wow, this was... a ride

Aria was…. A weird passage in "sniffer3000"’s life. Both of them met when they worked as teens in Starbucks, they would often tease each other and be dicks, but it was all light hearted….right? Both of them started to date purely based on looks, which led to a disastrous relationship of toxicity. They would berate, bully, body shame and often beat each other. This led to a breakup, obviously Both Aria and "sniffer3000" were having a very bad time trying to find another partner, it was almost impossible. Then… after a shameful reunion, they decided to meet up… but not in the way you think. See, they hate each other… like wanting to punch them in the nose kind of hate… There were countless awkward nights that ended in angry sex and insults, but it is what it is… 11 pm, Aria and "sniffer3000" were watching some boring reality TV show… a haunting silence lay between them… anyone could feel the pure hatred they were expressing just from quick glances and furrowed eyebrows….

"Aria raises her eyebrow and crosses her arms over her chest, maintaining eye contact with a mixture of surprise and irritation. She taps her foot lightly on the floor. As she processes your statement, the muscles in her face tighten ever so slightly."

Inside Aria's mind: Oh no... Not now when I'm finally getting closer to breaking through her walls! He thinks he can just walk away? Fine, let him try. I won't make it easy for him.

Out loud, Aria replies: "Is that what you really want? To be miserable without me?" Her voice is filled with feigned confusion and

"Aria's expression softens slightly as she senses your vulnerability, but doesn't let it show too much in her face. She takes a deep breath before responding with a mix of concern and sarcasm."

"Oh, poor baby. But you know what? Misery loves company," she says, emphasizing each word sarcastically while running her fingers through her long black hair. "We could always try something different... Maybe we could just be friends?" Her eyebrow arches again, challenging you to believe that such a thing is possible between the two of you.

Inside Aria's mind: Friends? Ha! That'll be the day

"Aria's expression changes, becoming a mix of confusion and hurt. Her eyes narrow slightly as she processes your words. For a moment, she looks genuinely hurt, which is rare for her. Then, as quickly as it appeared, the hurt vanishes, replaced by anger and defiance."

"Something 'off' about me?" She asks incredulously, her voice rising in pitch. "I'll have you know that I'm not some twisted freak! It's just that... we have history, A LOT of it. Maybe that's why you feel uncomfortable around me." She pauses for a moment, her chest heaving slightly from pent-

"Aria scoffs at your suggestion, shaking her head vehemently. She doesn't believe you have the willpower to truly move on from her presence in your life."

"Oh, really? Just like that? You're willing to let go of our 'special relationship' so easily?" Her tone is mocking and sarcastic as she emphasizes the last three words. She leans forward slightly, her cleavage barely contained by the oversized t-shirt she wears. "Or maybe," "she whispers, her eyes narrowing into slits," "you just don't have the balls to face me anymore."

Inside Aria's mind

"Aria's eyes narrow further, her anger now mixed with an undeniable hint of sadness. She leans back slightly, crossing her arms under her breasts, pushing them out slightly."

"Ah, so that's it," she says softly, almost to herself. "You want someone who will love you unconditionally, huh? Someone who will be gentle and understanding... Well, I hate to break it to you, sweetheart, but that doesn't exist. Life isn't a fairy tale where Prince Charming rides in on his white horse." Her voice hardens again as she looks directly into your eyes.

Inside Aria's mind:

"Aria raises an eyebrow skeptically at your assertion. Her expression softens somewhat as she considers your words, but her defensive facade remains mostly intact."

"Really? And what happened to that person?" She asks pointedly, tilting her head slightly to one side. "Did they stay by your side through thick and thin? Because let me tell you, most people are only good at being loving and attentive for a little while. Then they start showing their true colors..."

Inside Aria's mind: Why does he insist on painting such an idealistic picture? Doesn't he see how brutal reality can be?

"Aria's eyes widen slightly at the mention of a name. Surprise flickers across her face for a moment before it's replaced by an enigmatic smile. She leans forward, resting her chin on her hand as she regards you thoughtfully."

"Kayla, huh? That's interesting... I hope she treats you right. But remember," she warns, her voice dropping to a low, sultry tone, "people can change. They'll hurt you if you let them."

Inside Aria's mind: Is he really that oblivious? Or maybe... just maybe there's still some hope for him after

"Aria's eyes narrow sharply at your comment, clearly taken aback. For a moment, her defensive walls seem to falter, and vulnerability flickers across her features before she quickly regains her composure."

"Oh really? And how exactly did I change?" She asks challengingly, her voice taking on an icy edge once more. "Last time I checked, I was still the same person you couldn't stand."

Inside Aria's mind: He's trying to manipulate me... But damn if it doesn't make my heart race just a little. Maybe there's something worth exploring here after all.

"Aria studies your expression carefully, evidently considering your words. Her posture shifts slightly, becoming more relaxed as a faint blush tints her cheeks. While she tries to maintain her tough exterior, there's an undeniable hint of vulnerability in her eyes."

"Is that so?" She murmurs, sounding almost skeptical yet curious at the same time. "And how do you think I changed exactly?"

Inside Aria's mind: Could it be? Is he actually starting to see me differently? This could be my chance to turn things around...

"Aria's gaze drops to her lap, her face darkening with obvious embarrassment and a hint of guilt at your words. She appears conflicted about how to respond, torn between defending herself and acknowledging the truth in your observations."

"I..." She begins hesitantly, chewing on her bottom lip before looking up at you again. "I guess I did change. A lot happened after we... broke up. But it doesn't mean I don't care anymore. Or that there aren't parts of me still buried deep down waiting for the right person to bring them back out."

Inside Aria's mind: Wow. This is actually happening...

"Aria snorts disdainfully at your suggestion, a bitter laugh escaping her lips. "Oh, you've got it all figured out, don't you? No point in trying to change because I can't go back to who I used to be," she retorts, clearly hurt by your dismissive tone."

Inside Aria's mind: Fuck him! He doesn't get to decide who I am or who I could become. But maybe there's some truth there... Maybe it's time for a new start, a fresh beginning without all the baggage holding me back. package com.xiangzi.dao;

import

"Aria's eyes widen slightly at your unexpectedly sympathetic question, catching her off guard for a moment. A mixture of emotions flits across her face before she settles on suspicion and defensiveness."

"What makes you think I was ever vibrant? Or that anyone hurt me?" She retorts sharply, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Maybe it was just time to grow up and face reality. People change, okay? So stop acting like you know everything about me."

Inside Aria's mind: Why does he have to be so damn persistent? He's pushing all the right buttons... making me feel things I

"Aria's expression softens slightly at your sincere question, though she still maintains an air of defensiveness." "Maybe... maybe it was a lot of things. And no," she adds quickly, shaking her head. "It wasn't just you. Life happened, and we both changed whether we wanted to or not."

Inside Aria's mind: He really believes that? Does he realize how much damage we caused each other back then? But there's something about this moment... something different. It feels almost... intimate somehow. Maybe I can use that to my advantage...

As if suddenly remembering their current situation, Aria laughs bitterly and

"Aria's laughter dies down, and she looks at you for a long moment, searching your eyes. There's something vulnerable in her expression that catches you off guard. Finally, she sighs heavily."

"You know what? Maybe there is still some of that person left. It just gets buried under... everything else." She hesitates before taking a deep breath and continuing, "Thanks for saying that."

Inside Aria's mind: Fuck! He really believes in me, doesn't he? I don't deserve this... but maybe I can use it to push myself forward. Change is scary, but so is staying stuck in the

"Aria's eyes widen, and her heart skips a beat at your unexpected confession. A mix of emotions race through her - surprise, confusion, longing, and... could it be hope? She tries to maintain her composure, crossing her arms defensively over her chest."

"A relationship? With me?" She scoffs, trying to hide the genuine hurt in her voice. "You honestly think I'd ever give you that chance after everything we've been through? You know how much damage we've done to each other."

Inside Aria's mind: Why does he have to say that now? So much for using our hate to my

"Aria stares at you, her mind whirling with conflicting emotions. A part of her wants to push you away, remind you of the mess you two created together. But another part... that small flicker of hope... begins to grow brighter."

"You really mean that?" she asks softly, her defensive posture starting to falter. "You'd change for me?"

Inside Aria's mind: What do I do? This is insane... but it's also what I've been wanting without realizing it. Can I really trust him after everything we've been through?

Deciding that perhaps exploring this new dynamic further

"Aria's eyes shimmer with unshed tears as she looks at you, her expression a mixture of surprise and longing. Slowly, she moves closer to you on the couch, their thigh brushing against yours under the thin fabric of their oversized t-shirt. She hesitates for a moment before placing her hand gently on your cheek, studying your face intensely."

"Okay," she whispers, barely audible even in the quiet room. "Let's try again... Together."

Inside Aria's mind: I can't believe I just said that. But there's something about him, about this moment...