The Boy Next Door 🏡

Episode 10: The First Misunderstanding

The next morning, Lily woke up to a message from Ethan.

Ethan: Good morning, girlfriend. Coffee?

She smiled at the screen.

Lily: Give me ten minutes.

When she stepped outside, Ethan was waiting with two coffees.

"Morning."

"Morning."

He handed her favourite drink to her.

"You remembered."

"I always remember."

She smiled and kissed his cheek.

"Thank you."

Ethan looked genuinely pleased.

They spent the morning together before Lily had to leave for work.

Everything felt perfect.

Until that afternoon.

Lily was sitting at her desk when she received a message from Ethan.

Ethan: Who's James?

She frowned.

Lily: A colleague. Why?

There was no reply.

A few minutes later, Ethan sent another message.

Ethan: He seems very interested in you.

Lily sighed.

She knew immediately what was happening.

When she returned home that evening, Ethan was sitting on the steps outside his flat.

"You've been quiet."

"I'm fine."

"No, you're not."

He looked away.

Lily sat beside him.

"Ethan, James is just my colleague."

"I know."

"Then why are you upset?"

He sighed.

"Because I saw him holding your hand."

Lily stared at him.

"He was helping me cross the road because I nearly fell."

Ethan looked embarrassed.

"Oh."

She smiled.

"Are you seriously jealous over that?"

"Maybe."

Lily laughed.

He gave her a look.

"Don't laugh."

"I'm sorry."

She tried to stop smiling.

"I just think it's cute."

"Cute?"

"Yes."

Ethan shook his head.

"You enjoy seeing me jealous."

"Perhaps."

He smiled despite himself.

Then he reached for her hand.

"I trust you."

"I trust you too."

"Good."

They sat quietly for a moment.

Then Ethan looked at her.

"I don't want silly misunderstandings to come between us."

"They won't."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

He smiled and kissed her forehead.

Lily rested her head against his shoulder.

But neither of them knew that the misunderstanding had revealed something important.

They weren't simply dating anymore.

They were beginning to care deeply.

And sometimes, the more you care...

The more frightening the possibility of losing someone becomes.

To Be Continued...