I am so sorry I know its been weeks since my last update. I will give no excuse for my lack of updates and I will make it up to you all fellow readers!
Here's chapter 5! Hope you enjoy!

" I love you"

There he said it. The thing that made him avoid Poppy and lie there depressingly. It's a surprise he still has his colors. He waited for Poppy to respond or give a reaction.

She just stood there shocked by Branch's words. She simply wasn't expecting this. Branch loved her? She had a little crush on him before the whole adventure. However, those feelings were gone now, because of Forest. "What will I say to him?"

"Branch...why didn't you tell me sooner? Why now? I..I" Poppy was lost of words.

Branch immediately knew that she didn't felt the same way. "Poppy I'm jealous ok? It's hard to hide these feelings and I didn't tell you this before 'cause I was scared. Scared that you wouldn't feel the same way but I should've known that you didn't love me from the beginning."

"Poppy I've been loving you since the night of your first party. That's why I kept all these cards here," he said as he opened the red curtains behind him. Her eyes widened and her nouthed opened in shock, "You kept them all? But I thought you ripped or destroyed them?"

" I fixed them. Whenever I see them, I feel happy, remembered or even loved. Your smiles always makes me smile. You make me happy Poppy. I know you don't feel the same way but that's alright as long still smiling because of Forest."

Poppy stared at him, smiling. "Thank you, Branch" she gave him a hug as a symbol of gratitude. "A-are you still up for my sleepover?"

Branch's eyes turned away from hers. "I'm sorry Poppy but I'm not ready for it. It'll be hard for me. I do hope you understand" he turned to Poppy at the last sentence.

Poppy just nodded and hugged him. Branch, surprised at the sudden action, turned crimson but reciprocated.

"I still don't know what to say Branch, I...I-thank you. Thank you for accepting Forest and I."
She said never breaking the hug.

"Your welcome Poppy"

Once Poppy left the pod, Branch's eyes was filled with heartbreak and anger. Heartbreak for Poppy didn't feel the same way. Anger, he was angry at himself because he knows it was his fault she went into somebody's arms.

Wet, ebony tears ran across his cheeks.