The FuBu

Chapter 19: The Misunderstanding

Meanwhile, Yanna drove back from her grandparents' farm, her thoughts swirling. She had taken the time away to reflect on everything, grappling with her feelings for Fox and the reality of their friends-with-benefits relationship. The countryside had given her peace, but it had also made her realize how much she missed him.

Was this the life she wanted?

As she neared home, she questioned whether she could continue in this arrangement without developing deeper feelings. Was Fox simply a friend to her anymore?

Back at his place, Fox paced, wrestling with his thoughts. He finally picked up his phone and began typing a message to Yanna, but hesitated before hitting send. He wanted to reach out, but fear held him back.

Fox: What if she's ready to end it all?

But deep down, he knew he had to take that risk. This wasn't just about the physical aspect of their relationship; it was about the connection they had built, the moments they had shared.

As the sun began to set, he steeled himself, ready to face whatever awaited him when Yanna returned. Whether it led to a deeper bond or an end to their arrangement, he was determined to find out.

As Yanna returned from her grandparents' farm, she felt a mix of relief and dread. The fresh air and serene surroundings had given her clarity, but the thought of facing Fox again tightened a knot in her stomach. Despite the time away, her feelings had only intensified, making it harder to maintain the facade of indifference she had carefully constructed.

She stepped into her room, her heart heavy with uncertainty. What if things can never go back to how they were? The idea of confronting her feelings made her anxious. It was easier to keep her distance, to pretend that the time apart hadn't affected her. She had convinced herself that avoiding Fox would shield her heart from any more pain.

At school, Yanna made a concerted effort to act as if everything was fine. She laughed with friends and kept herself busy, but when it came to Fox, she became a master of avoidance. When he would approach her in the hall, she would glance away, offering only a quick nod before hurrying off to her next class. She felt his eyes on her, filled with confusion and concern, but she refused to acknowledge him.

Fox: "Yanna! Can we talk?" he called one afternoon, desperation lacing his voice.

She stopped for a moment but then continued walking, her heart racing. How could she face him when she didn't even understand her own feelings?

Days turned into weeks, and Yanna's coldness deepened. She ignored his messages and avoided his calls, each unanswered text a small dagger in Fox's heart. He felt the distance between them growing, and it terrified him.

Fox: "What's going on, Yanna?" he asked one day, catching her after class. "You've been acting so different lately."

Yanna shrugged, unable to meet his gaze. "I'm just busy, that's all."

Fox: "Is it about Rikka? You know she doesn't mean anything to me, right?"

Yanna felt a pang of jealousy at the mention of Rikka, but she quickly brushed it aside. "It's not about her," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I just need some space."

Fox: "Space?" He looked hurt, searching her eyes for a hint of what was really going on. "But we were fine. What changed?"

Yanna felt the weight of his gaze, the concern etched on his face, but she hardened her heart. This is what I wanted, she told herself, even as it felt wrong.