Episode 3: Navigation Friendship: Clarifying the intentions

When I told him we should just be friends and not rush into a romantic relationship, he seemed confused. I explained that I didn't know what the future held for us, and I wasn't sure about being a couple. He asked what I meant, and I said if he wasn't ready for this, we could end it. I emphasized that we hadn't met in person, and he didn't truly know me, just as I didn't know him.

He responded with an okay, okay, saying it was fine and that we could take things slowly. However, I told him I didn't want to take it slow because I wasn't looking for a romantic relationship. I wanted us to be friends first. I explained that if he got to know me better, he might realize that being in a relationship with me wasn't something he wanted. I knew he might regret it later, and I wanted to avoid that.

He thought about what I said and then shared that he was willing to give it a try. He expressed that if I fell for him in the future, he'd be happy, but if not, he didn't want to regret the choices he made. This surprised me, and I pondered his words. Even though I didn't want to hurt him by becoming his girlfriend, I had various concerns on my mind that I couldn't share at that moment. I didn't want to confuse him, so I clarified that I only wanted to be friends and had no intention of being a girlfriend, getting married, starting a family, or becoming pregnant.

In essence, I wanted to make sure he understood my perspective and intentions. It was important for me to be honest about my priorities and preferences, even if it meant potentially disappointing him in the future. I valued our friendship and wanted to build that foundation first. I hoped he would respect my decision and appreciate the honesty I was offering.

From the next day onward, he started coming to my office regularly, and we began hanging out together. We visited temples, restaurants, and cafes, spending a lot of time talking. I have a soft spot for him because he was the first guy to express his liking for me. Even though I disappointed him by not accepting his proposal, I don't want to let him down as a friend.

I made a promise to myself to support him and maintain this friendship for a lifetime. I believe in providing comfort to those I care about, especially when there's a special place for them in my heart. My policy is to stand by and be there for him because of the genuine connection we share.

One day, he asked me to call him because he planned to pick me up from the office. I agreed, and in the evening when I finished work, I tried calling him. However, he didn't answer. I called multiple times, and eventually, his mom picked up the call. I felt nervous, thinking she might assume I was his girlfriend caught in the act. Then, I reminded myself that I was just his friend. Calming my shaky voice, I asked his mom, "Is Daniel at home?"

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