Found | Shuri (Searchin' Sequel)

| T W E N T Y • T H R E E |

| Hazel |

I had never felt more exhausted than I did after today, but for some reason sleeping was the last thing on my mind.

Instead my mind was filled with thoughts of the events from earlier. Each thought consisting of Shuri. Each moment replaying, making me feel a different emotion every time.

The way that her and my mom got along so well, the way that she got along with everyone so well. It was like she fit right in.

I couldn't help but wonder if it would be the same if I brought someone else around, like KJ. Would my family enjoy him as much as they did her?

Do I even enjoy him as much as I do her? Do I enjoy anyone as much as I do her?

Since she's been here, I've been trying to convince myself that I was over her, but if today did nothing else, it confirmed that I was far from it.

I let out a sigh, sitting up on the edge of the bed. I glanced at the clock, noticing it was now 3 in the morning and I've been in the bed trying to sleep for the past 2 hours.

It was obvious at this point that I wouldn't be getting any sleep.

I made my way down the stairs, walking into the kitchen and grabbing a bottle of water and going into the living room to sit on the floor.

It felt like the most comforting thing to do since everyone else was asleep and I had no one to express my realization to.

A thousand questions were running through my mind as I sat, staring at the blank TV screen in front of me.

Would it really be so bad to give us another chance? What if nothings changed? How would I know if I don't try?

I was too deep in my thoughts to even realize, someone else had joined me.

"You okay?" She asked, standing there looking at me.

She was always popping up.

"I thought everyone was asleep." I mumbled.

"Riri and Mallory aren't the quietest roommates." She chuckled, "and I was thirsty."

She made her way over to me, sitting down beside me on the floor and crossing her legs, as if I was the cure to her thirst.

A part of me wanted to pull her closer to me while the other wanted to get up and leave.

I was conflicted and confused by everything that I was feeling.

"Are you sure you're okay?"

It felt easy to want to open up to her. It always was, but things were different this time and I knew I couldn't tell her why I was sitting here on the floor in the dark.

Especially since the reason was her.

"I'm fine." I gave her a small smile which made her smile.

"I think that's the first smile I've gotten since I've been here."

"It'll probably be the last." I responded, rolling my eyes.

She laughed, resting her back on the front of the couch that was behind her.

"I know you didn't want me here, but thank you for agreeing to let me come."

"I didn't agree."

She nodded, remaining silent and awkwardness filled the room.

Even after my realization, I was still trying to build a wall between us. I wanted to protect my heart.

"Your mom-"