Let me know

Admitting

Based off the events of the eddisode "Catherine's Adventure"

The crisp autumn air whipped through Catherine's long brown hair, her laughter echoing through the ancient forest. Below, Edd scrambled, his legs barely keeping pace with her daring leaps.

"C'mon, slowpoke!" Catherine called, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You'll never catch me at this rate!"

Edd huffed, a light blush creeping onto his cheeks. He wasn't built for acrobatics like Catherine, but his determination to keep up fueled his clumsy attempts. He loved these adventures, exploring hidden corners of their world with Catherine at his side.

They reached a clearing bathed in golden sunlight, a hidden waterfall cascading into a crystal-clear pool. Catherine, with a mischievous grin, launched herself into the water, sending a spray of droplets towards Edd.

"Last one in is a rotten egg!" she shouted, disappearing beneath the surface.

Edd chuckled, shaking his head. "Rotten egg it is, then!" He plunged into the pool, emerging with a splutter and a smile.

As they swam, Catherine playfully splashed him, her laughter ringing like wind chimes. Edd, in turn, pretended to be a grumpy sea monster, chasing her with mock growls. It was a familiar dance, one they'd repeated countless times, their friendship a comfortable, well-worn path.

But for Catherine, it was a path riddled with thorns. She couldn't deny the way her heart skipped a beat whenever Edd's eyes met hers, the way his smile warmed her like the sun. But her way of dealing with these feelings was anything but conventional.

Later, as they sat beneath a towering oak, Edd sighed contentedly. "This has been a brilliant day, Catherine. Thanks for dragging me out here."

Catherine, lounging on a rock, tilted her head, her smile teasing. "Oh, it was no trouble at all. Besides, someone had to keep you company, didn't they?"

Edd's cheeks flushed again. "Well, I wouldn't mind having your company more often, that's for sure." His voice was barely a whisper.

Catherine's heart hammered against her ribs. "Is that so?" she purred, her voice laced with mock innocence.

She leaned closer, her eyes locking with his. Edd's breath hitched, anticipation hanging heavy in the air. But then, in a flash of playful cruelty, Catherine winked.

"Just kidding, Edd," she said, her smile playful. "You're stuck with me, whether you like it or not."

Edd's face fell, a flicker of disappointment crossing his features. He quickly recovered, forcing a smile. "Of course," he said, his voice strained.

Catherine felt a pang of guilt, but she quickly pushed it down. This was her way of protecting herself, of keeping her heart safe from the possibility of rejection. But as Edd turned away, his smile fading, a new thought struck her.

Was she protecting herself, or was she pushing him away?

The silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken emotions. Edd fiddled with a loose thread on his shirt, his gaze fixed on the ground. Catherine, usually a whirlwind of playful energy, felt uncharacteristically subdued. The weight of her hidden feelings pressed down on her, and for the first time, the act felt more exhausting than exhilarating.

Suddenly, Edd spoke, his voice soft. "Catherine," he began, then hesitated. "Is... is everything alright?"

Catherine met his gaze, surprised by the concern in his eyes. "Yeah, I'm fine," she mumbled, avoiding his searching stare. But the lie tasted bitter on her tongue.