13. MIXED FEELINGS

Weeks passed, and Dave and Scott's relationship grew stronger. For Scott, his feelings for Dave were certain; he liked him, no doubt about it.

But for Dave, things weren't as clear. It wasn't love or even attraction that made him stay; it was loneliness. It was the fear of being alone that had driven him into kissing Scott, into letting their moments become more than friendship, even if he wasn't sure why he was doing it.

That evening, they walked back to the dorm together, as they often did now. Their steps were in sync, their conversations light. When they reached Dave's dorm, Scott hesitated before asking, "Can I come in with you?"

Dave nodded without thinking. "Yeah, sure."

He led the way inside, while Scott followed. Dave disappeared into his room for a moment, leaving Scott to sit on the couch.

When Dave returned, he ran a hand through his hair, then asked, "Do you want a drink or something?"

Scott shook his head. "Nah, I'm good."

An awkward silence settled between them. Dave sat beside Scott, unsure of what to do with the space between them. It felt so comfortable and also uncomfortable at the same time.

Dave wanted to say something, but he wasn't sure of what to say. He turned to look at Scott, unknown to him that Scott has been staring at him the whole time. He felt a bit embarrassed and looked away. Then, out of nowhere, Scott broke the silence.

"I like you... Dave."

Dave blinked, turning to him. "What?"

Scott met his eyes, unfazed. "I like you. A lot. And not just in a 'you're my friend' way. In a 'I think about you all the time' way. In a 'I want more' way."

Dave swallowed, feeling his heartbeat pick up. "Scott..."

"No, let me finish." Scott took a deep breath. "I know you might not feel the same way i do. But I don't want to pretend anymore. I don't want to act like this is just casual for me, because it's not."

Dave looked away, his thoughts in chaos. "I... I don't know what to say."

Scott gave a small, sad smile. "Then don't say anything."

Before Dave could react, Scott leaned in and kissed him. It was soft, hesitant, but full of meaning. Dave instinctively pulled back slightly, his mind screaming at him to make sense of it.

But when his eyes met Scott's; so open, so vulnerable; something in him gave way. He leaned forward, closing the space between them, and kissed him back.

Scott pulled away first, his eyes searching Dave's. "I'm sorry," he whispered.

Dave didn't say anything. He just nodded, touching his lips as if trying to process what had just happened.

Scott hesitated. "Was that... was that your first kiss?"

Dave nodded again. "Yeah."

Scott exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "Wow."

Dave stood up suddenly. "Do you want that drink now?"

Scott gave a small laugh, trying to shake off the tension. "Yeah. Sure."

Clara's room exudes a quiet elegance, with soft natural light filtering through sheer curtains, casting gentle patterns on the pale blue walls. The space is cozy, yet refined, with a vintage wooden desk tucked by the window, its surface adorned with books and a delicate porcelain lamp. A plush, cream-colored rug anchors the room, while a neatly made bed with soft, flowing linens in shades of white and blush invites comfort. A few potted plants sit by the windowsill, adding a touch of greenery and life. The shelves are filled with neatly organized trinkets, framed photos, and a few artistic paintings that reflect Clara's creative spirit. Everything is in its place, creating a peaceful, serene environment; and unlike Alex's dark dimmed room, Clara's was a space that feels both lived-in and effortlessly beautiful.

Clara sat on the bed Hannah, both of them laying oppositely and glued to their phones, barely acknowledging each other's presence. The room was quiet except for the occasional sound of fingers tapping on screens.

Then, out of nowhere, Clara spoke. "Have you seen Alex or Dave? Or even Terah?"

Hannah smirked without looking up. "Aw, worried about them? You and I have been alone for weeks now. Didn't realize you missed them so much."

Clara sighed. "I might have missed them? but they all ghosted us. We don't text each other anymore."

Hannah finally looked up. "That's just them being them. You should know that by now."

Clara frowned. "Still, it's weird."

Hannah didn't reply. She just scrolled on her phone, her expression unreadable.

Clara narrowed her eyes. "What about Terah? Have you talked to her?"

Hannah hesitated, then shook her head. "No."

Clara tilted her head. "Why not?"

Hannah sighed and locked her phone. "Because some things are better left alone."

Clara studied her for a moment before letting it go. "Fine."

"Don't you thing it's strange? Everyone is now walking in doubles", Hannah said, sitting up.

"Doubles? Who is Dave with? I'm worried about him, kind of'

"I don't know. Probably alone", Hannah said, wide eyed, as if she just remembered something. But nothing was said further, and they got back to their phones.

It was late afternoon the next day when Terah walked out of the large theater hall with her friend Mia. Behind them, a boy jogged to catch up. His name was Mike, their classmate.

He was a boy with dark eyes, brown hair, and the kind of delicate features that made him almost too pretty to be straight.

"Terah! Wait up!" he called.

She stopped and turned slightly.

Mike caught up, slightly out of breath. "Can I borrow your culture art notes?"

Terah shrugged. "Sure." She pulled a book from her bag and handed it to him.

Mike grinned. "Thanks, you're a lifesaver. Bye"

As he turned to leave, he bumped into someone; Scott.

Both of them stepped back. "Oh, sorry..." Scott started.

"No, my bad," Mike said with an easy smile before walking away, seemingly.

As Scott walked away, Mike stopped and turned to take one last glance at him before disappearing back into the hall.

The girls stood there, but felt invisible, watching the little drama that just happened, with Mia's full gaze on Mike. 

Mia smirked. "You like Mike, don't you?"

Terah burst out laughing. "Have I ever liked boys? You mean 'do you like him?' "

Mia shrugged. "No? No. I don't."

"Whatever", Terah said, as they start to walk away.

Mia nudged her. "Terah, what about Hannah?"

Terah's laughter died down. She looked away and muttered, "Long forgotten."

Mia didn't push further. Instead, they walked to the café, Mia still teasing Terah about Mike, his clumsiness, and his undeniable charm, with Terah, lost in her deep thoughts, hardly listening.