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.

***

Curiosity mingled with trepidation as I ventured into the room, my blue eyes searching Samuel's.

Standing before me, his usual confidence replaced by a mix of anxiety and desperation. "Elise, I needed to see you," he implored, his voice tinged with raw emotion.

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My brow furrowed, my gaze wary. "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 bore 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, tears streaming down my cheeks. "You can't keep doing this, Samuel."

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

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.

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

I looked his square in the eyes, my voice icy, my anger palpable. "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 hung heavy in the air, both of us trapped in a cycle of pain. Heavy feet took me to my only place of solace.

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

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 my tear-streaked face as I entered the pool area. The sight of my distress pierced him, but I was so lost in my own turmoil that I didn't even register his presence.

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

I wipe away my tears, holding a bold front. "I-I... I'm sorry. I thought this place was empty. I'll leave--"

Trent stops me. "Wait."

Silence ensues, only the sound of water is heard. The pungent smell of chlorine irritates my nostrils. My crystal eyes fill with tears as I gaze at him. Then, out of the blues, I ask, "Can you just hold me?"

He pulls me into his embrace. "Come here."

I cried out my heart in his arms. I cried for hope. I cried for my years of love. I cried for the lies I believed. I just cried.

"It hurts," I finally manage to say in between sniffles.

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

The scene before him was a painful reminder that love wasn't always a straightforward journey, and that sometimes, even the strongest emotions could lead to heartbreak.

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