"What is it you're trying to say?"

"What I'm trying to say is, that I… have feelings for you Zoey. We've been through so much together, and nothing makes me feel the way I feel when I'm with you. I wish to spend every day with you. I love you."

Silence laid over them as Dylan finished his confession.

"AAAHHHHH! I can't submit something like this!!!"

Chris jumped out of his chair and into his bed face first in a swift movement. He laid there in complete silence for a minute, thinking. How can I ever submit this text? I thought it would be the perfect timing to show Lilly the text, but no matter what I write, I can't help but cringe at my awkward dialogues. How will she even react? Is it too obvious what I'm writing about? If I submit this text, I've forced myself to confess… Why does it have to be this hard? I guess I could ask Mia for some help. She already has some experience with writing texts for competitions.

He forced himself over and onto his back and pulled up his phone.

"So, what was it you wanted to talk about?"

In the middle of town, Mia and Chris sat at a petite café. They had met up at Chris' request. As for now, they had just started taking small sips of their coffee, just shy of ten minutes after they arrived.

"I've really been struggling with completing my text for the competition, and I was wondering if you could help me out."

"Oh, I'd love to! But remember, you've still got a week to complete it."

"Yeah, I know, but I really want this text to turn out well. I've been working on it for a while already, I just need to finish it and fix minor mistakes."

"Well, I guess I didn't make a rule about using older texts… Oh well. What are you writing then?"

"It's… a love story, about two childhood friends."

"Wow, didn't really take you for the hopeless romantic type. Pretty exciting nevertheless."

"I'm at the part of the confession, but whatever I write, I feel like it just ends up being too cliché or cringey. What methods are you using when writing dialogue?"

"Well, it kinda depends on the dialogue and my mood. Sometimes, I let my hands and imagination do the work and I easily write what comes naturally to me. But other times, I can really struggle. Then I try to make a chart which starts at the start of the conversation and ends at the end goal. Between those points, I fill in what needs to happen or needs to be said. After I have written down everything, I organize it after which thing should happen after the other. Then I just fill in the gaps."

"But how do you avoid writing something you yourself think I poor or cringey?"

"You can't. That is your inner demon trying to tell you that what you have made isn't good enough. No matter how hard you try to work towards pleasing this voice, you will never be able to silence it. That's the curse of a writer."

"So, you're saying it's inevitable?"

"Yes, and that's why you should ignore that voice, or else you'll chase something that's unrealistic. Trust in your skills as a writer, and you'll be able to achieve what you're aiming for."

The bell rang just as any other day at the end of school.

"Sorry, but I have work in an hour, so I won't be meeting up at the clubroom today. Could you also tell the others?"

Lilly looked apologetically at Chris as she picked up her bag.

"Oh, no worry! I'll tell the others."

"Thanks! See you tomorrow."

"See ya…"

Well, I guess it's just gonna be me, Amelia and Mia today…

Chris opened the door to the clubroom, but to his surprise, he was the only one there. Usually, the other members would have been there by now. Nevertheless, he entered the room and sat down in one of the seats. Well, if no one's here, I might as well work on my text.

After about half an hour alone, he suddenly heard the door slide open. Amelia entered the room quietly, as to not interrupt Chris, but he had already moved his attention to the girl.

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"H-hello…"

She sat down opposite to Chris and put down her bag.

"Sorry I'm late. Mia… wasn't feeling well, so I walked her home."

"Oh, it's okay. I hope it wasn't anything serious?"

"No, I think it was just a fever… What about Lilly? She's usually…with you."

"She had work so she said she couldn't make it."

The room went awkwardly silent. It was the first time they had been alone together, and it really showed. Think of something to say! Come on!!

"A-Are you working on your text?"

The timid voice snapped him out of his thoughts as it caught him off guard. He looked in its direction, only to see Amelia steering intently at him.

"Ehhh…y-yeah. I've been trying my hardest to finish it before the deadline, but I just can't write an ending I'm happy with."

"What's the problem?"

"No matter what I try, the final dialogue ends up feeling kinda cliché."

"hmmm…"

Amelia put her hands into her bag and dragged out some sheets of paper from a clear file. She put them on the table in front of her and moved her attention back to Chris.

"In my story, I tried to envision myself in that situation. I wrote what I would have said, no matter how cringey or lackluster it was. The readers will resonate more with something that sounds realistic enough to be true, than something fabricated."

"Maybe you're right…"

Amelia suddenly looked down at the table, and her cheeks turned pink as if she seemed embarrassed.

"I-If I may… Could I read your text, then maybe I could help you more.?"

Should I really let her read it? It's kind of embarrassing, but I mean, she's gonna read it later anyway, and she might have some good tips.

"Sure… But would you let me read yours as well meanwhile?"

"Uhhhhh…."

Amelia went silent for a moment in response to the question.

"S-sure…. But it's not so well written, so don't expect anything."

"No, I'm sure it's gonna be good!"

Amelia became visibly flustered at Chris' assurance. They both switched texts and got ready to read.

This is actually really well written. This is definitely on the level of something you could read in those collections of short stories. The story moves smoothly forward, and the main character is so well fleshed out, you could definitely mistake her for being a real person.

You can tell that Amelia really poured her heart out in this text. It's such a deep and personal story. It must be based on something she herself has experienced. I wonder what she thinks of my text?

Chris slowly raises his head to look towards Amelia. She is engulfed in Chris' text to the degree that she probably wouldn't realize if he just up and left. Her clear blue eyes didn't even leave the sheets of paper for one second, as if they would disappear if left unattended. Her dark brown hair covered up parts of her face. It was impossible to not immediately fixate on her beautiful, luscious hair. Despite being a more reserved and shyer person, she really took well care of her looks, Chris thought.

She really can be cute sometimes. Her more shy nature just helped build the picture of a more mysterious, or asocial person. It really hadn't helped her throughout her period in High school, which was rather tragic. If only she were more outgoing, everyone else would see what a nice and caring person she is. She probably would have had all the boys after her as well.

Suddenly, Amelia looked up from the paper, and their eyes locked for merely a second. They both jumped in response, and quickly looked away in embarrassment.

"W-well, what did you think?"

Amelia quickly took the initiative to dodge the awkwardness of the situation.

"I think it's really well written. Your character truly resonates with the reader. Her pain is felt through the text, and all in all, your writing style truly is mesmerizing."

Amelia, not used to getting compliments, hid behind the sheets of paper in her hands, as to not show Chris her embarrassment.

"I think you truly have a talent for writing."

It went silent for a moment.

"D-do you really think so?"

"Definitely!"

Amelia removed the paper in front of her, and a small smile could be seen on her face. She was visibly touched by Chris' words of encouragement. He had never really seen her that much emotion before, and it really warmed his heart to see her happy. Like he would do anything to keep her like this. His whole body felt hot, and his cheeks turned a mild pink.

"I think your text's also really good."

"Really, you think so?"

Amelia nodded. "I can see that you've worked really hard on perfecting it, and it has paid off. You have managed to depict something with so much detail that you can imagine it being ripped from reality."

The room fell silent as Amelia took hare eyes off Chris.

"You've…truly managed to make a text that reflects yourself and who you truly are as a person." Amelias voice progressively got quieter.

"What about the ending?"

"I think it fits perfectly. How they behave fits with how you've built up these characters throughout the story.

"You don't think it's cheesy?"

"Well, aren't all confessions cheesy?"

They both looked at each other, before they both let out a small amount of laughter.

Chris and Amelia both made their way out of the club room and on their way home. Spending some time alone really helped them to connect, and conversations between them went way smoother.

Despite being in the same club for almost a year and speaking frequently during club meetings, they had never really gotten to know each other that well. They had still seemed to hit it off well. It really is a shame that I haven't gotten to talk with her like this before now. We do have a lot in common.

Before long, they had gotten outside, and it was time to say goodbye. They both waved happily before going each their own way.

"Chris!"

He was surprised by the sudden shout and quickly turned around. There stood Amelia a only a short distance away. She seemed really flustered as she built up the courage to say what she had on her mind.

"Are you free on Saturday?"

Is she actually asking to hang out? Chris could feel his heart beating as if it was going to jump out of his chest. He was truly surprised by Amelia's sudden courage, but at the same time, he couldn't help but be a bit proud to see the usually timid girl speaking up her mind.

"I should be free all day."

"W-would you like to… join me on a walk in the park by the theater?"

"Sure!" Chris said while smiling. The thought of spending more time with Amelia excited him for some reason.

"Could I…get your phone number so we can agree on a time?"

"Yeah."

He pulled up his phone and let Amelia write down his number. Amelia, visibly proud of her courage and happy that it went well, were jumping with joy as they once again walked away from each other. Chris couldn't either stop himself from letting a small smile out. What is this feeling? Could I possibly- No, no, no. Lilly is the one for me. We have always been there for each other. Don't get confused just because you meet another cute girl. But what if it really is what I think it is?