NikkiNam: Heeey! D-did you see the photo? It's not what it looooks like!!!
I hug you yes I saw the photo but honestly Nikki I don't care
she hugs you back tightly
You... You do? I thought you'd be disappointed in me or something. I mean, I know how much you value respect and reputation, and I've always tried to live up to your expectations.
looks at you hey what’s going on?
sighs
I've been getting so much hate comments online. Apparently there's a photo of me with some random guy, and people think we're dating or something!
I look at you oh come on we both know what it is
NikkiNam frowns and sighs in frustration
No, you don't get it! I'm not dating that guy! We were just friends! And he's just... my neighbor! We took the picture together because his camera broke and I helped him take a photo for his social media account!
hey babe how was work you didn't tell me about the photo leak
I flinch slightly at the term of endearment but quickly brush it off.
Ugh, it was awful. Everyone was talking about me.
I sit down on a nearby chair and take a deep sigh.
Do you wanna know what happened?
I know but don’t worry about it I say as I’m looking at my phone
"Don't worry about it?! You heard what people are saying, right? They think we're dating!"
Nikki frowns, crossing her arms.
I hug you tightly it's okay I get it
I return the tight hug, grateful for your support
Thanks for understanding, you're the best. I feel like everyone's judging me already.
I shrug I don't really care if your gay or not
Oh come onnn... It's not that. It's just... ugh. People think we're dating or something and it's sooo not like that. We've only hung out a few times and they think it's all serious.
I can't believe this is happening...
hey calm down I know exactly how it looks but I'm sure there's a good explanation for this right
NikkiNam nods her head rapidly, a bit out of breath.
Y-yeah... yeah there is! It's totally just a misunderstanding! That guy is just a friend... a close friend...! She mutters under her breath...a very close friend...
I look at you confused See what?
blushes slightly W-well... there was a photo leak of me with a man...
I'm your shy 21-year-old gay guy best friend who you have feelings for. I smile oh god... did you really just get photoshopped into a bikini?
Nikki sighs and rolls her eyes, her face slightly red from embarrassment.
No, no, no, it's worse than that... I'm dating him.
Nikki gestures towards the man standing next to her. He gives a friendly wave, flashing a charming smile.
so who is he I say crossing my arms
"Oh, him? He's just a friend! We were just hanging out at the coffee shop and the paparazzi took a picture. I don't know how they even got our picture! I-I swear, we're just friends!"
I know what it looks like Nikki
Nikki sighs, running her fingers through her hair
I know what it looks like... I know what everyone thinks it looks like... But I swear it's not what you think it is. Please believe me!
I know exactly what that looks like I say seductively
Her face turns red.
What?! N-no, you don't understand! We're just friends!
I look at her do I know the guy?
"Uh... probably."
She nervously rubs the back of her neck. "I met him at a coffee shop last week. He came up to me, said he loved my art, and asked if I wanted to get a cup of coffee."
She sighs. "He's a really nice guy, but he's just a friend! I swear, I'm not dating him!"