chapter 2:- Unspoken Connection

Days turned into weeks, and Rose and Mikey's conversations became a regular part of their routine. They talked about everything—from their favorite movies and music to their school subjects and future plans. Mikey was surprisingly open, sharing details about his life in Delhi, his friends, and even his family. Rose, on the other hand, was a bit more reserved, but she found herself gradually opening up to Mikey in ways she hadn't expected.

One evening, as they were chatting, Mikey asked a question that caught Rose off guard.

Mikey: "Hey, do you ever feel like you're just...lost? Like you don't know what you're doing with your life?"

Rose stared at the message, unsure of how to respond. It was a question she had often asked herself, especially during the lockdown, but she had never voiced it out loud.

Rose: "Yeah, sometimes. I mean, I'm only 15, but I feel like I should have everything figured out by now. But I don't. Not even close."

Mikey: "Exactly! Everyone expects us to know what we want to do with our lives, but how are we supposed to know that? We're just kids."

Rose: "I know, right? It's like we're supposed to have all the answers, but we don't even know what the questions are."

There was a pause in the conversation as both of them let their thoughts sink in. Rose felt a strange sense of relief. She had never been able to talk about her insecurities with anyone, not even Momo. But with Mikey, it was different. He understood her in a way that no one else did.

Mikey: "You know, Rose, I think it's okay to feel lost. Maybe we're not supposed to have all the answers right now. Maybe it's okay to just...figure things out as we go."

Rose: "Maybe you're right. It's just hard sometimes, not knowing what's next."

Mikey: "Yeah, but at least we're not alone in this. We've got each other."

Rose smiled at Mikey's words. It was strange how someone she had never met in person could make her feel so understood. Their conversation that night left her with a lot to think about, but it also gave her a sense of comfort she hadn't felt in a long time.

As the days went by, Rose and Mikey's friendship grew stronger. They shared secrets, fears, and dreams, building a connection that went beyond mere words on a screen. But there was always an underlying tension, a sense that something more was bubbling beneath the surface. Rose couldn't quite put her finger on it, but she knew that her friendship with Mikey was different—different from any other friendship she had ever had.

One day, while they were talking about their plans for the future, Mikey suddenly changed the subject.

Mikey: "Rose, do you ever think about meeting in person?"

Rose's heart skipped a beat. She had thought about it, of course, but the idea of meeting Mikey in real life made her nervous.

Rose: "I don't know. I mean, it would be cool, but what if things are different in person?"

Mikey: "Yeah, I get that. But I think it would be fun. We've gotten to know each other so well online. Meeting in person would just be the next step."

Rose hesitated, her mind racing with possibilities. The idea of meeting Mikey excited her, but it also scared her. What if things weren't the same? What if their online connection didn't translate to real life?

Mikey: "We don't have to decide now. But just think about it, okay?"

Rose agreed, and they moved on to other topics, but the thought lingered in her mind. The idea of meeting Mikey had planted a seed of curiosity and anticipation that she couldn't shake off.

As the weeks turned into months, Rose and Mikey's friendship continued to grow, but so did the tension between them. They were both aware of it, but neither of them addressed it directly. Instead, they continued their conversations as if nothing had changed, even though both of them knew that something had.

One night, as Rose lay in bed, staring at her phone, she received a message from Mikey that sent a chill down her spine.

Mikey: "Rose, there's something I need to tell you."

Rose's heart raced as she read the message. She had no idea what Mikey was about to say, but she could sense that it was important.

Rose: "What is it?"

There was a long pause before Mikey replied.

Mikey: "I think...I think I'm falling for you."

Rose's breath caught in her throat as she read the words. She had never expected this. Sure, they had grown close, but she had always seen Mikey as a friend. Now, everything had changed. The room felt suddenly smaller,