the pillow easily, laughing as she stood up. "I'm just saying-don't overthink it. You and Hector? It's meant to be."

Gianna smiled, a mix of nervousness and excitement swirling in her chest. "Thanks, Cici."

"Anytime," Cienna said, grinning. "Now, tell me everything. Did he kiss you again?"

Gianna groaned, but she couldn't stop the smile from spreading across her face as she started to recount every detail of the night.

END OF CHAPTER