Later that afternoon; Poppy's P.O.V

I was about to head to the river, til Creek caught up with me.

Creek: Hi, Poppy!

Poppy: Oh, hi Creek.

Creek: I was about to head to DJ's house to listen to her new beats, wanna join?

Poppy: Sorry, I have something else to do. Maybe next time.

Creek: And, where are you going? Let me guess, to see that grey troll?

Poppy: *sighs* What do you have against Branch, Creek?

Creek: What do I have against him?! Thinks about all the stuff that he's done to you!

Poppy: Yeah, but I push it aside, like I always do. I know there's happiness in him, he just needs help finding it. I'm sure there's a reason why he's like this. You don't know because you just don't care.

Creek: It's not that I don't care, I just don't want you the make the wrong decisions. Poppy, I love you.

Poppy: I do, too. But, I only think of you as a brother.

Creek: A brother?! That's all you think of me as?! After all I've done for you?!

Copper: That's enough, Creek! Leave her alone!

DJ: Go get him, Pops.

Poppy: Thanks, guys.

At the river

I was waiting for Branch at the river thinking about how I should tell him. Oh, what am I thinking? I should just be straightforward & tell him. A while later, he finally arrives.

Poppy: Hey.

Branch: You wanted to see me?

Poppy: Yea, I did. *thinks: Come on, Poppy. You can do this*

Branch: By the way, I heard something happened between you and Creek.

Poppy: !!!! How did you know about that?

Branch: Honestly, you're not really quietest of talkers.

I just stood there thinking how right he was about that. Talk about embarrassing.

Poppy: Before you say anything, I don't have feelings for Creek

Branch's P.O.V

I felt like time just stopped when she said she doesn't have feeling for Creek. I just wanted to jump for joy, but I kept it to myself.

Branch: You seriously don't have feelings for him?

Poppy: I never did. I just think of him as a brother. But, that's not the reason why I called you here.

Branch: Then, what was the reason?

She suddenly turned away from me. I don't know what she's up to.

Poppy: I know we've gotten on each other's nerves for the past few years. But, ever since we've met, I've....liked you.

My heart started to race when she said that she liked me. I don't even know what to say right now. I'm just literally stunned, that I can't help but look at her.

Branch: You....like me?

Poppy: No....

I think time just froze. My head was spinning & my heart was racing still. I couldn't believe what I just heard. Oh my god...!