CHAPTER TEN: SAYING IT OUT LOUD
235 Words
Aisha’s question lingered in the air long after Ethan spoke.
“I don’t think we’re just friends anymore.”
Her heart pounded as she searched his face, hoping to find uncertainty—but there was none. He meant it.
“This is exactly what I was afraid of,” she said quietly, standing up.
“Afraid of what?” Ethan asked, confused.
“Complicating everything,” she replied. “What if this ruins what we already have?”
Ethan stepped closer, his voice calm. “And what if it makes it better?”
She shook her head slightly. “You don’t know that.”
“Neither do you,” he countered. “But pretending doesn’t change how we feel.”
Aisha fell silent. For once, she had no argument.
Ethan softened his tone. “Look… I’m not saying we have to rush anything. I just don’t want to lie to myself anymore.”
She looked at him again, really looked this time—and saw honesty, not pressure.
“What are you saying?” she asked.
Ethan took a breath. “I like you, Aisha. More than a friend.”
The words settled between them.
Aisha’s guard didn’t completely fall, but it cracked.
And slowly, she nodded.
“I think… I feel the same.”
For the first time, everything was out in the open.
And nothing between them would ever be the same again.
- Writer
