Unspoken Words and Late-Night Thoughts

Elara turned her phone screen off and let it fall onto her bed. The system's message still lingered in her mind—acknowledge an existing love interest's feelings. As if things were that simple.

She sighed, staring at the ceiling, her heart still unsettled after her conversation with Theo. He had always been a steady presence in her life, and now, his words threatened to change everything. Did she want that? Or was she afraid of losing the friendship they had built?

A knock on her door snapped her out of her thoughts. She sat up quickly. "Come in."

Her roommate, Lila, peeked inside, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "You've been acting weird all day. Spill."

Elara groaned, rubbing her temples. "It's nothing."

Lila walked in fully and plopped onto the bed beside her. "Liar. It's Theo, isn't it?"

Elara stiffened. "How did you—"

"I saw you two at the garden," Lila smirked. "And let's be honest, anyone with eyes can see that guy is totally into you."

Elara covered her face with her hands. "Ugh, why does everyone see things before I do?"

"Because you've been avoiding it," Lila said simply. "But now, it's right in front of you. So what are you gonna do?"

Elara sighed. "I don't know."

"Well, you better figure it out before things get messier." Lila poked her arm playfully. "Anyway, wanna grab coffee? You need a break."

An hour later, Elara was at a café near campus, stirring her latte absentmindedly. The warm aroma of roasted coffee beans should have been comforting, but her mind was too cluttered.

She had just taken a sip when someone sat down across from her. Looking up, she was met with the sharp, calculating gaze of Damien.

Damien was one of the top students in their class—brilliant, disciplined, and a little intimidating. He wasn't someone she interacted with often, but their paths had crossed in group projects and academic discussions.

"You seem lost in thought," he noted, placing his own cup of black coffee on the table.

Elara blinked, caught off guard. "Uh, yeah. Just… thinking."

Damien didn't look convinced. "About Theo?"

Her mouth parted slightly. "How did you—"

He smirked. "You're not exactly subtle. And campus gossip travels fast."

Elara groaned, burying her face in her hands. "This is a nightmare."

Damien leaned back, sipping his coffee. "Not necessarily. But you should figure out what you actually want."

She sighed, feeling oddly exposed under his gaze. Damien was blunt, but he wasn't wrong. "What if… you find out that someone close to you likes you, but you're not sure how you feel about them?"

Damien was silent for a moment before responding. "Do you enjoy their presence?"

"Of course."

"Do you trust them?"

"Yes."

"Then ask yourself this," he said, tilting his head slightly. "Is it fear holding you back, or is it something else?"

Elara's breath caught in her throat. Fear. The idea that things could change, that a relationship could ruin a perfectly good friendship. Was that what was stopping her?

Her phone buzzed in her pocket. Another system message.

"New Challenge: Face your fears."

She exhaled slowly. Of course. The system was relentless.

Damien's voice pulled her back. "You don't have to answer now. But ignoring your emotions won't make them disappear."

Elara stared at him, surprised at how easily he seemed to understand. "How are you so good at this?"

He smirked. "Psychology minor."

She groaned. "Of course."

As they finished their coffee, Damien stood first. "Elara."

She looked up. "Yeah?"

"Whatever you decide, don't let fear dictate your choice," he said, his gaze steady. "You deserve more than that."

Elara swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his words settle deep in her chest.

Later that night, she lay in bed, staring at the ceiling once again. The system wanted her to face her fears. But was she ready for what that meant?

And, more importantly… who was she most afraid of losing?