(TADC) Crazy Love. (Remake)

Chp 9: Overthinking.

Pomni glanced down at her phone, scrolling through an article about signs that someone cares about you. As she read the words, she couldn't help but think about her situation with Jax. The article talked about reassurance and how people who genuinely care will make efforts to provide it. Pomni couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness as she thought about her lack of experience with relationships and the way Jax seemed so indifferent to her emotions.

As she continued to read, the article mentioned casual touches as a subtle sign of romantic interest. Pomni couldn't help but think about the way Jax would sometimes touch her, teasing and making her feel things she didn't quite understand. She tried to push away the thoughts of his hands on her body, reminding herself that he was just playing around and not interested in her in that way.

The article then talked about odd behavior as a sign of attraction, mentioning stumbling over words and nervousness. Pomni couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of Jax being nervous around her. He was always so confident and sure of himself, never faltering in his words or actions. She couldn't imagine him ever showing any signs of nervousness, especially not around her.

Finally, the article discussed leaning into someone as a subconscious indicator of affection. Pomni thought about the way Jax would sometimes lean in when they were talking, mirroring her movements without even realizing it. She tried to convince herself that it was just a natural response, nothing more than friendly behavior between close friends.

But as she looked up from her phone, she couldn't shake the feeling that maybe, just maybe, there was something more between her and Jax. Maybe his teasing and touching were more than just playful banter. Maybe his confidence was just a mask for deeper feelings he was too afraid to reveal.

After 20 minutes of Pomni reading information on her phone, she suddenly found herself in a state of panic. Breathing heavily, she muttered to herself, "No... no... No... no! I... I can't be." Tears welled up in her eyes as she tried to come to terms with her feelings.

Pomni quickly got into the fetal position, holding her thighs against her chest and resting her chin on her kneecap. She whispered to herself, "I can't have a crush on Jax. I mean, I like him - not like that! Just as friends, nothing more! I promise! I don't want to ruin our perfect friendship with something as serious as this. How would he react if I told him?"

As thoughts raced through her mind, she imagined Jax's possible responses. "Wait... You? Like me? HA! You're not even 5'5. I don't need to be dating a dwarf!" or "You have a crush on me? On your roommate? What's the matter with you? You can't be wanting to date your roommate, pack your stuff, and get out!" or "Whhhaat? That's funny, Does the spinless timid clown have a thing for me? That's funny, sorry tots, I don't have time for you kid."

The mere thought of these reactions caused Pomni to shake intensely. She held herself tightly, trying to calm her racing heart and mind. "I don't want to ruin what we have. I don't want to lose him," she whispered to herself, determined to bury her feelings away.

Taking a deep breath in and out, Pomni slowly regained her composure. She got off the couch and made her way to the kitchen. Just then, the front door opened, and Jax walked in. Pomni's face lit up with a smile as she greeted him, "Jax! You're back!"

Jax turned around, surprised to see Pomni smiling so brightly. "Wow, who got you smiling like that? Heh, anyway, close your eyes, I got your special gift from yesterday's game," he said with a mischievous grin.

Pomni eagerly closed her eyes, her heart beating with anticipation. "Please... Hurry up, Jax! You're making me nervous," she thought to herself. Jax presented her with a small rabbit, saying, "Congrats! This little ball of fur is your prize."