NMW I Love You

Chapter 23 Candid Unforeseen Comfort

Imogen and Bryce convened in his room at half past 6 of the evening.

"I gave Liam a ring and had a talk," Imogen began, her lips clenched between her teeth. "But truth be told, I'm not quite sure what I was really talking about. The crux of the matter went untouched."

"Did you manage to glean any inkling about his sentiments?" Bryce inquired.

"Not a lot. I didn't delve into that aspect at all. I merely rambled on about our brief relationship, which barely lasted a month. It was he who terminated it."

"Was he perhaps a bit too bashful to pursue a relationship with you? Haha, that's quite plausible, considering his shyness," Bryce suggested.

"Perhaps, although I find it hard to justify. He initiated dating me willingly. When he popped his proposal, I didn't even pause to ponder because of his good looks and the bevy of girls in my friend circle who were keen on him. So, I mindlessly agreed."

"Ah, you mean he took the lead?"

"He was the one who decided to date me and similarly, he was the one who opted to end it. How is that equitable? I comprehend that he may have been uncertain, but I still have the right to feel this way."

"I'm sorry to hear this. It must have been hard for you back then."

"Indeed. But I didn't let that break me from inside. I'm all good."

"I'm proud of you."

"Thanks, Bryce."

"Haha, my pleasure."

Imogen let out a sigh, her fingers tapping lightly on the edge of Bryce's desk.

"I just wish I had managed it better, you know? Our talk felt like a whirlwind, and before I knew it, we were talking about everything except the elephant in the room."

Bryce leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "Well, these conversations can be tricky. Sometimes we're so focused on not making things awkward that we end up skirting around the real issues."

Imogen nodded in agreement. "Exactly. And now I'm sitting here, wondering if I missed an opportunity. Should I have been more direct? Should I have asked him about his feelings?"

Bryce chuckled softly. "Well, I wouldn't worry too much about it. You had a genuine conversation, and that's what matters. And who knows, maybe the next time you talk, you'll find the right moment to bring it up."

Imogen managed a small smile. "I hope so. It's just... it's been bothering me for a while, and I didn't want to mess things up further."

"You know, Imogen," Bryce began, his tone teasing, "sometimes we get caught up in our heads, overthinking every little detail. But in the end, what matters is being honest with yourself and with him."

"I suppose you're right," Imogen admitted. "I should focus on what I can do moving forward. And who knows, maybe one day we'll have that comprehensive and pecise talk."

Bryce leaned forward, his expression encouraging. "Exactly. And even if things don't go the way you hope, remember that you deserve someone who values you and interacts openly."

Imogen's voice held a playful tone as she looked up at Bryce. "Like you, right?"

Bryce's cheeks turned a faint shade of pink, but he maintained his composure. "Well, I like to think that I'm a decent friend, at the very least."

Imogen raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Oh, come on, Bryce. You're more than just a decent friend. You're the one who encouraged me to have that chat with Liam, even though I was dreading it."