Angie was fixing Kelly's hair while Kelly sat quietly, reading a book and munching on chips.
"Angie," Kelly called softly.
"Wait, I will fix this first," Angie replied, fully focused.
Kelly's natural waves fell beautifully, and Angie smiled to herself. Even Melissa loved playing with Kelly's hair.
"Does Melissa fix your hair sometimes?" Angie asked.
Kelly nodded. "Yeah. But she always messes it up afterward."
Angie chuckled. "There. Don't take that ponytail down—it really suits you."
"That's the only hairstyle you know," Steph teased.
Angie shot her a glare. "Don't react, Steph."
Melody giggled. "I'll style Kelly's hair tomorrow so Angie won't get upset."
"You're all so mean to me," Angie pouted, sitting beside Kelly and grabbing some chips.
"Hey! You're eating again," Steph pointed out. "Kevin bought those for Kelly earlier."
"It's okay," Kelly smiled. "I won't finish them anyway. He rarely gives me treats like this."
"Your boyfriend really is protective," Steph commented. "He knows exactly what to do."
Melody grabbed a chip. "Let's just eat them together. Forget about that guy."
Kelly laughed softly.
"Why don't you ask your own boyfriends to buy you chips?"
Kevin's voice made them all turn. He had just returned from the office.
"Eh? But you bought Kelly such a big bag," Angie reasoned. "I'd be a waste if she eats it alone."
"You used to act all feisty with me," Kevin teased, "and now you're freeloading."
Steph burst out laughing. Angie raised an eyebrow. "She's my friend. I don't want you making her cry."
"Angie, careful—you won't get any chips," Melody warned jokingly.
Kevin chuckled. "It's fine. Kelly, did you take your medicine?"
Kelly nodded, still nibbling.
"That's good. Don't eat too much. Share the rest if you're full."
"Wow, leftovers," Angie said sarcastically.
"Complain to Chris," Steph teased.
Right on cue, Chris walked in. "Angie, you're eating again."
"Well, I love food," she replied proudly.
Chris sighed. "Do you want more?"
"You'll buy me some?" she asked playfully.
"Well… if you want."
Angie's heart softened. She hugged him tightly. "No, I'm fine. You're too kind."
Chris ruffled her hair and hugged her back. With no one else around, he leaned down and kissed her lips. Angie froze for a second—then kissed him back. She'd gotten used to his stolen kisses.
"Drink more water," Chris teased. "Your lips are salty."
"But don't worry," he added with a smile, kissing her cheek. "They're still sweet."
Angie flushed as he walked away.
"Rare moment," Steph teased. "You and Chris being sweet."
"At least it wasn't a deep kiss," Angie muttered.
"What? He kisses you deeply when you're alone?" Steph asked, curious.
"O-Of course," Angie admitted, face burning. "He gets aggressive."
"Well, he knew he could steal one now," Steph laughed.
Angie smiled—until she realized the chips were gone.
"Sorry," Steph confessed. "We finished them while watching you two."
That afternoon, Angie walked home with Chris.
"Did your friends tease you?" he asked.
"Of course," she chuckled. "They always do."
"I'm sorry if I embarrassed you."
"No," she reassured him. "They're our friends."
He hugged her tightly. "I love you, Angie. So much."
"I love you too. Always."
He kissed her hand. "You're mine."
"I'm not going anywhere," she said softly. "You're the only man I've ever loved."
Chris nodded—and kissed her deeply. The kiss grew hotter, more passionate.
"Still tastes good," he murmured.
"Salty?" she asked shyly.
He laughed. "No. Sweet."
"Really?" she teased.
"Your lips are my favorite flavor."
She laughed. "You always make me feel giddy."
"You're my girlfriend," he replied, wrapping an arm around her.
"Sometimes I still can't believe it. You were just my elementary crush… and now you're really mine."
"I liked you back then too," he admitted. "Even before ninth grade. That's why I treasure you."
She squeezed his hand. "Good thing you didn't hold back. I would've confessed anyway."
They laughed together.
"Love," Chris said, spotting a convenience store. "Want to eat something?"
"Yes," she smiled. "My stomach agrees."
When it was just the two of them, they always used love. Their little secret.
Inside the store, Angie giggled. "This is where you bring me on dates."
"I don't mind calling you 'love' anywhere," Chris said. "Our friends flirt openly anyway."
"Then let's do it too," she laughed.
"You're really supportive, love."
"Of course. Oh—let's buy Julie something."
"That girl?" Chris muttered. "Her boyfriend spoils her enough."
They both laughed.
"She's lucky," Angie said softly.
"She is. Sometimes I want to pull my sister's hair," Chris joked.
Angie giggled. "You really love her."
Suddenly—
"Ahem."
They turned to see Melody and Dave, with Steph and Jonathan behind them.
"Sorry to interrupt," Steph said, "but we're buying food too."
"Go ahead," Angie smiled.
"'Love'?" Jonathan teased. "That's your endearment?"
Angie blushed. "So what? You have yours too!"
"It's cute," Kevin added.
"Oh shut up," Chris muttered. "We're rarely this sweet."
Kelly laughed. "Chocolate, please."
"Love, get one for Julie too," Chris said.
"Yes, love," Angie replied shyly.
"Jealous much?" she teased.
Everyone laughed.
"Sweet, isn't it?" Dave said to Melody.
"Very," Melody agreed.
"Let's go, sweetie," Kevin teased Kelly.
"Y-Yes, sweetie," Kelly replied, blushing.
"My love," Jonathan added dramatically.
They burst out laughing.
"They love teasing us," Angie muttered.
"Let them," Chris said. "Let's pay."
They ate together afterward—laughing, teasing, and sharing stories.
Angie smiled to herself.
This… this is happiness.