Appetence (noun): eager desire; a natural bond

“No, I’m not joking.” Her voice was polite but unfriendly.

“But why him out of all people?!”

“Because I want to, that’s all. ” She was getting increasingly irritated with the other girl.

“Then what about that guy from last week? Didn’t you guys hang out in the library for a few hours?”

Rubbing her temples, she groaned in frustration. “For a project.”

“Then-”

She shot up from her seat. “Before you even ask, the answer is no. The guy from the week before last week was just coordinating a marketing schedule with me. We are strictly business partners working together.”

Her friend’s expression was a mixture of disappointment, and most infuriatingly, pity.

“I don’t want to date. I have clear goals for my business, my future, and I’m ambitious to accomplish something big for myself right now. Stop thinking every boy I talk to is my romantic interest.”

Slightly intimidated, her friend shrank back several inches and peeked at her. “But that guy from today-”

“He. Is. Just. A. Friend.” A long sigh escaped her throat. “And that’s all I want for now… really.”