The Fake Love

Chapter 9

As the end of their ninth-grade year approached, Alvarist couldn't shake the feeling that he needed to confess his feelings to Arselia once more. The love he had buried deep inside was becoming too powerful to ignore, and he feared that if he didn't speak up, he would lose his chance forever. His friend Azhler, who had been a pillar of support throughout Alvarist's internal struggle, encouraged him to take the leap.

"Look, Alvarist," Azhler said one afternoon as they sat on the bleachers overlooking the school field. "You've been holding onto this for so long. If you don't tell her how you feel, you'll always wonder what could have been."

Alvarist nodded, the weight of Azhler's words settling over him. "You're right, Azhler. I need to do this."

That evening, Alvarist found himself typing out a heartfelt message to Arselia. He poured his emotions into the text, hoping to convey the depth of his love.

*Hey Arselia, I know this might be out of the blue, but there's something I need to tell you. These past years have been incredible, and I cherish every moment we've spent together. But there's something I've been hiding, something I need to get off my chest. Arselia, I love you. Not just as a friend, but as someone I want to be with. I understand if you don't feel the same way, but I had to tell you. You mean the world to me.*

He hit send and waited, his heart pounding in his chest. Minutes felt like hours as he stared at his phone, willing a response to appear. Finally, his phone buzzed, and he saw Arselia's name on the screen.

*Alvarist, I don't know what to say. This is a lot to take in. Can we talk about this in person?*

They agreed to meet at their favorite spot in the park, a quiet area by the pond where they had spent countless hours talking and laughing. As Alvarist walked towards the meeting place, he felt a mixture of hope and dread.

When he arrived, Arselia was already there, sitting on the bench and staring out at the water. She turned to him as he approached, her eyes reflecting a myriad of emotions.

"Alvarist," she began, her voice soft. "I read your message, and it made me realize just how much we've been through together. You've always been there for me, and I can't imagine my life without you."

Alvarist felt a glimmer of hope but also a deep-seated fear of rejection. "Arselia, you don't have to say anything you don't mean. I just needed you to know how I feel."

Arselia took a deep breath, her eyes never leaving his. "I do care about you, Alvarist. More than I can put into words. And if I'm honest, I don't want to lose what we have. I don't want to make you sad or feel like you're not enough."

Alvarist's heart soared at her words, but he also detected a note of hesitation. "Are you sure, Arselia? I don't want you to feel pressured."

She nodded, giving him a small smile. "Yes, I'm sure. Let's give this a try. You're too important to me to let fear stand in the way."

They embraced, and for the first time, Alvarist felt a sense of peace. He knew that Arselia's acceptance might be driven by a desire to keep him from feeling hurt, but he also believed that there was potential for their relationship to grow into something beautiful.

In the following weeks, Alvarist and Arselia navigated their new relationship with care. They exchanged sweet messages, each text brimming with affection and hope for their future together.

*Good morning, Arselia. Just wanted to remind you how amazing you are. Have a great day!*

*Hey Alvarist, I can't stop thinking about our time at the park. I feel so lucky to have you in my life.*

*I miss you already, and it's only been a few hours since we last saw each other. Can't wait to see you tomorrow.*

One afternoon, as they sat together in the school courtyard, Azhler joined them. He had always been a keen observer and had noticed the subtle changes in their dynamic.

"Hey, lovebirds," Azhler teased, a playful grin on his face. "How's everything going?"

Arselia blushed, but Alvarist laughed, feeling a sense of camaraderie with his friend. "It's going well, Azhler. Thanks for all your advice."

Azhler nodded, his expression turning serious for a moment. "Just remember, the foundation of any relationship is honesty. Don't be afraid to talk about your feelings, even the tough ones."

Alvarist and Arselia exchanged a glance, both knowing that Azhler's words carried weight. They were committed to making their relationship work, but they also understood that open communication was crucial.

As they walked home that day, Arselia took Alvarist's hand in hers. "You know, Azhler is right. We need to be honest with each other, no matter what."

Alvarist squeezed her hand, feeling a renewed sense of determination. "I agree, Arselia. And I promise to always be honest with you."

Their relationship continued to blossom, and although Alvarist sensed that Arselia's initial acceptance might have been influenced by her desire to avoid hurting him, he believed that with time, her feelings for him would grow deeper. He was willing to be patient and to cherish every moment they shared, knowing that their bond was built on a foundation of mutual respect and care.

As the school year drew to a close, Alvarist felt hopeful about the future. He was grateful for Azhler's guidance and support and for Arselia's willingness to give their relationship a chance. Together, they faced the unknown with a sense of optimism, ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead, united by their unspoken bond and the promise of what could be.