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"Rox?"
Qiu pulls their head back from Roxy's shoulder, being woken up from their slumber. Roxanne turns her head to look at them, confused at their startled reaction despite not doing anything. The room is filled with nothing but an awkward silence, instead of the usual comfortable noiseless atmosphere. A puzzled expression stays on her face as she clears her throat, unsure of what to say.
"You were sleeping." She states, a smile creeping up on her face at the memory. Roxy scoots closer and wraps her arm around them. "You were resting really well, I thought you wouldn't wake up." They scoff at her joke but grab her hand from the arm wrapped around them. Qiu sighs, looking at her hesitantly, "What would you if I didn't then?"
"I'd kiss you, that's how it goes in fairytales anyways." She smirks, they groan but can't help mirroring their best friend's smirk. "You're really living up to your nickname, Qiu-liet." Qiu crosses their legs and takes a deep breath, turning their head to face Roxanne. She stares at them, a bit worried at their anxious expression. Roxy gives them a smile to lighten up the mood, and they smile back; the actions contrast the usual blank expressions on their face towards others.
"I was wondering." They bite their lip anxiously, "Why do you care about me so much?" Qiu questions Roxy yet again, their voice becoming weaker and shakier from the nervousness. Roxanne offers Qiu a warm smile, before reaching out to stroke the top of their head dotingly. They were hesitant, but still lean involuntarily into her touch. "It's because you've always been my best friend."
"Not just that, I had a hard time befriending others when I first came to Golden Grove. On the way there, I was worried that I'd be weird or leave a bad impression on you guys." Roxy mutters, looking at the ground and leaning into the wall. "Thankfully, that didn't happen. I appreciate you and Tammy for that. You've also helped me find my place here and welcomed me with open arms, I wouldn't enjoy Golden Grove without the both of you around."
Qiu blinks, their eyes glued to Roxy. "But that was before... I've changed a lot, Rox." They frown and look at their lap, restlessly fidgeting with their fingers. "I'm worried that you're pretending to care for me because of whatever reason..." They bite their lip, trying not to say anything they'll regret as Qiu avoids Roxy's gaze.
"Why do you think so?" She lets go of Qiu and scoots away, before leaning forward to adjust her stance so that they can't escape her from their field of view. "Did I do something to make you think that way?" Roxanne questions them softly, making sure not to startle them or be too harsh; after all—Qiu is currently having a hard time—invalidating their feelings will only add fuel to the fire that is their inner turmoil.
They shake their head, turning it to the opposite side. "I- uh..." Qiu trails off, before muttering a reply.
"I had a bad dream..."
"So you dream about me?" Roxy smirks mischievously, wiggling her eyebrows to tease them. She leans even closer to try to study Qiu's expression. They shove her shoulder and elicit a pained gasp from her lips. "Damn it, Roxanne. Now's not the time." Qiu glares, and the intense look pierces her, causing Roxy to involuntarily flinch. She moves back, trying not to upset them further. "You're right, sorry."
"Listen, I don't know what happened in your dream but it's probably not true." She smiles slightly, there was only sincerity behind the gesture. Their stare softens as she tries to find the right words to say, "I care about you because I know that beneath your cold façade, lies a person who truly cares about others. I've seen it during our first encounters and up until now, you still find ways to reciprocate the things I've done for you."
"For example, the thing you did for me a week ago. The noodles and stuff after I almost passed out from studying." She grins wider while reminiscing, the memory making her feel fuzzy. "Honestly, you could be the worst person in the world right now and I'd still care about you. All I really want is to be part of your long journey."
Qiu takes a deep breath, and a smile finally appears on their face. "There's just one more thing I'm worried about, Choco." Roxanne tilts her head, raising her eyebrow as if to wordlessly ask what they're thinking about. "Rox, what if I lose you one day?" Their smile quickly disappears, and Roxy mirrors the action, frowning sadly.
"I could do something wrong and you'd turn on me, you would have the most ammunition to say what you want about me." Qiu replies shakily, and Roxanne reaches out for their hand, using her thumb to stroke it gently. "Don't say that, please. I'll stay by your side no matter what happens. I've been here for 4 years now and I'll be here forever if you want me to." She wraps her arm around Qiu in an attempt to comfort them.
"Qiu, I won't leave you. You'll have to pry me away if you don't want me around anymore." Roxy tucks Qiu's hair behind their ear, causing them to blush lightly. Suddenly, they move closer to her and pull her into an embrace, taking heavy breaths as they try their best not to cry. "Oh, Toffee..." She coos, feeling incredibly hurt at the sight of their pain. Roxy tilts her head downwards to press a kiss on the top of their head. "Don't let go of me, please..." They mumble shakily, their vulnerability was evident in their voice.
"I'll hold you tightly, I won't ever let go." She whispers, stroking their hair reassuringly to try and calm their worries. "Keep trying to find who you truly are, it doesn't matter if you don't always succeed. I'll pick you up when you fall." Roxy says sincerely, and she suddenly feels dampness on her clothes. Qiu was crying, but she didn't care; she just wants to bring at least a bit of peace to their chaotic world. "I love you, truly."
"I love you too, Rox."