Tangled summer hearts

3. eyes of longing

Anya's pov:

Leaning against the wall, I catch voices drifting down the hallway. Curiosity pulls me closer, and I quietly move toward the argument.

Around the corner, Ryan and Noah stand facing each other, their voices raised. Ryan looks frustrated, while Noah, taller and angrier, seems hurt.

Ryan said firmly, "Let it go, Noah. It's been seven years."

Noah replied angrily, "Let it go? You think I can just forget everything? You always managed to twist things to your advantage."

Ryan defended himself, "That's not fair. I never wanted things to be this way."

I lean in, hearing accusations and defenses. Memories of our past-summer camps, unspoken feelings-flood my mind. Ryan's calm words show years of frustration, and Noah's anger reveals deep wounds.

Noah softened slightly, "You think I don't know that? Every time I see you, I'm reminded of what could have been different."

Overwhelmed, I close my eyes. The hope that leaving would fix their bond feels shattered. Tears well up, but I push them back. I must face the truth-they're still divided, and I played a part in it.

Taking a breath, I head back to the hotel room. The distant lobby sounds fade as I step inside, composing myself. Ryan and Noah come in after, tension hanging heavy between them, casting a shadow over the fragile peace of the evening.

The dinner went smoothly, with everyone engaged in lively conversations. Despite the cheerful atmosphere, I found myself lost in my own thoughts, barely touching my food. The reality of seeing Noah and Ryan after all these years, and the shock of learning about Tanya and Ryan's engagement, was overwhelming.

Once dinner was over, everyone decided to head to the shopping area for a little retail therapy. Tanya, with her usual enthusiasm, dragged Ryan along with her, leaving Noah and me at the dinner table. I wasn't in the mood for shopping, and it seemed neither was Noah.

As the others left, the silence between us grew heavy. Noah's eyes, filled with a mix of confusion and frustration, bore into me. I could tell he had been waiting for this moment, and I braced myself for what was to come.

Noah broke the silence first.

Slightly leaning forward Noah said intensely, "Why did you come back, Anya?"

I replied coldly,"That's none of your business, Noah."

Noah's voice edged with frustration, "Don't give me that. After all these years, you owe us an explanation."

I said firmly, "I don't owe you anything. I had my reasons."

Noah leaned back and said while crossing his arms, "Reasons? You disappeared without a word. Do you have any idea what that did to us?"

At this point I am loosing my patience, "I did what I had to do. That's all you need to know."

It seems like Noah is also getting angry, "That's all? You think you can just waltz back in and act like nothing happened?"

I said coldly,"I didn't ask for your permission to come back."

Noah scoffed and said, "Unbelievable. You haven't changed at all. Still selfish."

I glared at him, "You don't know anything about me, Noah."

Noah said scoffing slightly, "I know more than you think. What about the feelings we had for each other? Did they mean nothing to you?"

I am sure he can sense my hesitation clearly, "You were the one who kept running away from that, Noah. I'm not the only one who was running."

Noah's voice dropped, "I never stopped caring about you, Anya. You know that."