well . . . everyone guessed my announcement was april fools. i would never  abandon my stories. i've seen other books that have been discontinued, and i was so sad after that. i don't want anyone else to experience that! (also, it's just not like me to just stop writing in the middle of a story.) anyways, i hope yall enjoy this next chapter!

I fidgeted with the hem of my tunic. "When do you think they'll show up?"

"I honestly don't know, Sophie. I told them to be here by noon," Keefe replied.

You may be wondering why we asked our friends to come at a designated time. Truth is, Keefe and I felt like . . . we needed to prepare. Yeah, that's it. Otherwise, it probably won't end well. We asked everyone (except the cracker) to come. I just hope they show up.

A few yards away, Biana, Linh, Marella, and Maruca showed up. My guess was they probably were hanging out, maybe helping Biana get past . . . last night. My stomach soured. I should've talked to her after. Instead, I was with Keefe. Ugh, friendship can be a bit  annoying sometimes. Especially if you have a million friends. You have to—

"Hey, Sophie. Hey, Keefe. Why'd you call us?" Biana asked, interrupted my mental turmoil.

"Just wait," Keefe said. "The other three should be here soon. Linh, I thought you'd be coming with your brother?"

"Nah, I left him at home," Linh said.

Soon, Wylie, Dex, and Tam showed up. "Why'd you call everyone here?" Tam asked.

Keefe looked over to me. "Sophie, you wanna explain?"

I shrugged, then transmitted, Permission to enter?  Keefe nodded. I entered his thoughts, which were chaotic as usual.

Keefe smirked. You know, you don't have to do that every time.

But it's still a good practice,  I said.

He rolled his eyes. Fine, fine. Have it your way.

How do we tell them?  I asked. Do we just, like, go for it, or should we actually plan it?

How 'bout on three, we both blurt it out?  he suggested.

Sure, why not?  I responded.

He mentally counted down. Three, two . . . I took a deep breath, readying myself. As soon as he said one, I exhaled and told my friends, "Keefe and I . . . we're dating."

Then I realized I hadn't heard Keefe's voice. I turned to him, glaring. "I thought you were going to say it as well!"

He sheepishly smiled. "Well, at least it worked."

"But you were still supposed to say it! You said you would! You—AHHH!" Keefe had lifted me up and was balancing me with one hand. "KEEFE! You know I'm clumsy and have no sense of coordination whatsoever! PUT ME DOWN!" At this point, I was wobbling so badly, it was a miracle I was still standing.

"PUT ME DOWN!" I shrieked again as Keefe moved his arms, shaking me around in the process. In my mind, I thought, He's strong, but now is not the time. "KEEFE! I WILL GET YOU FOR THIS LATER! I'LL—I'LL—" I paused to think. "I'LL MAKE GRADY LOCK YOU UP!" Keefe dropped me after hearing this. I may or may not have screamed as I tumbled down, straight into Keefe's waiting arms.

I glared at Keefe again. "Keefe Sencen! Why did you do that?!"

He had the nerve to grin. "It was fun watching you yell at me . . ."

I huffed. "Whatever."

Everyone watched this with no comment. Then, one by one, they began to laugh. Even Tam.

"What's so funny?" I demanded.

"Well," Marella said in between laughter, "it was . . . pretty obvious . . . you two . . . liked each other . . . although Sophie . . . you didn't realize it . . . at first. I . . . can't believe . . . you two . . . actually confessed . . ." Everyone continued to laugh even harder. I found myself grinning too. And before I knew it, I had joined in.

ok. first off: sorry that was so short! it was kinda a filler. what do yall think i should do for the next chapter? i'm running outta ideas. i was thinking . . . maybe fitzy's reaction to the two around each other? how does that sound?

anyways, plz don't forget to eat, drink, sleep, breathe, live, vote, comment, and follow!

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