GLASSHEARTS❤️ 💙

Chapter 14- Trapped Together

Red's POV

I shifted uncomfortably, feeling trapped in the small room with Chloe. We shared a dorm room, but this was different. Here, the air was thick with tension, and I couldn't escape the proximity to her.

"Now what do we do?" I asked, trying to break the silence.

Chloe's response was laced with irritation. "I don't know. We sit here and wait for them to open the door, I guess."

I attempted to lighten the mood. "Hey, don't worry, everything will be fine."

Chloe's expression softened, and she smiled at me. My heart skipped a beat. Man, I just loved how she smiled – it was like the whole room brightened up. I felt my resolve weakening, and I couldn't help but wonder if maybe, just maybe, being trapped in this room with Chloe wasn't so bad after all.

Chloe's eyes locked onto mine, her gaze soft and curious. "Hey, Red? What's something you've never told anyone?"

I hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "Why do you want to know, Chloe?"

She shrugged, her smile gentle. "I just do. But if you don't want to tell me, it's fine."

I paused, weighing my options. Something about Chloe's kind demeanor put me at ease.

"Okay... um... the thing is... I've always felt like I'm not good enough. Like everyone is better than me, and it's exhausting trying to keep up."

Chloe's expression softened, and she reached out, her hand brushing against mine. "Oh, Red, that's not true. I know you, and I know that's why you've been tough on yourself. But don't listen to what anyone else says – be yourself, Red."

I looked at her, surprised by her sincerity. "How did you know?"

Chloe smiled, her eyes sparkling. "Because, Red, I know you. Simple."

As our hands touched, I felt a jolt of connection, like a spark had ignited between us.

---

Chloe's eyes never left mine as she shared her secret. "When I was a kid, I always looked up to my mom, Cinderella. Everyone loved her, and I wanted to be just like her – admired and adored."

I nodded, understanding. "So that's why you've always tried to be perfect – to make everyone like you?"

Chloe's gaze dropped, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yeah... I thought if I could just be as amazing as my mom, people would love me too."

I squeezed her hand, offering support. "Chloe, you are amazing – not because of your grades or achievements, but because of who you are."

Chloe's eyes met mine, a hint of vulnerability in them. "Thanks, Red... just talking about this makes me feel a little lighter."

I smiled, feeling a connection deepen between us. "Anytime, Blue. We're in this together now."

"Blue?" she repeated, still chuckling.

I grinned. "Yeah, Blue. It suits you."

Chloe's smile softened, and she looked at me with a hint of seriousness. "Red, can I tell you something?"

I leaned in, my ears perked up. "I'm all ears, Blue."

Chloe took a deep breath, her voice barely above a whisper. "I feel like I can be myself around you, Red. Like I don't have to put on a mask or pretend to be someone I'm not."

I smiled, feeling a connection deepen between us. "You can always be yourself around me, Chloe. I like you for who you are."

Chloe's voice was barely above a whisper. "Can I tell you something, Red?"