My heart raced in an erratic phase, and I was not in any way ready to hear Kenzo's voice. I would break, or worse, I would melt. "I feel sick; I'm sorry. Not a perfect time!" I mumbled to Alex and rushed outside, running desperately as far as my legs could carry me. I needed to escape the overwhelming emotions that threatened to consume me. The cool morning air embraced my face, providing temporary relief from the suffocating anxiety that Kenzo's presence had triggered. I continued running, hoping that with each step, I could distance myself from the intensity of my feelings. "STELLA!" "Go away, Alex!" I shouted, my voice strained with frustration. I didn't want anyone to witness the vulnerability that had engulfed me. I needed to find solace in solitude, even if just for a moment, to

