Episode 4 – The First Confession
1319 Words
The next day, Mia woke up feeling a strange mix of excitement and dread.
Ethan’s text from last night repeated in her head:
“Good. Same time tomorrow?”
She stared at her phone, cheeks hot, heart thumping.
Carla, of course, was waiting on video call.
“Did you see that?” Carla squealed. “He wants to meet again! He likes you, Mia!”
“I… I don’t know!” Mia stammered.
“You don’t know? He literally said it!”
Mia groaned, covering her face. “It doesn’t mean anything!”
Carla rolled her eyes. “Sure, keep telling yourself that while your heart is dancing.”
Mia grabbed her backpack and bolted to school, tripping over the steps again. Of course.
By the time she arrived, Ethan was leaning against the lockers, hands in pockets, grinning like he knew something she didn’t.
“Morning,” he said softly.
“Morning,” Mia whispered, hiding behind her hair.
Daniel appeared, perfect as ever, wearing his usual confident grin. “Morning, Mia.”
Mia’s stomach twisted. Why did two boys in one hallway feel like a battlefield?
---
The Cafeteria Incident
During lunch, Mia sat with Carla, trying to eat in peace. But no such luck.
A stray football rolled across the cafeteria floor. Mia jumped, spilling her drink all over her tray.
Ethan, of course, was there immediately, grabbing her arm. “Careful!”
Mia’s face flamed. “I’m fine!”
Daniel, who had been watching, frowned. “Do you need help?”
“No! I… got it!” Mia yelled, though her hands were shaking.
Ethan handed her napkins. “Better?”
Mia muttered, “Barely.”
Carla whispered, “Your life is officially chaos. Enjoy.”
Mia groaned.
---
Chemistry Disaster
After lunch, Chemistry class was… chaotic.
Today’s experiment involved measuring liquids and mixing chemicals.
Mia tried to be careful. She really did. But her hands shook like jelly.
As she poured the solution into the beaker, it slipped. The liquid splashed, making a small eruption.
“Oops,” Mia whispered.
Ethan, across the room, noticed immediately. He rushed over. “Step back!”
Mia accidentally bumped him with her elbow. He chuckled. “You’re impossible.”
Carla, her partner, whispered: “You’re literally a walking disaster.”
The teacher sighed. “Mia Santos, try to be careful for once.”
“I… I’m trying!” Mia shouted.
Ethan smiled softly. “You’re fine. Don’t worry.”
Mia’s heart skipped.
---
The Walk Home
After school, Ethan offered to walk Mia home.
The sun was low in the sky, warm, casting long shadows across the streets.
Mia tried to act casual. Failed.
“You’re quiet,” Ethan said softly.
“I… I’m just tired,” she replied.
“From school chaos?” he asked.
Mia rolled her eyes. “Yes. From surviving you, too.”
Ethan laughed softly. “Good. That makes me happy.”
Mia blinked. “You… happy?”
“Yes,” he said. “Because you survived the day.”
Mia’s face turned red.
---
The Confession
As they reached her house, Ethan stopped. “Mia, can I… say something?”
Mia froze. “Uh… sure?”
He took a deep breath. “I… I like you.”
Mia’s eyes widened. Her heart felt like it was jumping out of her chest.
“You… you like me?” she whispered.
“Yes,” he said softly, looking down. “I know it’s sudden… but… I’ve liked you for a while.”
Mia’s cheeks burned. “Ethan… I…”
Before she could finish, Daniel appeared across the street.
“Hey, Mia,” he said, waving.
Mia’s brain short-circuited. Two boys. One confession. Chaos.
Ethan noticed her nervous glance at Daniel. He sighed. “Ignore him. I’m serious.”
Mia nodded slowly. Her heart beating faster than ever.
---
The Next Day – School Awkwardness
The following morning, Mia felt nervous walking into school.
Ethan winked at her from across the hall.
Daniel gave her a small smile, clearly trying to compete.
Every step she took felt like walking on a tightrope.
Her first class was Math. She tripped over her own feet entering the classroom.
Ethan caught her hand. “Careful,” he whispered.
Daniel noticed, frowning slightly.
Mia’s brain screamed: Why is life like this?
---
English Class – A Story of Embarrassment
In English, the assignment was to write about an embarrassing moment.
Mia immediately thought of the cafeteria, the tripping, the spilled drink, the chemistry explosion… basically her life in three hours.
She scribbled frantically.
Ethan noticed and whispered: “Write about it. Turn it into a story.”
Mia nodded, cheeks burning.
Daniel peeked over her shoulder. “That’s… creative.”
Mia glared. “Don’t judge.”
Ethan chuckled quietly. “It’s perfect. Exactly your style.”
Mia felt her heart flutter.
---
The Science Fair Announcement
During the last period, the principal announced the upcoming Science Fair.
Everyone groaned.
Mia perked up. “Science? We just… exploded everything yesterday!”
Ethan laughed. “Maybe we’ll be more careful this time.”
Daniel frowned. “I’ll win that fair. Obviously.”
Mia rolled her eyes. “Of course, Mr. Perfect.”
Ethan winked at her. “Don’t worry. I’ll protect you from disasters.”
Mia’s cheeks burned.
---
Walking Home Again
After school, Mia and Ethan walked together again.
“I can’t believe Daniel is so… competitive,” Mia muttered.
“He’s trying,” Ethan said calmly. “But you don’t have to choose yet.”
Mia blushed. “I… I don’t know what to do.”
“Just be yourself,” Ethan said softly. “I like who you are.”
Mia’s heart raced. She wanted to say something back… but Daniel appeared again, trying to wave at her.
Ethan sighed. “Ignore him. Focus on me.”
Mia laughed nervously. “You’re bossy.”
“And you like it,” he teased.
Mia groaned. “Shut up!”
---
That Night – Texts
Later that night, Mia’s phone buzzed.
It was Ethan:
“Today was fun. Same tomorrow?”
Mia smiled. “Sure. But you better be careful. I’m a disaster waiting to happen.”
“I like disasters,” he replied instantly.
Mia’s heart skipped.
She knew life with Ethan would be chaotic. Funny. Sweet. Confusing.
And maybe… that was exactly what she wanted. 💕
- Writer
