From Rejection to Affection: A Love Story

Prologue

I nervously approach Zane in the hallway after class, tapping him on the shoulder. Zane turned to see who tapped him on the shoulder. He sees me and arches an eyebrow. I look at Zane nervously, my heart is beating a little too fast, but I gather up the courage to speak.

- I... I need to talk to you about something.- Zane looks at me for a moment and crosses his arms.

-Alright, what is it that you need to talk about?

I fidget with my fingers nervously, taking a deep breath before blurting out.

-I have something important to tell you...I-I like you...- Zane's expression doesn't change as he hear my confession. He looks at me too judgy for a moment before speaking his mind.

-Sorry, but I don't like you back. I see you as just a friend and that's all.

My heart heart sinks at his response, my shoulders are drooping

-Oh... I-I see...- I try to hide my disappointment, but my voice and expression give it away. The rejection hurts me more than i thought it would.

I see that Zane notices the hurt in my voice and expression, but he doesn't say anything. He looks away, avoiding eye contact and that thing hurts.

I stand here for a moment, my mind is racing with emotions. I force a small smile, trying to hide my true feelings.

-It's okay. I understand. Thank you for being honest with me...- Zane nods and looks back at me. He notices the forced smile and the sadness in my eyes.

-Yeah, no problem. I still wanna be friends, though.- I nods slowly, not looking at Zane anymore. The sting of rejection is still fresh and painful. I mutter a quiet reply

-Sure... friends...- He hesitates for a moment before reaching out and gently patting my shoulder.

-Hey, don't be too upset, okay? You'll find someone else who likes you back. You're a good person, and any guy would be lucky to have you.-I nod again, but the words don't really comfort me. i  try to hold back tears, biting my lips.

-Thanks... I guess. I should go now.

-Okay...take care, alright?- I force a strained smile, trying to keep it together. I turn around and start walking away, my shoulders are drooping even more than before. As i walk, tears start to form in my eyes, but i resist the urge to cry, not wanting Zane to see. I continue walking, fighting against the tears that threaten to spill over. I find a secluded spot and sit down, allowing myself to cry quietly, letting out the pain and disappointment i feel. I cry for a while, trying to come to terms with the fact that Zane doesn't like me back.