Bridget and Ella intervene
Ella and Bridget had noticed the budding feelings between Red and Chloe, and they decided to subtly intervene to bring them closer together. They "accidentally" created all sorts of situations to encourage their complicity.
The first situation took place one afternoon in the gardens. Ella and Bridget had organized a small treasure hunt for Red and Chloe, hiding clues everywhere. "You'll see, it's super fun!" Ella said enthusiastically.
Red and Chloe started the hunt, following the clues left by their friends. At one point, they found themselves stuck in a small hedge maze. "I think we're lost," Chloe said with a laugh.
Red, amused, replied. "Maybe that was the plan all along."
They continued to look for a way out, getting closer and closer with every turn. Eventually, they found the exit and came across one last clue that led them to a secluded bench, where a picnic was waiting for them. "Surprise!" Ella and Bridget exclaimed as they suddenly appeared.
Red and Chloe exchanged a knowing look, acknowledging their friends' effort to bring them closer together. "Thanks, girls," Chloe said with a smile.
*****
The second situation occurred during a fencing practice session. Bridget had convinced Chloe to show Red some moves. "Come on, Chloe, show him how to use the sword," Bridget insisted.
Chloe, a little hesitant, agreed. She stood behind Red, her hands guiding her friend's movements. "See, it's like a dance," she whispered in Red's ear.
Red felt his heart race at Chloe's proximity. "Yes, I see. But I think I'd rather dance with you."
Chloe chuckled, struck by Red's response. "You're incorrigible, Red." But she couldn't deny the heat rising inside her.
*****
Later, the girls met in the library to study. Ella and Bridget had discreetly arranged the chairs so that Red and Chloe were sitting side by side. Chloe tried to focus on her notes, but she couldn't help but sneak glances at Red.
At one point, Chloe dropped her pencil under the table. Red, without hesitation, leaned over to pick it up. As she stood up, their faces were inches apart, and a tense silence fell. "Thanks," Chloe murmured, blushing slightly.
Red smiled softly. "You're welcome."
*****
Meanwhile, while creating these situations for Red and Chloe, Ella and Bridget were also growing closer. One night, while they were discussing their plans in their plan at the library, Ella felt a sudden urge. As if she could no longer resist the feeling inside her. Without really thinking, she leaned down and gave Bridget a kiss.
Bridget, surprised but delighted, returned the kiss tenderly. "Ella..." she whispered, her eyes shining with emotion.
At that moment, Red and Chloe joined them. Red turned to Chloe and held out his hand. Chloe sighed but took a twenty out of her pocket and gave it to Red.
Bridget and Ella, intrigued, asked what was going on. "What are you doing?" Bridget asked.
Red and Chloe exchanged a knowing smile. "We bet you two would get together," Red explained. "Chloe said before Christmas, and I said before Halloween."
The group of friends burst into laughter, and Red and Chloe congratulated their friends who shared another kiss. At that moment, no one noticed Red's gaze on Chloe.
Red felt a wave of warmth invade her heart as she watched Chloe. She realized that her feelings for her were deeper than she had imagined. Every smile, every gesture from Chloe touched her in a way she had never felt before.