It's been a week since the trip, as quickly as it came, it ended and was a definitive moment for my feelings for Finn.

I haven't spoken to him since then, he's sent some texts and I responded but only with the occasional ,"Yes", "No" and "Sure".  I think he got the message stopped texting.

No matter what I felt for him, I don't think I can manage what happens next if I wedge a wall between Rachel and him.

I tear my thoughts from Finn and focus on trying to finish up my coursework, plus exams are coming up soon and that is my priority – for now at least. 

"Lily, any plans for the afternoon?" Jen asks sitting on her bed, gently placing her book down, her hair in a high ponytail.

"Not really, if it's not school related, I'm not interested" I let out a laugh to mask my anxiety but ultimately, it comes out as a sigh.

"Stressed?"  She asks coming to join me on my bed.

"What gave it away," I say turning to her, my eyes pleading to be saved from this agony which is university.

"Well," she waves her hand gesturing to my side of the room filled with half eaten crisps, chocolate wrappers and soda cans.

" I can't help it, I stress eat."  I pout.

It's a very bad habit, well aware,  but it's better than some other coping mechanisms ... she should be grateful.

"You need some fresh air, and I need to clean this room" she says picking up the chocolate wrappers and tossing them into the bin beside her bed.

"Ugh-" I sigh falling on my bed, "Leave me alone, I need to read, will you take responsibility if I flunk out?" my head turning to her.

"Of course not. But I'll make sure you don't get to that point," she replies, and continues tidying up. I get up from my bed to join her and start picking up the empty soda cans.

Just then, the familiar ringtone of my phone interrupts the quiet. I scramble to grab it from the nightstand, my eyes scanning the screen. It's Nate calling. I quickly answer and put him on loudspeaker then continue tidying up.

"Hey, Nate," I say, trying to sound casual.

"Hey there. Am I interrupting something?" he asks.

I glance at Jen, who mouths 'leave.' I smile and reply, "I was working, but Jen has forced me to go on a break."

Nate laughs. "Good timing then. I'm downstairs," he says, "Oh, and I got you a caramel latte."

My eyes light up at the mention of the latte. "You're the best! Be right down," I say, already excited to take a break with my favourite drink.

I quickly throw on a hoodie and head downstairs, leaving Jen shaking her head but with a playful smile on her face. "Always for that caramel latte," she mutters teasingly as I rush out of the room.

As I descend the stairs outside my building, the aroma of coffee fills the air, guiding me towards Nate. I spot him leaning against the nearby railing, a warm smile spreading across his face as he sees me approaching.

"Hey, there she is," Nate greets me, holding out the caramel latte. "Your favourite."

I take the cup gratefully, savoring the comforting scent. "You know me too well," I say, taking a sip. "Thanks, Nate."

Nate glances around at the pleasant weather. "The weather's nice today. Would you like to go for a walk?" he asks, a hint of excitement in his voice.

I consider his offer, enjoying the idea of taking a break and spending some time outdoors. "That sounds great, actually," I reply with a smile.

******

Nate and I make our way towards the tranquil lake at the heart of the campus. The water glistens in the sunlight, its surface rippling gently as a soft breeze rustles the leaves of the surrounding trees. We approach a majestic oak tree, its sprawling branches providing a canopy of shade beneath which a few benches rest.

We find a spot on one of the benches, feeling the coolness of the wooden slats beneath us.

Suddenly, Nate's demeanour shifts, his playful expression giving way to a more serious tone. He takes a deep breath, his gaze fixed on the rippling waters of the lake.

"Listen, there's something I've been wanting to tell you," Nate begins, his voice soft but determined. I turn to face him, my heart racing with anticipation and a hint of nervousness.

"I... I've been meaning to say this for a while now," he continues, his words tinged with vulnerability. "I... I think I have feelings for you."

I meet Nate's gaze, my own emotions swirling like the breeze around us. His vulnerability touches something deep within me sending me into a frenzy, and for a moment, I'm at a loss for words.

Nate's someone who's always there with support and kindness. His openness with his feelings has made our connection feel secure and easy, like I can be myself without hesitation. Being around him brings me comfort and joy, and I've realized how much he truly understands me, even in ways I hadn't fully acknowledged before.

On the other hand, Finn is a mystery I can't help but be drawn to. His closed-off nature creates a sense of intrigue, but it also leaves me unsure of where I stand with him. I find myself contemplating the possibility of something more with Finn. Despite this uncertainty, there's a pull towards him that I can't ignore, even though it contrasts with the stability I feel with Nate.

I sigh, bringing myself back to the conversation. "Nate – ," I finally start my voice soft but steady.

"I didn't mean to spring this on you," he says, his eyes reflecting a mix of hope and anxiety.

"No, it's... it's okay," I assure him, my hand finding his in a gesture of reassurance. "It's just... it's a lot to process."

Nate nods understandingly, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Of course, take all the time you need. I just wanted you to know how I feel."

As the sun starts to dip lower in the sky, casting a warm orange hue over the lake, we sit together for a bit in silence, and I decide to head back to my room.

We both get up and before we part ways, Nate steps closer and wraps me in a warm hug.

I'm taken aback at first but lift my arms, and hug him as well. The scent of his cologne—a blend of cedarwood and citrus—surrounds me, familiar and comforting. It's a scent I've come to associate with moments of laughter, a scent that feels like home.

He leans in closer, his voice gentle. "I know you might have some feelings for Finn," he says, acknowledging the unspoken.

"Just take your time to think about it. But before you come to any conclusion, I would really like to take you out on a proper date."

We pull apart from the hug, his words linger in the air, a mix of sincerity and hope. I nod slowly, a small smile forming on my lips.

"I'll think about it," I reply, feeling a sense of warmth in my heart at his understanding and patience.

***********

"Wait, seriously he said what?!" Kam's voice echoes from across the screen as we chat over FaceTime, and Jen's eyes widen with shock, mirroring my own.

"Yeah, he confessed, and I just stood there like an idiot" I collapse on my bed, my thoughts still swirling with the weight of Nate's words. The comforter engulfs me as if to shield me from the sudden rush of emotions.

Kam leans in closer to the camera, her expression a mix of curiosity. "So, what are you thinking? Will you go out with him, on a date at least?"

"Maybe, I don't know," I mutter, conflicted. "I never really thought about it seriously until now."

Kam's voice comes through the screen. "Remember, you've always said there's something special about your connection with Nate. Maybe it's worth exploring."

Jen nods in agreement, her expression serious. "And let's not forget about Finn. He's still figuring things out, plus the drama with Rachel... it's a lot to deal with right now."

I sit up and sigh, running a hand through my hair. "I know, it's just... everything feels so complicated."

"Seriously, Lily, just give Nate a chance,"  Kam insists, her eyes full of determination.

Jen chimes in, her tone gentle but firm. "Yeah, he's been there for you in ways that count. Plus, a date doesn't commit you to anything serious right away."

Their words sink in, and I can't help but smile at their persistence. "Alright, alright, I'll consider it."

Just as the conversation starts to lighten, Shawn suddenly appears beside Kam in the FaceTime window, catching Jen and I off guard.

"Hey, what's up?" Shawn greets us cheerfully, I'm not sure if he heard all that, and I really hope he doesn't say a word to Finn.

I think Kam catches on to my sudden change and her expression turns deadly serious as she shoots Shawn a warning look. "Shawn, not a word of this conversation to Finn. Got it?"

Shawn's eyes widen in surprise at Kam's serious tone, but he quickly nods in agreement. "Yeah, of course. Lips sealed."

With that assurance, the tension eases slightly, but I still can't shake off the worry completely.

Once the conversation lightens, Kam mentions that she has to go. "Let me know what happens, Lily," she says before ending the call.

Jen, who's been quiet for a bit, stretches and grabs her backpack.

"I'm off to return these books at the library," she announces, flashing me a reassuring smile.

As Jen leaves our room, I'm left alone with my thoughts. I take a deep breath, trying to focus on my studies despite the whirlwind of emotions from the conversation with Nate and my friends. With a determined mindset, I open my laptop again and dive back into my coursework, determined to make progress before the day ends.

********

Author's Note

Hi Guys,

Hope you are enjoying thus far!!!

Don't forget to Vote, Comment and Follow.

Lots of Love,

RennyTee