Kiara sat in the back of the classroom, her notebook open in front of her but her thoughts far away from the debate topic. She had been preparing for her turn in the upcoming competition, but today her mind kept drifting to her friends. It wasn't just about volleyball anymore; there were so many tangled feelings that had yet to be addressed.

As the debate team practiced their arguments for the state competition, Kiara listened intently but only half-engaged. Her mind kept circling back to the conversation with Prince and the emotions bubbling under the surface. It felt like something was shifting, but she wasn't sure if it was for better or worse.

At the break, she caught sight of Prince leaning against the doorway, his usual grin absent. He looked more like his old self now—less the joker, more the thoughtful guy she'd always known.

"Hey," Kiara greeted, walking up to him, her voice soft as she closed her notebook.

"Hey." Prince pushed off the doorframe and met her eyes. "Got a minute?"

"Of course," Kiara replied, already knowing what this was about.

"I'm sorry if I've been acting weird," Prince said, rubbing the back of his neck. "Everything's been all over the place lately. I didn't mean to mess things up with the group."

Kiara nodded, her expression serious but understanding. "I know. It's not easy trying to juggle everything, especially when feelings get involved." She hesitated, weighing her words. "But that's not the whole reason, is it?"

Prince's eyes widened for a second, then dropped to the floor. "No, it's not. Honestly, Kiara, I think... I think I'm starting to feel something for you."

The words hung in the air like a challenge, as if they were too heavy to say out loud. Kiara's heart skipped a beat, but she took a deep breath, pushing her nervousness aside.

"I don't know what's going to happen between us, Prince," Kiara said slowly, "but I know one thing—I'm not the same person I was before. I'm stronger now, because of everything we've been through."

Prince smiled, a soft, sincere expression. "I like that about you. You've always been strong, Kiara."

She smiled back, but there was a hesitation in her eyes. "We're both trying to figure things out, right? Just like everyone else in the group. I don't want anything to ruin that."

Prince reached out, gently squeezing her hand. "I get it. And I don't want to rush anything either. But if you're willing, I'd like to try. Together."

Kiara's chest tightened with emotion, but she nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Okay."

As the bell rang, signaling the end of study hall, Kiara and Prince walked side by side, the tension from earlier melting into something new. Whatever came next, they'd face it together.

It wasn't perfect, but maybe that was the point. Sometimes, things had to be broken before they could be mended. And this? This felt like a beginning.