A lot had changed in the last four weeks.
Justin and Bella had become incredibly close, the kind of close that felt like a relationship without the actual title. They hung out all the time, called almost every night, exchanged cute texts that would make anyone smile stupidly at their phone. They laughed, they flirted, they shared things about their lives they hadn't told others.
But still… they weren't official.
And it wasn't because Bella didn't want it. That part was clear. Anyone watching them could see the way she looked at him, the way her smile lingered when he walked into the room. She was already in it.
Justin, on the other hand, was drifting.
It wasn't like he didn't like her, he really did. But lately, all the hype from campus had gotten to him. After the Freshman party, his name had been everywhere. The guy from the red carpet. The guy who danced with the "fine girl in gold." The guy with curly hair, a killer smirk, and effortless swag. Girls wanted him. Guys envied him.
And Justin? He started feeling himself.
He had slowly fused with the "gangster hot guy" identity everyone had tagged him with. Girls flirted with him in class, in hallways, even in his DMs. And sometimes… he flirted back. Not seriously. Not intentionally. But enough to leave traces.
And now, here he was in his apartment, shirtless, chilling on the edge of the couch, when Jonathan walked in.
"Bro," John said, dropping a pack of plantain chips on the table. "What's really going on with you and Bella?"
Justin blinked, caught off guard. "What do you mean?"
"You know exactly what I mean," John said, plopping on the opposite couch. "You guys have been everywhere. Always together. Are you both dating now?"
Justin stretched lazily. "Not exactly."
"Wait, what?" John paused. "You're telling me… after all this time, all the vibe, you haven't made it official?"
"Nope," Justin said, shrugging. "We're just… seeing."
John looked at him like he was mad. "Seeing what exactly? The girl is in love with you, man. It's obvious."
"I know," Justin said, more serious now. "I care about her too, John. I just don't think I'm ready for a relationship."
John blinked. "Why not?"
Justin leaned forward, elbows on knees. "I don't want to fake anything. I like her, a lot. But I'm not mentally ready to commit. Not yet. Things are… moving too fast. School, the attention, the whole campus hot guy thing. It's messing with my head. I feel like I need space to breathe."
"So tell her that," John said gently. "Don't just keep dragging it out. That kind of uncertainty can hurt her more than the truth."
Justin rubbed his hands together, nodding. "Yeah. You're right. I just keep hoping I'll figure it out soon."
There was a pause.
Then John laughed. "Meanwhile, Chloe keeps hanging around."
Meet Chloe.
If there was anyone in Lifetime College that could match Justin in popularity and effortless attention, it was Chloe.
She wasn't just known, she was famous. With over 100k followers on Instagram and a feed full of flawless selfies, brand collaborations, and aesthetic content, Chloe was every influencer girl's blueprint. She had that kind of presence that turned heads the moment she entered a room. Confidence poured out of her like perfume.
Physically, Chloe was stunning. Honey-toned skin that glowed even under fluorescent lights, almond-shaped eyes lined to perfection, and lashes so full they looked like they belonged in a mascara commercial. Her lips were naturally plump and always glossed up. Long, jet-black braids cascaded down her back, styled in different trendy looks almost every week. Her nails? Always done. Her outfits? Always fire. From corset tops to flared pants and high-end sneakers, Chloe served.
She carried herself like a walking fashion film. Walked like she owned every hallway. Talked like she knew everyone wanted to listen.
And when it came to Justin… Chloe had made it very clear she was interested.
Justin smirked. "That girl is crazy."
"She literally walked past our table in the cafeteria last week, dropped a pen on your lap and said, 'Oops.'" John mimicked her voice in a high-pitched tone, and they both burst out laughing.
Justin shook his head. "She's fine, but she's not Bella."
"Awwww," John teased. "So you're whipped."
"I'm not whipped."
"You are definitely whipped , bro," John said, tossing a pillow at him.
Justin caught it. "I'm just… trying to find balance."
"Well," John said, stretching. "Whatever balance you're finding, just don't lose a good girl because of hype. Bella's not one of those girls. She's different. Don't mess that up."
Justin nodded, quiet for a moment. "Yeah. I know."
And for once, he felt the weight of the moment hit him. He really needed to stop delaying. Bella deserved clarity, not confusion.
But whether or not he could give her that yet… he wasn't sure.
Jonathan had stepped out of the apartment to grab lunch, leaving Justin alone in their shared apartment.
The room was quiet except for the distant city sounds outside the window. Justin sat on the edge of his bed, scrolling through his phone when a call came in, Austin.
He immediately answered, his face lighting up. "Bro!"
"Guess what?" Austin's voice buzzed with excitement. "I got the job!"
Justin stood up in disbelief. "No way! You're serious?"
"Very serious. I start next week. Salary's sweet, benefits are great man, it's a breakthrough."
Justin let out a loud, joyful laugh. "Austin, that's amazing! I'm so happy for you. You've been grinding for this for so long."
"Yeah, man. It's been a long ride," Austin said, his tone turning softer. "But this is it. Our new beginning."
Justin suddenly felt a wave of emotions crash over him. His chest tightened. "I just wish Mom and Dad were here to see this…"
There was a brief silence.
"I know," Austin replied, voice low and heartfelt. "Every time something good happens, I wish they could see it too. But I know they're proud wherever they are."
Justin's eyes watered. "You've done so much for us, bro. It means the world to me."
Austin took a deep breath. "And I'll keep doing more. I promised them, remember? I told Dad before… that I'd take care of you. I meant it."
Justin nodded, smiling through misty eyes. "I never doubted that."
"Speaking of which," Austin said, lightening the mood, "how's school? You surviving over there?"
Justin chuckled, easing back onto the bed. "Yeah, surviving and… surprisingly thriving. School's good. Classes are tough, but I'm managing."
"Still keeping that 'low profile' you swore to keep before going in?" Austin teased.
Justin laughed. "Not exactly. I kinda went viral after the freshman party."
"What?" Austin sounded confused. "Viral how?"
"Long story. I'll explain when I see you. Let's just say people know me now."
"Hotshot." Austin laughed, amused. "Okay, Mr. Popular."
They both laughed.
Then Austin added, "Speaking of seeing you… I'm planning to visit soon. Maybe in a few weeks. I have a few days off before I start the job officially. I'd love to see the campus and check in on you."
Justin sat up. "You're serious?"
"Of course! I need to make sure you're not just partying and breaking hearts."
Justin smiled, a little nervously. "Nah, nothing like that…"
"Hmm," Austin said, suspicious. "Your voice says otherwise."
Justin quickly shifted. "Anyways, when do you think you'll come?"
"Maybe in three weeks. I'll let you know the exact dates once I settle the onboarding stuff at work. I'll book a hotel nearby, unless you want me crashing with you."
Justin laughed. "Bro, you're always welcome. Jonathan and I can manage something."
"Good. I can't wait to see the school. Maybe meet a few of your lecturers even."
Justin cleared his throat. "Sure, lecturers …"
Austin caught the awkward pause. "You sure there's nothing else I should be hearing?"
"Let's just say I've made some interesting friends," Justin said vaguely.
"Ahh, now you're being mysterious."
Justin changed the subject quickly. "Anyway, I'm proud of you, bro. Really. You deserve all of this."
"And I'm proud of you," Austin replied. "Don't lose focus, okay? Have fun, but remember why you're there."
"I won't."
They said their goodbyes, promising to talk later that night. After the call ended, Justin sat back in silence. A part of him was excited for Austin's visit. Another part? Nervous.
Because he wasn't ready to explain Bella just yet.
Especially not knowing how messy things could get.