Housemates

Old Times

Aaron

I slumped on the couch at home, lost in my thoughts, when I heard the door open. Aria walked in, her face beaming with a smile, carrying two shopping bags from her prom shopping. I couldn't help but keep my eyes on her- her outfit was stunning on her. She looked good, but I didn't say anything.

Its been like this all week. Every time I want to tell her something- its like my brain stops me from saying anything so I end up looking like an idiot and just stare at her.

"Were you on this couch the whole time I was out?" Aria asked, raising an eyebrow.

I hesitated for a moment, then replied, "No, I got up for a bit."

She shrugged it off and then asked, "Do you want to see what I bought? I found the most gorgeous dress!"

"Sure, I'd love to see," I responded, trying to sound enthusiastic. My mind, however, was still elsewhere.

Aria excitedly showed me the contents of her shopping bags, pulling out a beautiful dress and accessories. "Look at these earrings, Aaron! The girls and I are going to match with them"

"Yeah, it looks great," I mumbled absentmindedly, struggling to focus on her excitement.

Aria noticed my lack of engagement and furrowed her brow. "Hey, is everything okay? You seem a little distant."

I quickly apologized, trying to come up with an excuse. "Oh, sorry. Just zoned out."

I can tell she doesn't buy my act but I pray to god she doesn't ask me any further.

Aria's expression softened, and she reached out to hold my hand. "It's okay, Aaron. But I'm here for you if you want to talk about anything."

Of course she is. She's amazing.

I appreciated her concern, but I couldn't bring myself to open up. Instead, I changed the subject, hoping to divert her attention. "By the way, have you seen my mom? I think she went out earlier."

Aria nodded, releasing my hand. "Yeah, she mentioned something about running errands. Should be back soon, I guess."

We fell into an uneasy silence, and Aria suggested, "How about we bake some brownies together? That always cheers you up."

I mustered a smile and agreed, "Sure, that sounds nice."

As we made our way to the kitchen, Aria's cheerful demeanor seemed to lift the atmosphere. At least for her. She started gathering the ingredients while I stood by, not knowing what to do. Aria turned to me about to ask me something but her face was stuck. Almost as if she was going to sneeze. I picked up a napkin and handed it to her. She took it from me, then unexpectedly wrapped her arms around me and said, "I love you, Aaron."

Caught off guard, my heart raced. My heart was pounding as I stood there, frozen in place after hearing the words I never thought I'd hear from anyone, especially not from her. She loves me. But how could that be true? I'm a mess. I have nothing to offer. I don't deserve her love. And yet, there she was, looking at me with those big, brown eyes, expecting some sort of response. But I couldn't give her one. My throat was tight, and my palms were sweating. I knew I had to say something, but what? I mean I do want to say it back. I've been keeping it to myself for a while. This is my chance.

She's the greatest thing that has ever happened to me and- I'm gonna lose her. One way or another. That's just how it always goes. If I tell her now that I love her, it'll hurt her ten times more later-

Aria pulled away slightly, her smile fading a little. "Hey, you don't have to say it if you're not ready. I just wanted you to know how I feel."

I managed to get out a weak smile. Oh my god I feel like an asshole.