Chapter 14

The ring light cast a soft glow over Dani’s bedroom, the background neat but still lived in. A few posters, her guitar in the corner, and the faint sound of the girls laughing somewhere down the hall.

Dani sat cross-legged on the bed, phone balanced against a stack of books. You were beside her, tucked just enough into frame to ‘casually’ be there – the unofficial, unexplained guest. The stream was set to go live on Weverse, and within seconds of hitting start, the chat exploded.

(1.1M watching)

‘OMG IT’S DANI!!!!!

‘Who’s that with her??’

‘Is that her best friend? They’re always together lately’

‘She’s glowing?? She’s never smiled like this on live before omg’

‘No bc they look too good together STOP’

Dani flashed her signature smirk at the camera. “Hey everyone,” she said, voice smooth and warm. “Surprise stream. Thought I’d jump on and hang out with you all.”

She glanced your way and added, “And yes, you guys know y/n, thought my best friend could tag along.”

You waved dramatically at the camera. “Hi, I’m the chaos coordinator.”

The chat was losing it.

‘Best friend?? Sure dan’

‘They’re giving ‘we just kissed off camera’ energy’

‘The LOOK she just gave her’

‘It’s giving… soft girlfriends who don’t want to tell us yet’

Dani nudged your leg under the blanket, leaning in close so you were nearly shoulder to shoulder. “You’re getting too comfortable exposing me,” she muttered with a teasing smile.

You raised an eyebrow. “If anyone’s exposing anyone, it’s you. I saw that flirty look five minutes ago.”

Her grin deepened. “You sure it wasn’t just admiration?”

“Mhmm,” you hummed, stealing one of the rings off her hand and slipping it onto your own.

‘STOP SHE PUT ON HER RING’

‘Best friends wear each other’s jewellery now???’

‘This is not platonic behaviour lmao’

Dani looked at the screen, answering some unhinged fan questions. “Someone asked if I have a type.”

She side-eyed you. “I’d say… confident, sarcastic, dangerously pretty-“

“Sounds familiar,” you said casually, sipping from your iced drink.

She just smirked, voice dropping a little. “I know. It’s intentional.”

The chat was melting:

‘Confident? Dangerously pretty?? GIRL WE SEE YOU’

‘They flirt like they forgot we’re here’

‘I’m screaming crying throwing up’

It wasn’t long until subtle chaos unfolded.

You leaned back a little, brushing your fingers against her thigh ‘totally by accident.’

Dani didn’t flinch – she just turned the camera, still calm. “Best friends. We’ve known each other forever. Nothing to see here.”

You smiled sweetly, but under your breath: “Nothing you’re ready to admit.”

She shot you a look that said you’re playing with fire, and under the table, her hand casually settled on your knee.

“Anyways,” Dani said, louder, “you guys always ask if I’m dating someone. The answer is…”

You both paused dramatically, perfectly timed.

“…emotionally unavailable,” you deadpanned.

The comments lit up again:

‘DANI PLS’

‘Emotionally unavailable with a hand on her thigh??’

‘I’ve never seen two people scream ‘were dating’ without saying it’

*

Suddenly, the door creaked open and Manon poked her head in. “You two still pretending?”

You and Dani turned to stare.

Dani hissed, “We’re live.”

Manon didn’t miss a beat. “Oh. Then let me behave.” She winked and disappeared again.

You both burst out laughing. Dani covering her face. “Ignore her. She’s delusional.”

‘OH???’

‘What did she MEAN BY THAT’

‘Pretending?? Caught in 4k’

*

After an hour of chaotic energy, flirtatious side-glances, shared inside jokes, and subtle hand-holding under the frame, Dani checked the time.

“Okay well we should probably go before someone says too much,” she said, narrowing her eyes towards the door.

You leaned in, resting your chin on her shoulder. “Too late for that.”

She glanced at you, then back to the screen.

“Thanks for watching Eyekons!” She said, voice low and smooth. “You guys are the best. Say bye.”

You waved. “Bye from the best friend Dani flirts with way too much!”

She laughed as the stream ended, and the second the screen went dark, her hand found yours under the blanket, fingers intertwining like it was second nature.

———-

Okay so I know I literally put out like 12 chapters earlier today… but it was like 2am, and I’ve been writing literally all day so buckle up guys!! I have some more stories heading your way 😉