Tangled summer hearts

prologue

Anya's POV:

The airport was bustling with activity, people rushing to and fro with their luggage in tow. My fingers drummed nervously on the handle of my suitcase as I stood with Lia, my best friend. The decision to leave for my studies abroad had been sudden, but it was the escape I desperately needed.

Lia glanced at me, concern etched on her face. "You sure you're okay, Anya?"

I nodded, trying to muster a smile. "Yeah, just a bit nervous."

Before Lia could respond, a familiar voice called out my name. I turned to see Noah running towards us, his expression a mix of confusion and hurt. My heart clenched painfully at the sight of him.

"Anya, why are you leaving?" Noah's voice was desperate, his eyes searching mine for answers. "Why didn't you tell me?"

I swallowed hard, forcing myself to stay composed. "Noah, it's for my studies. I need to do this."

"No, that's not it," he insisted, stepping closer. "You didn't even say goodbye. Why are you shutting me out?"

The truth was, I couldn't bear to explain. The fake relationship with Ryan, the confusion, the heartbreak—it was too much. I looked away, trying to steel myself. "I don't owe you an explanation," I said coldly.

Noah's face fell, and I saw the pain in his eyes. "Anya, please. Don't do this."

I took a deep breath, willing myself to be strong. "It's done, Noah. Let it go." I turned to walk away, but he grabbed my arm, his grip firm but gentle.

"Anya, please," he pleaded. "I need to know. Did you ever care about me? Did you feel anything?"

I met his gaze, my heart breaking even as I spoke. "Noah, I never felt the way you did. I'm sorry." The lie tasted bitter on my tongue, but I forced it out. His grip loosened, and I pulled away, leaving him standing there, shattered.

As I moved towards the gate, I glanced around, half-expecting, half-hoping not to see Ryan. My flight was boarding soon, and I thought he wouldn't come. But there he was, standing with that intense gaze of his, those forest green eyes locked onto me.

"Anya," Ryan called out, his voice calm yet insistent. I tried to avoid his eyes, but he closed the distance between us in a few strides. "You're leaving because of something else, aren't you?"

I shook my head, avoiding his gaze. "No, Ryan. This is what I want."

He reached out, gently lifting my chin so I had to meet his eyes. "You can't lie to me. I know you better than that."

The sincerity in his voice, the way he looked at me, made it so hard to keep my composure. But I had to. "Ryan, you don't understand. This is what's best for everyone."

He didn't back down, his eyes boring into mine. "No, Anya. This is you running away. I know you. You’re scared, but you don’t have to be."

Tears pricked at my eyes, but I blinked them back. "Ryan, just let me go. Please." I moved to step past him, but he caught my hand.

"I'll wait for you, Anya," he said, his voice breaking slightly. "No matter how long it takes, I'll wait."

His words tore at my heart, but I couldn't afford to break down now. I pulled my hand free, walking towards the gate without looking back. "Goodbye, Ryan," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

As I handed my boarding pass to the attendant and walked down the jetway, I could still hear his voice, strong and unwavering. "I'll wait for you, Anya. I promise."

The plane doors closed behind me, sealing my fate. I took my seat, the weight of what I was leaving behind settling heavily on my shoulders. I glanced out the window, seeing the airport shrink away as the plane took off. My heart ached, but I knew this was the only way.

For now, I had to focus on the future, on the life waiting for me abroad. But deep down, I knew that the memories of Noah and Ryan, and the love and pain intertwined with them, would follow me wherever I went.