Tristen Pov
My mother managed to resolve the situation with Essel. Fortunately, it wasn't anything serious—nothing was broken, and the swelling should subside within a few days—but I felt compelled to ensure everything was alright. Perhaps I was overreacting, but the injury appeared more severe than it really was. After persuading my mother to contact the school for an afternoon off for both Essel and me, we exchanged our goodbyes and began our journey home.
I continued to hold Essel's hand tightly, unwilling to release it, as an unshakable sense of connection lingered between us.
At this moment, I find myself in a state of uncertainty, particularly in the aftermath of my breakup with Georgia. However, what I do know is that I long to remain close to Essel.
Thus, when I overheard Essel
