Chapter 2:Growing Feelings and Missed Chances

Lilian had always considered Dennis a dear friend—someone she could talk to about anything, laugh with over silly jokes, and rely on during long, exhausting school days. But lately, something felt different.

She found herself watching him more than usual, noticing the way his brow furrowed in concentration when grading papers, the way his lips twitched before he smiled, and the way his voice softened when he spoke to her.

Was it possible…?

The thought had crept into her mind several times, but she always brushed it away. Dennis had never shown any signs of feeling the same way. He was comfortable around her, yes, but that was it. If he had any feelings beyond friendship, wouldn't he have said something by now?

Still, curiosity gnawed at her.

One afternoon, as they sat in the nearly empty staffroom, she decided to test the waters.

"You know, Dennis," she said playfully, twirling a pen between her fingers, "you should really think about getting a girlfriend. I mean, how long do you plan on staying single?"

Dennis, who had been flipping through a student's notebook, suddenly froze. The lighthearted comment shouldn't have affected him, but it did. He felt an unexpected sting in his chest.

He forced a chuckle, closing the notebook. "Oh? And who do you suggest?"

Lilian shrugged, smirking. "Someone who can handle your overthinking and mood swings."

He scoffed, shaking his head. "I don't have mood swings."

"You do," she teased, nudging his arm. "But seriously, isn't there anyone you like?"

Dennis hesitated. The words were at the tip of his tongue. Yes, Lilian. You. But instead, he glanced away, masking his emotions with a nonchalant shrug. "Not really."

Lilian frowned, trying to hide her disappointment. So, he really doesn't feel the same way?

She had been hoping—just maybe—that his answer would be different. That he'd mention someone who sounded a lot like her. But now she felt silly for even thinking that.

Dennis, on the other hand, was struggling to keep his composure. Her words had struck a nerve, not because he was offended, but because they reminded him of his own cowardice. She was sitting right there, teasing him, waiting for a response, and yet, he couldn't bring himself to say what mattered most.

Would he ever?

Lilian sat on her bed, her phone resting on her lap, screen glowing with Dennis's contact. She had been staring at it for the past ten minutes, debating whether to send him a message.

Just say it, she urged herself. Tell him how you feel before it's too late.

But every time she tried, doubt crept in. What if she misread everything? What if Dennis only saw her as a friend? Worse—what if she confessed and lost him completely?

She let out a frustrated sigh, running her fingers through her hair. It wasn't like her to hesitate this much, but with Dennis, the stakes felt too high.

Just then, her mother knocked on the door before stepping inside, holding a basket of folded laundry. "You've been quiet all evening. Something on your mind?"

Lilian hesitated before shaking her head. "Not really."

Her mother sat beside her, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "It's Dennis, isn't it?"

Lilian's heart skipped a beat. "What?"

"You two are close," her mother continued, placing the laundry down. "I've always thought you'd make a great couple."

Lilian blinked, stunned. "Mom, we're not—"

Her mother waved her off. "Oh, please. I see the way you talk about him. And didn't you say he's been busy with work lately? Why don't you go help him out over the weekend? I'm sure he'd appreciate the company."

Lilian opened her mouth to protest, but no words came out.

Her mother's assumption shouldn't have affected her, yet it did. Because deep down, she wished it were true.

Would helping Dennis over the weekend finally give her the courage to say what she had been holding back? Or would she let another chance slip away?

The thought bothered her so much.

The next day was Monday and She will have to face Dennis again.....sighs.

It was already Monday the school day had ended, and the once noisy hallways were now eerily silent. The last of the students had already gone home, leaving only Lilian, Dennis, and the cleaner in the staffroom.

Lilian stretched her arms with a tired sigh. "Finally done," she murmured, closing her lesson planner. She glanced at Dennis, who was still scribbling something in his notebook.

"You're staying late again?" she asked, grabbing her bag.

Dennis chuckled, shaking his head. "No, I'm just finishing up. Almost done."

She nodded, heading toward the door, but just as she reached for the handle, a loud clap of thunder rumbled outside. Seconds later, rain poured down in heavy sheets, slamming against the windows.

Lilian groaned. "Seriously?" She glanced back at Dennis, who had already looked up from his notebook.

"Well, I guess we're stuck for a while," he said, leaning back in his chair.

Lilian sighed and returned to her seat. "I should've left earlier."

The cleaner, an elderly woman who had been mopping the floor, chuckled from the corner. "You two should take this as a sign," she said, wringing out her mop. "Maybe fate wants you here together."

Lilian's cheeks warmed slightly. "We just happen to finish work late, that's all."

Dennis only smiled, but he avoided looking at Lilian.

Silence filled the room as the rain intensified. The rhythmic tapping of droplets against the windows created an oddly peaceful atmosphere.

Lilian, staring outside, rested her chin on her palm. "It's funny," she mused. "We've been working in the same place for years, but I feel like we never really get time to talk."

Dennis turned to her, slightly intrigued. "What do you mean?"

She hesitated, then shrugged. "I don't know. We talk about work, students, and everyday things… but never about ourselves." She turned to him, searching his expression. "Like, do you ever think about the future? What you really want?"

Dennis hesitated. He wasn't sure if she meant it as small talk or something deeper. Either way, his answer remained the same.

"I do," he admitted. "But sometimes, what we want and what we get are two different things."

Lilian tilted her head. "That sounds… sad."

Dennis chuckled. "Not really. Just realistic."

She watched him closely, feeling like there was more he wasn't saying. The moment felt intimate, almost too personal. If he had ever wanted to tell her something important, this would be the perfect time.

Another clap of thunder shook the air, making Lilian jump slightly. She laughed, brushing off her reaction. "I should probably text my mom and tell her I'll be late."

Dennis nodded, watching her as she pulled out her phone. His chest tightened.

Maybe this was his chance. Maybe he should say something—anything.

But, like always, he let the moment pass.

Outside, the rain continued to fall.

And inside, the silence between them grew heavier.

The atmosphere was bright again, they both rode home without much conversation.