Getting comfortable in my usual secluded corner,  head resting on folded arms as my eyes drooped, the warmth of the afternoon sun lulling me into a light nap. My messy  gray hair cascaded gently over the numerous textbooks, as if seeking a reprieve from the academic world.

A faint buzz interrupted my drowsy state, and I blinked, glancing at her smartwatch. Samuel's name lit up the screen with a message that read, "Elise, can we meet? It's important."

Startled awake by the vibration, I glanced at my watch. A rush of curiosity and concern stirred within me as I typed out a quick reply, "Sure, where?"

The reply came swiftly, guiding me to an empty classroom tucked away in the hallway of the class 5 corridor. Brows furrowing slightly, I gathered my belongings, begrudgingly leaving my forgotten nap behind as I set off to find out what was so urgent.

As I left the library, my departure didn't go unnoticed. Max's keen observation skills caught Trent's eyes locked onto my retreating figure. She nudged Trent, urging him to catch up to me and finally address the tension that had been festering between us.

Max's watchful eyes were on Trent, her empathy for him evident. She turned to Bri, her voice tinged with a mix of worry and determination. "This is the moment, Bri. Trent needs to step up and stop hiding behind his past."

Bri's gaze shifted between Max and Trent, a swirl of emotions in her eyes. She leaned into Max's embrace, finding solace in her touch. "I hope he realizes that."

Trent's hurried footsteps echoed through the hallway as he followed my trail. His heart raced, a mix of anticipation and nervousness making his pulse quicken. He rounded a corner just in time to see me turn into the hallway where Samuel awaited me. His breath caught in his throat, his eyes locking onto the scene before him.

Walking side by side, I and Samuel engaged in our conversation, our hushed voices holding a sense of urgency. Trent leaned against a nearby wall, hidden from our view, struggling to process the rush of emotions that surged within him. He clenched his fists, his heart aching as he witnessed our interaction.

The sight of us together triggered a mixture of emotions he had been suppressing for far too long. A pang of jealousy twisted in his chest, mingling with the fear of rejection and the weight of his unspoken feelings.

With a heavy heart, Trent turned away from the scene, his footsteps carrying him down the hallway. His steps were heavy with a sense of resignation, his heartache growing with each footfall. He needed a moment to gather his thoughts, to come to terms with the overwhelming emotions that had been unleashed.

***

Elise's point of view

I ventured into the room, curiosity and trepidation mingling in my heart. My blue eyes searched Samuel's, but I found none of his usual confidence. Instead, his gaze was filled with anxiety and desperation.

"Elise, I needed to see you," he implored, his voice tinged with raw emotion.

My brow furrowed, and my gaze hardened. "Samuel, what's so urgent that you had to drag me out?"

He took a hesitant step forward, his hands clenching and unclenching by his sides. "Just give me a chance, Elise. We can go back to how we used to be. I'm willing to do better. Remember that I promised to change, and I have."

My eyes bored into his, a mixture of frustration and disbelief in my expression. "You can't be serious, Samuel. I thought you said we could be just friends."

Desperation laced his words, his voice cracking. "I know, but you're important to me. I want you."

An intense silence hung between us, the weight of our shared history casting shadows over the present. And then, with a sudden burst of boldness, Samuel leaned in, trying to prove our connection by capturing my lips in a kiss.

Startled, I pulled away, my eyes wide with disbelief. "Samuel, what in the world are you doing?" My voice quivered, my guard shattered by his unexpected gesture.

Samuel's words stumbled over each other in his haste to apologize. "I thought if I could just... show you... that we work. Did you feel the tingles I felt?"

My tone turned sharper, my hurt spilling into my words. "You can't kiss me without my consent!"

His hand reached out, his touch uncertain. "Elise, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to— I just want you to see..."

"Stop!" My voice cracked, my anger rising to the surface. "You can't keep doing this, Samuel."

Samuel's gaze narrowed, his jaw clenching.

"Don't play games with me, Elise. I know you want me too."

"You're wrong, Samuel," I said firmly, my voice laced with venom.

He scoffed, his eyes darting to the side.

"Sure you are. And I know why you're pushing me away. It's because of Trent, isn't it?"

My heart skipped a beat, my eyes widening in surprise. "What are you talking about?" I asked, my voice trembling.

Samuel's lips curled into a cruel sneer. The shock on my face fueled the anger rising in him. Jealousy painted his face as he exploded,

"Ever since the accident, he has been trying to get between us. Who cares if he took care of you while you were unconscious! I'm the one in your heart. Me!"

I shook my head, a bittersweet smile touching my lips. "It's so sad because I wanted to let bygones be freaking bygones."

I felt my cheeks flush with anger. I ran my fingers through my hair. His eyes shone with slight angst and confusion. "I know about Kun, Samuel".

His eyes widened at my words. The pieces of the puzzles started coming together in his head.

My heart pounded in my chest as the realization hit me.

"It was a one time thing" He lied through his teeth, which only infuriated me more. He definitely thinks I am stupid to believe that.

I turned to leave, the heaviness of my emotions threatening to consume me. The front I was putting up was starting to crack away, "Jesus Christ, I can't stand this"

Before I could escape, Samuel's fingers closed around my arm, halting me. "Wait, Elise, you can't just leave me."

I leaned in close, his eyes burning into mine. In a low and icy voice, I stated, "Watch me."

I pulled my wrist out of his grasp, remorse mingling with desperation on his face.

As I walked away, the weight of unspoken feelings and shattered hopes lifted from my shoulders. I had finally confronted the source of my pain, even though they refused to acknowledge it. I was no longer trapped in the cycle of pain that had consumed us both. With heavy feet, I made my way to my only place of solace, knowing that I was finally on the path to healing.

**********************************

Meanwhile, Trent found himself at the poolside, staring at the placid water. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, replaying the heart-wrenching scene between me and Samuel. His chest tightened with a mix of sorrow and helplessness, realizing the depth of the emotions we were grappling with. His eyes stared at the black ink drawn meticulously on his arm, partly hidden under his white sleeves.

Footsteps broke through his reverie, and he looked up to see her tear-streaked face as she entered the pool area. The sight of my distress pierced him, but Elise was so lost in her own turmoil that she didn't even register his presence.

As her feet moved towards him, Trent's gaze lingered on her, torn between his desire to comfort her and the weight of his own unresolved feelings. The sound of his footsteps draws her back to reality.

She wipe away her tears, holding a bold front. Elise finds herself reminiscing on the words Samuel has spoken in the heat of anger. The man before her had taken care of her while she was between life and death. "I-I... I'm sorry. I thought this place was empty. I'll leave--"

Trent stopped her. The object of his thoughts stood before him. Words he had rehearsed countless times to say to her all vanished at the sight of her wet eyes and blue lips. "Wait."

Silence ensues, only the sound of water is heard. Crystal blue eyes fill with tears as she gazed at him. Then, out of the blues, she asked, "Can you just hold me?"

He pulls her into his embrace, unable to deny her of her request. "Come here."

She cried out her heart in his arms.

Cried for hope.

Cried for her years of love.

Cried for the lies she believed.

"It hurts," she finally managed to say in between sniffles, shivering.

"I know," Trent replies, his voice filled with empathy.

Slowly, he released waves of warmth into her. "I'm sorry" this is all my fault.

His apology wasn't just for now but for all the words he had said to her. He had made her cry so many times, and he had caused her so much pain. He deeply regretted every single moment. He couldn't bear the thought of losing her, not after everything he had done.

At that moment, he knew it in his heart of hearts: he was utterly and hopelessly in love with her. She was the snowflake that had fallen into his arms without a sound and filled his heart to the brim. She was the only one who was compatible with him, the only one who could make him whole.

Fear stired in his mind. His love for her was like a raging fire, burning through every fiber of his being. It was a love that was both passionate and tender, a love that was all-consuming and dangerous.

Like and comment
*************************

Hello Chingus,

This chapter was packed and longgggg.  I wanted to put this out there at this point in the book because I am tired of dragging the conflict between Trent and Elise for too long.

The coming chapters will have POVs but won't be a lot because it is coming to an end😭😭😭

The entire book should be edited before the new year, so I need your comments on possible changes.

Leave your comments on any part of the book and I'll definitely leave a reply. I love reading and answering comments.

Stay healthy and hydrated.

Annyeong

"Destiny- My love from another star ost."