The Breaking Point
Joseph couldn't sleep that night.
Pharita's words haunted him.
"Figure it out. But don't expect me to wait forever."
He had spent his whole life afraid of losing the people he cared about.
Afraid of love.
Afraid of hurting.
But now, he was starting to realize something.
By running away…
By pushing Pharita away…
He was already losing her.
And it hurt more than anything.
Joseph clenched his fists.
He had to stop this.
He had to fight.
Days passed.
Pharita didn't text him.
Didn't glance at him in the halls.
She was keeping her distance.
And Joseph hated it.
But what hurt the most…
Was seeing Pharita laughing with someone else.
He wasn't sure if she was pretending to move on or if she actually was.
Either way, it stung.
Badly.
Felix watched from the side, shaking his head.
"You did this to yourself, you know."
Joseph exhaled sharply. "Shut up, Felix."
Felix smirked. "Tch. Just saying. You're gonna regret it."
Joseph already did.
It was late at night when Joseph finally snapped.
He grabbed his phone, fingers shaking.
He needed to see her.
Now.
He called.
Once.
Twice.
No answer.
His heart pounded.
Without thinking, he grabbed his jacket and ran out the door.
It was raining when he reached her house.
He didn't care.
He knocked.
Nothing.
He knocked harder.
Still nothing.
Then, just as he was about to give up—
The door opened.
Pharita stood there, her eyes widening in shock.
"Joseph?"
He was drenched, breathing hard.
"I need to talk to you."
Pharita hesitated. "Now?"
"Yes. Now."
She crossed her arms. "You ignored me for days, and now you just show up? What do you want, Joseph?"
Joseph took a deep breath.
"I want you."
Pharita's heart skipped a beat.
"I was scared," Joseph admitted. "Scared of getting close. Scared of losing you. But I don't want to run anymore."
He stepped closer.
"I like you, Pharita. I really like you."
Silence.
Then, slowly…
A smile tugged at Pharita's lips.
"Took you long enough."
Joseph chuckled. "Yeah… I know."
Then, without thinking, he reached for her hand.
She didn't pull away.
For the first time…
Joseph felt at peace.