Chapter 8: Cristel, you're confusing

                                    

                                          
Cristel, you're confusing
Days passed after Cristel's confession, but the question of who she was talking about lingered in the back of your mind. You were so caught up in your own thoughts about Goro and Aiden that you barely noticed the subtle hints Cristel kept dropping.
The air in class was buzzing with the energy of a new week, and though everything seemed normal on the surface, your mind was in a constant whirl. You kept replaying moments with Goro, trying to figure out if he really did like someone, and if so, who? And Aiden… he was always there, always trying to get your attention. You couldn’t deny that you felt something when you were with him. But was it enough?
Y/N:
“Why does everything feel so complicated?”
You muttered to yourself as you walked into class that morning. Goro was already seated at his usual spot by the window, staring out as if the world beyond the glass was far more interesting than anything happening in the classroom. Aiden, as always, flashed you a grin when you walked by.
Aiden:
“Morning, Y/N. What’s up?”
Y/N:
“Not much…”
You smiled back, but your heart wasn’t in it. It was hard to focus on anything when your thoughts were tied in knots over who you should choose—or whether you even had to choose at all.
As the day wore on, you found yourself sitting with Cristel during lunch. She was her usual talkative self, bouncing from one topic to the next, but today something seemed different. She was quieter, more thoughtful, and before long, she turned the conversation back to her crush.
Cristel:
“So… have you figured out who I was talking about?”
Y/N:
“I’ve been thinking about it, but honestly, I’m not sure.”
Cristel laughed lightly and nudged your shoulder.
Cristel:
“You’re hopeless! It’s so obvious!”
Y/N:
“Okay, give me another hint.”
Cristel smiled mischievously, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
Cristel:
“Alright, one more hint. He’s someone who’s always near you. Someone you probably don’t realize is watching out for you, but he’s there, in his own quiet way.”
Your heart skipped a beat. Goro? Was she talking about Goro? But before you could say anything, Aiden walked over, interrupting your thoughts.
Aiden:
“Hey, Y/N. Cristel.”
Cristel gave him a bright smile, and you suddenly felt the tension between the three of you—the unspoken rivalry that seemed to grow more palpable with each passing day.
Aiden sat down beside you, his presence comforting yet confusing all at once.
Aiden:
“Are you guys talking about me?”
Cristel laughed, shaking her head.
Cristel:
“Not everything is about you, Aiden.”
He laughed too, but there was an edge to it, a flicker of something deeper in his eyes as he glanced between you and Cristel.
Aiden:
“Alright, just checking.”
The rest of the day felt heavy, as if the air around you was thick with unspoken feelings. Goro barely said anything to you, as usual, but his quiet presence felt different now—like you were hyper-aware of him in a way you hadn’t been before.
As the final bell rang, you packed up your things, your mind still racing. Who should you choose? Could you even make that choice right now? And did Goro really like someone else, or was it all just a misunderstanding?
You left the classroom, your heart full of uncertainty, knowing that the next day could bring even more confusion.