For a moment—
neither of them moved.
The night stood still around them, as if even time didn't want to interrupt what had just happened.
Ethan was still trying to process her words.
Ethan (thinking):
Did she really say that…?
She… likes me too…?
"Katrina…" his voice came out soft, almost fragile.
"You mean it?"
Katrina lowered her gaze, her fingers nervously intertwining.
"Yes…" she said quietly.
"I mean it."
A slow, disbelieving smile spread across Ethan's face.
For the first time in a long while, something inside him finally settled.
Relief.
Happiness.
Something real.
Both of them stood there—shy, hesitant, unsure what to say next.
Ethan let out a small breath and smiled awkwardly.
"I… I never imagined you would like me back."
Katrina looked up slightly.
"But why? You're a really nice person."
Ethan hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck.
"I mean… you're really beautiful… and popular."
Katrina frowned a little.
"That doesn't make any sense."
Ethan laughed softly, his nervousness easing just a bit.
"No… what I mean is… you're not just beautiful on the outside."
He looked at her gently.
"You're truly beautiful… inside and out."
Katrina's cheeks warmed slightly.
She looked down again, not knowing how to respond.
But this time—
she didn't deny it.
Walking Back
They slowly walked back together.
The silence between them wasn't awkward anymore.
It was soft.
New.
Comfortable in a strange way.
When they reached their houses, both stopped at the gate.
Neither of them wanted to leave.
Katrina glanced at him.
Ethan smiled gently.
"Bye, Katrina."
"Bye…"
She turned to walk toward her house—
But after a few steps, she stopped… and turned back again.
"Bye… again," she said softly.
Ethan smiled, a little wider this time.
"Bye."
He watched her go until she disappeared inside.
Ethan's Room
"I'm home," Ethan said as he entered.
"Welcome back, honey," his mother replied from the kitchen.
Ethan barely responded as he rushed to his room.
He lay down on his bed, staring at the ceiling.
A smile slowly appeared on his face.
"Finally…"
"I said it…"
He let out a quiet laugh.
"I never thought I would say it this early…"
"And she… likes me too."
That thought repeated in his mind like a dream he didn't want to wake up from.
Everything felt unreal.
Too perfect.
Katrina's Room
Katrina closed her door and leaned against it.
Her heart was still racing.
She placed her hand over her chest.
"Calm down…" she whispered.
But it didn't.
"I can't believe this…"
Her lips curved into a soft smile.
"He really said it…"
She walked slowly toward her bed and sat down.
Then suddenly—
A thought crossed her mind.
Jessica…
Katrina paused.
"So… he really has nothing to do with her…"
A quiet sense of relief spread through her.
For the first time in days—
Her heart felt light.
"Should I call Arice and Ella…?" she murmured.
She picked up her phone…
Then stopped.
"No… not now."
"I'll tell them tomorrow."
She smiled to herself.
Back in Ethan's Room
Ethan sat up suddenly.
"Oh… Jessica."
He picked up his phone and called her.
But she didn't answer.
He shrugged lightly.
"Never mind… I'll tell her tomorrow."
"She'll be so happy for me…"
He smiled again.
But somewhere—
That wasn't entirely true.
Next Morning
The sunlight felt different.
Brighter.
Warmer.
Katrina woke up slowly, staring at the ceiling.
For a moment, she wondered—
Was it all a dream?
Then—
Her cheeks turned pink.
"No… it was real."
She quickly got ready, her excitement impossible to hide.
At the University
Katrina walked through the corridor, her steps light.
She couldn't wait to tell her friends.
But before she could reach her classroom—
A voice stopped her.
"Hey… hii."
She turned.
It was Eric.
"Hii," she replied politely.
Eric stepped closer, smiling.
"I'm Eric."
"I know… I'm Katrina."
"Nice to meet you."
Katrina gave a small nod.
"Nice to meet you too."
But something about his gaze made her uncomfortable.
Eric looked at her carefully.
"I must say… you're really beautiful."
Katrina stiffened slightly.
"Oh… thank you," she said awkwardly.
"But I actually have to go to class."
Eric smiled.
"Sure… we'll meet again."
Katrina gave a quick nod and walked away.
But she didn't notice—
From a few steps away—
Ethan had seen everything.
His smile slowly faded.
And for the first time since last night—
Something felt… off.
Even though a new beginning had started—
Shadows were already quietly forming.