"So, you and Ruby... What do you even like about her? I mean... No hate, but... She's not the prettiest girl I've ever seen... And I don't like how she talks. Why do you date her?"

I was suprised. That was pretty honest and direct from him.

I wanted to tell him the truth: It was because of him. But I couldn't tell anybody... They'd hate me.

I sighed.

"I like her character.", I answered.

Eric shook his head.

"Seriously, Dele. I thought you only dated her because you needed some.... Relief. But since you aren't that kind of guy, you're such a nice guy, you deserve better."

I was speechless.

He just met her and didn't like her already.

"Are you jealous?", I asked.

He got upset. "No. Why should I? I just want the best for you. You're my best friend. But, sorry Dele, Ruby is not your standards."

I smiled.

He didn't like her.

He found, that I deserved better.

I mean, the "you're my best friend" part could have been spare, but anyways.

"She will never replace you, Eric Jeremy Edgar Dier.", I promised.

He threw a pillow at me.

"Screw you. I know you won't replace me. I'm irresistible and irreplacable."

I smiled.

"Yeah, kinda."

1000%! I could never resist him.

He was so hot and had such a great character. He liked to joke around, but would always be serious, when he knew, that there were no jokes allowed, around sensitive topics.

Eric had the clearest blue eyes I've ever seen and the weirdest laugh ever. He was simply perfect.

Eric was ready for bed by now.

"Where's Kyle?", I wondered.

Apperently Eric was able to read thoughts, as he said: "Hmm, I think Kyle isn't coming back today. He went to his family like one hour ago. He's with his family as every Saturday evening... I bet he stays over. I'll text him."

I nodded.

"Do that."

I snuggled into my comfortable duvet.

A couple minutes later Eric mentioned: "Ah, yes. He is staying with his fam. So I guess we'll sleep now, if it's okay for you."

"Yes, yes.", I mumbled.

He turned off the lights. "Dele?", he whispered. "Are you still awake?"

I answered by making some noise.

"Listen, Dele. What I've said about your girlfriend... Don't be mad, please, but I need to know, if you want to know how I really think about your girlfriend, or do you want to know the not-so-honest solution?"

"Oh", I said. "I guess I don't have a choice, do I?"

"I'm really sorry, and you probably don't care, but I don't feel like she's the right person, you know? I...I don't know. I have a strange feeling, that tells me, that she's no good for you, bro."

"Eric. You don't understand..."

"No. I do, I'm sorry. I just wanted to tell you, that I don't feel very good about you two. I don't mean to rip you apart and you will certainly stay together, but... I just wanted to warn you."

I reflected his words.

"Thanks for your advice, but I don't think she's bad for me. We'll see."

Five minutes later.

We hadn't spoken since.

I had been thinking about his advice.

He obviously didn't like Ruby.

But why?

I, personally, didn't love her, but she was funny sometimes and not worth to be hated...

Was he jealous?

Or angry?

Why didn't he like her?

I was confused.

She didn't offend him, he only knew her like two minutes, but still: he disliked her. I wondered if Eric had spiritual powers, and could feel her aura or something like that...

"Dele?", he asked again.

"Are you awake?" I sighed.

"Yes. How could anyone sleep like that?", I asked while sounding annoyed. I didn't mean to, no, I actu-ally loved talking to him in the dark.

"I'm sorry if I offended you. Do you hate me now, because I don't like her?"

"Bros before hoes." I chuckled.

"Never ever could I hate you." I heard Eric sigh.

"Me neither, Delboy. I could never hate you."

I guess he had fallen asleep afterwards. I tried, too, but I was too upset, my thoughts were scrambled, I had to collect them, and organize them.

So, Eric was upset about Ruby.

But why?

I didn't know why.

What would be a good reason for his reactions?

Envy?

Maybe he was envious because I had a girlfriend and he didn't.

But Eric wasn't the kind of guy who wouldn't be happy for me, if I had something he didn't have.