Minnie POV
Tara apologized to me, her tone cold, and walked out of the hall. I noticed her look but stayed silent.
Aunty came to me and said sorry. I smiled and told her it was okay. Will didn't say much, and I couldn't tell what he was thinking.
After dinner, I remembered the gift I had brought for Will. I gave it to him. He looked surprised, then smiled as he took it.
"I'll drop you home," he said, loud enough for everyone to hear.
"It's okay, I came on my scooty," I replied.
"You can park it here," he said calmly.
I nodded, but before I could step away, he leaned closer. His voice dropped to a whisper near my ear.
"I told them I'm dropping you," he murmured. "We can talk on the way."
My heart skipped. I slowly turned toward him and said softly, "Okay.",
The car moved smoothly through the quiet streets. The city lights passed by in silence for a while.
"So..." I said softly, breaking it. "Thank you for dropping me.
He nodded, eyes still on the road. "It's fine."
The silence returned, heavier this time.
I took a breath. "About earlier... what we said in front of everyone."
His grip tightened slightly on the steering wheel. "It was necessary."
"I know," I said quickly. "And I understand why you did it."
I looked out the window for a moment, then turned back to him.
"But it's just a fake relationship, right?"
"Yes," he replied without a tation.
I felt relieved and a little disappointed, though I didn't show it.
"Then..." I hesitated, choosing my words carefully. "If it's fake, can we at least be friends for real?"
He glanced at me, surprised me for a second.
"Friends?" he repeated.
"I don't want things to be awkward," I said with a small smile. "And I don't want to lie all the time either."
He was quiet for a moment, then nodded.
"That's reasonable," he said calmly. "Friends is.. fine."
I smiled, feeling lighter.
The car kept moving forward, and for the first time that night, the silence between us felt comfortable.
We reached my house. I removed my seatbelt, thanked him with a small smile, and stepped out of the car. I didn't look back, but I heard the engine start. By the time I reached my door, his car was already gone.
After my shower, I noticed my mom was asleep. I quietly closed my bedroom door and lay down on my bed, staring at the ceiling in the dark.
Today kept playing in my mind like a broken record.
didn't understand why I had said yes. Maybe I wanted to believe I could change him. Or maybe I was just tired of being alone.
What if this wasn't a new beginning at all? What if it was just another painful chapter waiting to happen?
My throat tightened. A tear rolled into my hairline as I closed my eyes.
My phone vibrated.
My heart reacted before my mind did.
Will.
I'm sorry about what happened today. I never wanted you to be hurt.
My fingers trembled as I typed back, It's okay.
But it wasn't okay. Not even a little.
Tara's words still echoed in my head, sharp and ugly.
Another message appeared.
Let's keep our relationship private. Don't tell anyone it's fake. When I leave for Paris, you can say whatever you want. Until then... please.
I read it again and again.
Until then.
I swallowed the lump in my throat and replied, Okay.
I placed the phone on my chest and stared into the darkness.
had agreed to be part of something unreal- hoping, foolishly, that somewhere along the way, it might become real.
Will POV
I reached home and saw Mom smiling at me. She asked me to sit beside her, and I did.
"So," she said gently, "do you want to explain your relationship?"
I took a deep breath and looked away.
"Mom, please don't ask me too much," I said quietly. "I honestly don't know why I like her. I just feel comfortable around her. Like you said... she's different."
Guilt settled in my chest, because I knew I wasn't telling her the whole truth.
Mom smiled softly and rested her hand on mine. "Will, comfort doesn't come easily," she said. "If you feel peaceful around her, that itself means something."
She looked at me closely. "You don't have to understand everything right now. Just don't hurt her while you're confused."
Then she added gently,
"Different people come into our lives for a reason. Sometimes they stay... sometimes they teach us. So try to understand her. Take her out, spend some time with her."
She squeezed my hand softly. "Don't rush your feelings, Will. Just be honest-with yourself first."
I nodded slowly, her words settling deep in my mind.
Minnie POV
I got ready early for college because I had to pick up my scooty from Will's house. I had left it there the night before. Sara didn't come to college today- she had gone to her native place last night.
After college, I went straight to the café for my regular shift. In the evening, Maya came out and asked about yesterday's birthday party.
I wanted to tell her everything-every little thing that had happened-but I couldn't. Will had asked me not to talk about our relationship.
"It was good," I said simply.
Maya raised an eyebrow. "Just good?"
I smiled weakly and turned toward the billing counter. That's when I froze.
"Hey."
looked up.
Will was standing there.
"Hey... hi!" I said, coming back to my senses. "So, the usual? Iced Americano?" I smiled.
"Yes," he said, then paused. "But not today."
I looked at him, confused.
"Let's have dinner together," he said calmly.
My eyes widened. I hesitated. "Uh... my shift ends at 8:00."
Before I could say more, Maya stepped in with a grin.
"It's okay, Minnie. I'll take care of everything. You go."
Will nodded slightly. "Then it's settled. Let's go."
I looked at him for a second... then nodded.
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Author Note
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