A Nascent Kaleidoscope

Ningguang POV

It was one of the funniest things someone has said to me in a long time. A stranger just comes in here, uninvited, and declares themselves my friend.

And he was being completely serious.

I took out my pipe, taking a deep breath from it before letting out the smoke. "You know, a great many people would pay almost anything for me to call them my friend. What makes you think I would hand you that title?"

I couldn't help but keep playing along.

"Sorry, it's already decided. We're friends now." He answered shamelessly.

"Is that so?" I laughed. "And what do I get from your supposed friendship?"

"Friendship hugs?" He offered.

I raised an eyebrow. "I thought I asked for benefits."