My goals were clear: to focus on my studies and make the most of this incredible opportunity.
But life, as it often does, had other plans for me.
But as the weeks went by, the demands of college life began to weigh heavily on me.
Assignments piled up, exams loomed on the horizon, and my calendar was filled with study sessions and group projects.
I barely had time to breathe, let alone nurture a budding friendship-or something more-with Daniel.
A few days ago, he approached me. His eyes lit up when he saw me, and for a moment, I felt a pang of guilt for how distant I'd been.
"Hi," he said with that smile that always made my heart skip a beat.
"I feel like I haven't seen you in forever. Do you want to grab coffee later?"
I hesitated. My mind raced with all the tasks I still had to complete.
"I'd love to," I replied, forcing a smile, "but I'm swamped right now. Maybe another time?"
His face fell ever so slightly, but he nodded. "Yeah, sure. Let me know when you're free."
As he walked away, I felt a lump form in my throat.
I could see the unhappiness in his eyes, the disappointment he tried so hard to hide.
But what choice did I have? College was demanding, and I had to prioritize my studies. That was the whole reason I was here, wasn't it?
Still, as I sat in the library later that evening, surrounded by textbooks and notes, I couldn't focus.
My thoughts kept drifting back to Daniel, to the way his voice softened when he spoke to me, to the way he always seemed to notice when I was having a tough day.
He had been nothing but kind and patient with me, and yet I'm pushing him away because of one mistake he made.
I don't know how long it would take me to forget everything he did.
It's not that I don't care about him; I do. More than I wanted to admit.
Lunchtime strolls to the cafeteria often provide a moment of reflection, conversation, and connection.
As Sarah and I strolled towards the cafeteria during lunchtime, the warm sun casting a golden glow on the pavement, she turned to me with a knowing look.
"So," she began, her tone playful yet pointed, "how long do you plan to emotionally torture this guy?"
Her words caught me off guard, and I couldn't help but let out a small laugh, though I knew exactly what she was referring to.
"What are you talking about?" I asked, feigning innocence as we continued walking.
"Oh, come on," she said, raising an eyebrow at me.
"You know exactly what I mean. You've been avoiding him like the plague, acting all busy whenever he's around. It's so obvious."
I sighed, glancing down at the ground as we walked.
She wasn't wrong. I had been keeping my distance lately, but it wasn't because I wanted to hurt him.
It was just... complicated. "It's not like that," I said finally, though even I could hear how unconvincing I sounded.
Sarah stopped in her tracks, forcing me to pause as well.
She crossed her arms and gave me a look that only a best friend could pull off, half stern, half amused.
"Okay, then explain it to me.
Why are you still avoiding him? I thought by now you two have talked out your differences, and it's clear he is sorry, and still loves you."
Or tell me you don't like him anymore? I will understand if you don't.
I hesitated, trying to put my feelings into words. "It's not that I don't like him anymore,"
I admitted softly. "I do.
He's sweet and kind, and honestly, he's probably one of the best people I've met in a long time.
But... I don't know, after everything I feel I ain't ready for anything right now."
Saraph tilted her head slightly, her expression softening.
"You don't have to rush into anything," she said gently. "But avoiding him completely? That's not fair to either of you."
I nodded, knowing she was right.
It wasn't fair to him or me, for that matter. By keeping my distance, I was only prolonging the uncertainty and making things more awkward than they needed to be.
"Maybe I should talk to him," I said after a moment of silence. "Explain where I'm coming from and be honest about how I feel."
Saraph smiled, looping her arm through mine as we resumed our walk to the cafeteria.
"Now that's the mature response I was hoping for," she teased, giving me a playful nudge.
I couldn't help but laugh at her lightheartedness, feeling a bit lighter now that I had admitted to what I want.
It wasn't going to be an easy conversation, but it needed to happen for both our sakes.
As we reached the cafeteria and joined the bustling lunch crowd, I made a mental note to find some time to talk to him soon.
If there was one thing Saraph had taught me over the years, it was that honesty, though sometimes uncomfortable, but always the best policy.
And who knows? Maybe this would be the start of something good, or at the very least, a chance for both of us to move forward without any lingering confusion.
Either way, it was time to stop avoiding and start being honest with him and with myself.
After all, life is too short for unresolved tension or unspoken words.
Let's strive to treat each other with care and compassion, ensuring that no one feels left out or emotionally adrift.
The thought made my heart race. I glanced at my phone, debating whether to text him or wait until tomorrow.
But then I remembered the look in his eyes earlier today, and I knew I couldn't wait.
"Hey," I typed quickly, my fingers trembling slightly. "Are you still up for that coffee? I could use a break."
Before I hit send, I paused for a second.
Maybe I should let him make the move again before I jump in, I thought to myself. Then I dropped my phone.
As the school siren rang, signaling the end of another day, Saraph and I strolled out of the building, our backpacks slung lazily over our shoulders.
The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the streets as we made our way home.
It was one of those afternoons when everything felt light and carefree, the weight of assignments and deadlines momentarily forgotten.
Curious about her recent romantic escapades, I turned to her with a playful grin.
"So, how's it going with your new lover?"
I asked, nudging her arm. Saraph's face lit up instantly, a wide smile spreading across her lips.
"It's going great!" she said, her voice brimming with excitement.
She went on to share the latest updates about her budding relationship, recounting sweet moments and funny anecdotes that had me grinning from ear to ear.
It was clear she was smitten, and I couldn't help but feel happy for her.
But of course, I couldn't resist teasing her a little.
"Don't run too fast now," I joked, wagging a finger at her.
"You don't want to trip and break your heart!"
Saraph rolled her eyes at me but laughed anyway.
"If anyone tries to break my heart, I'll break their head!" she declared with mock seriousness, raising an imaginary fist in the air.
I burst out laughing at her dramatic statement.
"With which hand?" I teased back. "Don't even try that, my friend!"
We both dissolved into laughter, the kind that makes your sides ache and your eyes teary.
It was moments like these that reminded me how much I cherished our friendship.
Saraph had a way of making even the most ordinary day feel special, and I hoped I did the same for her.
As the evening wore on and we reached our respective homes, the day's adventures slowly came to a close.
After dinner and some time spent scrolling through my phone, I finally crawled into bed, my mind still replaying our conversation.
The sound of our laughter echoed in my thoughts, a comforting reminder of the joy that friendship brings.
With a smile on my face, I drifted off to sleep, ready to see what tomorrow would bring.
Life might be unpredictable, but with friends like Saraph by my side, I knew it would always be filled with laughter and love.