In the cozy, dimly lit apartment they shared, Lila sat across from her best friend Alex, their knees brushing under the small wooden table as they laughed over inside jokes and memories of their university days. Lila's black hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders, framing her glowing face illuminated by the warm lamp light.

Alex, with her sparkling eyes, reached out to squeeze Lila's hand, sending an unfamiliar but pleasant shiver up her arm. "You know, sometimes I wonder..." Alex began, her voice trailing off as she seemed to contemplate something deeper.

Lila's heart skipped a beat. She had always cherished their friendship, the easy banter, the late-night talks, and the way they could finish each other's sentences. But lately, things felt different. Little moments like this one, the lingering touches, the intensity in Alex's gaze when she thought Lila wasn't looking... it all hinted at a shift in the dynamic of their relationship.

Lila swallowed hard, her mouth suddenly dry. She wanted to ask Alex to finish that thought, to voice the question that hung heavy in the air between them. But fear clouded her mind. Fear of ruining what they had, of losing her dearest friend if Alex didn't feel the same way. Fear of admitting to how she really felt.

"Alex? What were you saying?"