Cinematic as it seems, the friends-to-lovers arc is not entirely unheard of.
Olivia Zbihley, 25, told Newsweek about the risk she took in making a move on her best friend who is now her husband. Her TikTok video capturing a snippet of their journey went viral since it was posted in April, racking up more than 1.8 million views and over 147,000 likes.
"When you were supposed to be best friends, but you kissed him while out at a nightclub and now you're married and giggling about new apartment decor," she captioned the clip. "It always works out in the movies, so I figured I'd shoot my shot."
Zbihley told Newsweek that she and her husband Drew's relationship dates back to 2016, when the pair were in the same chemistry class at Northwestern University.
"We were freshmen at the time and became quick friends, study buddies and lab partners," she said. "I remember going home for Christmas that year and gushing to my mom about the new friends I'd made at school. She immediately pointed out Drew in my photos, asking teasingly if he had a crush on me."
Zbihley said no, and continued to for years, even as the two grew closer throughout college.
"We... were always very platonic," she said. "Throughout that whole time, though, I absolutely adored Drew for who he was: respectful, brilliant, funny, compassionate and driven. It wasn't until senior year that those feelings grew into 'something more.'"
It all came to a head one night out in Chicago, when Zbihley and Drew had gone to a nightclub with some friends. She made the first move—something she said Drew was grateful for—as he had resisted making a move to preserve their friendship. However, once the deed was done, it was done: "The rest is history," Zbihley said.
Marriage Deepened What's Already There
The couple will be celebrating their two-year wedding anniversary in July, and Zbihley said the whole journey has been incredible.
While marriage might be a major shift for some, it was a natural continuation for Zbihley and Drew, who enjoyed advancing their relationship "without the pressure or hesitancy that can come with dating." What they shared as best friends has only multiplied.
"All of the characteristics that I admired in college have only grown since," Zbihley said. "No conversation topic is too uncomfortable, gross or awkward for us. I think our many years of friendship really strengthened our love for and understanding of one another."
From college chemistry, to breakups, to family losses, Zbihley said the pair has been through it all together. And the couple can add two more experiences to their list, now: TikTok virality and apartment decoration.
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