MY IDOL, MY OFFICER

Chapter Three: No Response

For a moment, I considered taking the phone back and writing the message myself. Then I saw Gifty’s determined expression and knew she had already made up her mind.

Gifty squeezed my hand. “Whatever happens, you’ll survive. But you’ll never know what could happen if you don’t reply.”

I laughed despite myself. Her confidence was contagious. Still, I couldn’t stop the nervous feeling in my stomach. What if this tiny conversation became embarrassing? What if I said the wrong thing?

Gifty rolled her eyes. “You have spent three years supporting him, and the best you can produce is thank you?”

“Maybe I should just say thank you,” I suggested.

I stared at the screen again. Seeing Fran C’s message made everything feel strangely real. For years, he had been someone I watched through a screen. His dances had become part of my routine, and now there was an actual message from him waiting for me.

Gifty had always been the fearless one between us. If I hesitated, she acted. If I overthought a simple decision, she pushed me forward. That was one of the reasons our friendship worked so well.

“What? You didn’t respond to his message?”

“Yeah, I know. I’m an idiot.”

“Yes, you are.”

“Yeah, she always tells me that.”

She was Gifty, my best friend.

“You are dumb and useless.”

“Yeah, I know. You always tell me that.”

“Give me your phone. What are you even using it for?”

Before I could answer, she snatched it from me.

“Vivian, come and sit beside me.”

“Okay.”

“So, my dumb friend, we are going to give him a reply and build the relationship you’ve been dreaming about.”

I nodded with a smile.

“What are we going to say?”

“Just shut up and look at me!”