"You want to go... for a drink?" She asked, confused, as if she wanted to make sure she had heard correctly. This, of course, made Fran unsure. He looked down at the ground to avoid eye contact with her. In his mind, he was already cursing and regretting asking her, assuming the worst. Anja's confusion then turned into a pleasant smile. "Of course we can. Why not? That would be really nice."
Fran looked up, and the combination of confusion and surprise was visible on his face. He couldn't believe she had agreed. He thought maybe his ears were deceiving him because of all the sadness that had initially overwhelmed him. "Really? You'll go on a date with me? I mean... for a friendly drink? To thank you for all your help with school." Fran corrected himself, blushing with shame for accidentally mentioning the word 'date'. Anja shyly smiled and nodded. "Just let me know when, and we'll arrange it. And as for thanking me, there's no need. It was really enjoyable helping you."
Fran couldn't help but smile at her words. He still couldn't believe it was really happening, that it wasn't all just some crazy dream. Anja gave him one last smile before she continued on her way. As soon as she was out of earshot, Mateo immediately took the opportunity. He nudged Fran with his elbow and excitedly whispered, "She said yes! That's a sign, I'm telling you. Although, it would have been better if you hadn't corrected yourself, you should have stuck with 'date'."
Fran gently pushed him away with a playful smile. "If I hadn't corrected myself, she would have rejected me."
"Come on, Fran. Even the pigeons on the branch can see that she's crazy about you. Just have a little courage and confidence. Tell her how you feel on that date-"
Fran immediately corrected him with a raised index finger. "Friendly drink."
Mateo paused and then smiled, closing his eyes and then opening them again before continuing, taking Fran's comment into account. "Well, okay, a friendly date."
He imitated quotation marks with his fingers, which prompted Fran to playfully push him away with a smile. Trying to balance himself so he wouldn't fall, Mateo said what he wanted to say before he was interrupted. "Anyway, confess your feelings to her. You have to do it, you can't hide your feelings forever."
Mateo's expression changed to serious when he said that, as did Fran's. Fran knew that Mateo was right. He had to be brave and do it, whatever happens, happens. If only it were that simple.
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