Golden Fusion

13.

Vani's pov –

"There's something I need to tell you guys."

All of us were currently in Elaine and Leena's room trying to figure out an itinerary for tomorrow. Elaine and Tara were writing down the list, Talia was applying some kind of face mask, Aria and Leena were picking out good pictures on their phone. And me, I was guilt-tripping about lying to my friends.

The girls all looked at me waiting for me to say something.

"What is it, Vani?" Leena asked.

"I'm sorry guys." I said looking down.

"What are you saying? What happened? Are you okay?" Aria came to me and hugged me.

After she broke the hug, I went and sat on the bed joining Leena, Elaine and Tara while Talia was on the floor joined by Aria.

"I lied to you guys." I confessed.

"About?" Talia asked utterly confused.

"Remember how I said I have family friends here?" I reminded and all of them nodded. "Well, there are no family friends." I looked down.

"Then who did you meet yesterday night?" Tara asked worriedly.

"Um, there's a lot I need to tell you guys."

I told them about everything. From the day I met Milo while till yesterday including our kiss and his confession and how I kind of declined it.

"Dude, this is like a movie!" Aria exclaimed.

"Vani, you sure this guy is not some creep?" Elaine asked.

"Yeah, I'm positive he isn't." I assured her. "But I feel very guilty hiding this from you guys. I'm really sorry."

"Hey, don't feel bad. It's okay. You were having fun too. And it's not like you left us to have your own fun. You have been with us most of the time, so it's alright." Talia assured me. "Now tell me, do you actually not like him?"

"He's a good guy, but he's my friend first. I need some more time to romantically like him. But before that happens, we'll be leaving, and I have no idea if we're ever gonna meet again." I explained.

"I'd suggest you to just go with the flow." Elaine spoke. "There's nothing wrong with that. If you guys are meant to know each other for a longer time, you'll meet again. If not, then think of this as an experience and a good memory."

"You're right." I smiled at her.

"So, how does this guy look?" Talia asked excitedly.

"You know him." I told her trying not to smile.

"What do you mean?"

"He's the same guy who helped us when you were drunk."

There were a few seconds of silence.

And then Talia shrieked, "What the hell!"

All of us started laughing out loudly. Talia was super embarrassed and returned to applying her face mask, while the others continued with what they were doing. I joined Aria and Leena in selecting the good pictures.

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I woke up the next morning and got changed to meet Milo. I slowly closed the hotel door not wanting to wake Talia up. I started walking towards the bracelet shop.

When Milo told me he liked me, there was something in me that wanted to say that I can be okay with it to see where this goes. But I knew there are high chances of us not seeing each other, so I just had to put up a strong face. He didn't ask me anything after that. He had just let me know what he felt without expecting anything in return and I was grateful to that.