The FuBu

Chapter 20: The Revelation

Fox realizes that his feelings for Yanna are stronger than he initially believed. As a result, he starts to distance himself from Rikka, but by that point, Yanna is already emotionally withdrawn from him.

Fox: "Rikka, I've been thinking... maybe we're better off as friends."

Rikka: "Is this about Yanna? You're falling in love with her? Or are you inlove since then?  Aren't you?"

Fox: quietly "Maybe I am."

Fox took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his words settle in the air between them. Rikka's piercing gaze searched his face, and he could feel the tension thickening.

Rikka: "So it's true, then. You're still hung up on Yanna." She crossed her arms, a mixture of hurt and frustration flashing across her face. "You were the one who told me to go for it, to enjoy what we have. But now you're backing away because of her?"

Fox: "It's not like that. I like spending time with you, but... Yanna and I have a history. It's complicated."

Rikka sighed, her expression softening slightly as she processed his words.

Rikka: "You could have told me sooner. I thought we were building something here."

Fox: "I didn't realize it until now. I tried to push my feelings aside, but every time I'm with you, I can't help but think about her." He ran a hand through his hair, frustration evident in his tone. "It's like she's always there, in the back of my mind."

Meanwhile, Yanna sat in her room, staring at the text forFox she had sent earlier. The anticipation was thick in the air, but as the minutes passed without a response, she felt a familiar ache in her heart. Maybe he's moved on, she thought, the thought stinging more than she wanted to admit.

She tried to shake it off, convincing herself that she needed to focus on her own feelings and give Fox space. But the truth was, the more she distanced herself, the more she realized just how much he meant to her.

Just then, her phone buzzed. Yanna glanced at the screen, her heart racing as she saw Fox's name flash before her.

Fox: Can we meet up? I need to talk to you.

Her pulse quickened. Was this it? Was he finally ready to discuss everything that had been left unsaid?

At the café where they used to hang out, Fox arrived first, anxiety gnawing at him. He was still processing his feelings for Yanna and trying to navigate his emotions for Rikka. As he waited, he replayed every moment he had shared with Yanna in his mind—every laugh, every lingering glance, every moment that felt charged with something more.

When Yanna finally walked in, the world around him faded. She looked uncertain, and for a moment, he felt an overwhelming urge to close the distance between them and pull her into a hug.

Yanna: "Hey," she said, her voice barely above a whisper as she slid into the seat across from him.

Fox: "Hey." The silence hung heavy between them, both unsure of where to begin.

Finally, he took a deep breath and decided to be honest.

Fox: "I've been thinking a lot about us, Yanna. About everything."

Yanna's heart raced. This is it, she thought, bracing herself for whatever he was about to say.

Fox: "I've been hanging out with Rikka, but every time I'm with her, I just... I think about you. I don't want to hurt her, but I can't ignore what I feel for you anymore."