#hank olson

“And it was really the last call at the bar, and while I was trying to shoot my shot with this hottie, Art came by and passed us some cocktails! Can you believe that guy? He’s a swell guy!”

You laugh, even though the thought of Hank flirting with someone stung. “Of course, saved by your best friend.”

“Heh, well it would have been better had you been there.”

This hits you hard. Hank had asked you to come along the other night, but you were too busy studying. Okay, well maybe you were sulking in your room, but that’s only because you had seen Hank talking to some pretty girl in your shared history class. It had completely ruined your mood.

“Yeah, but you know I get so sucked into my studying.”

He smirks and nudges you. “You’re such a brain. You’re allowed to take a break sometimes.”

You nudge him back. “And you should be more serious about your studies, Mr. C average.”

He shoves you down on the couch, smacking you lightly with a pillow. “Oh yeah? I’ll let you know I’m a B- average kind of guy!”

You both laugh at this, knowing that Hank is more than capable of getting good grades. Though he does sometimes get caught up in silly schemes or chaotic outings with some friends, he is quite intelligent and committed when he locks in.

There’s a moment of silence before the two of you look at each other. You shouldn’t be thinking about kissing your best friend, but you can’t help it anymore. When did the guy who has always been a pain in your ass turn into this charming hot guy? You don’t know, but you know that your whole being is screaming at you to kiss him.

“So, did you score the other night?” You tease lightly, leaning just a little closer.

Hank laughs, “Oh? Wouldn’t you like to know?”

You pout and cross your arms over your chest. “What if I do? I care about you, you know!”

“Well, it turns out she had a boyfriend…and I just so happen to have my eyes on someone.”

Of course he does. Of course there’s someone out there for him. It’s driving you insane with just how much this is affecting you. It shouldn’t be. You should be able to repress all these feelings and continue on with your life. But the way he’s looking at you right now, you just want to let it all slip out and finally get off your chest.

“A crush, huh?”

Hank snorts. “If you want to call it that, fine by me. But I happen to think it’s pretty serious.”

This hits harder now. “Seriously?! Since when are you in a committed relationship?”

This causes him to laugh loudly. There’s a flush to his cheeks before he leans in closer, and this is when your heart skips a beat. It almost feels like time stands still as Hank leans in closer. Then you can feel his breath on your face. His eyes are almost closed, and he’s looking at you like you’re the only thing that matters.

“I’m not yet…but I’d like to be.”

And then he presses his lips to yours. It’s soft, it’s gentle…and sort of unlike the man you know. Usually he’d be jumping right into this, but right now, it’s like he wants to show you just how soft and sweet he can be. When you lean into it, he’s smiling against your lips. You feel your heart fluttering in your chest. He pulls away breathless and rests his forehead against yours.

“Been wanting to do that for some time now,” Hank admits, his face still flush with nervousness.

“W-wait…hold on…what?”

He’s uncharacteristically nervous. “I've wanted to kiss you since freshman year of high school, okay? Is that what you wanted to hear?”

Your heart beats even faster and you kiss him deeply. He’s shocked by this, but it’s not unwelcome. He wraps his arms around you, pulling you even closer. 

“Been wanting to kiss you for just as long…”

With the two of you staring into each other’s eyes, some might say it was meant to be. You were always meant to be.