The dance was a blur of music, laughter, and stolen glances between Kristel and Kyou. For the first time in her life, Kristel felt truly happy and carefree. She was with someone who appreciated her for who she was, not for her popularity or her looks.
As the night drew to a close, Kyou walked Kristel to her house. They stood on her porch, reluctant to say goodbye.
"I had a really great time tonight," Kyou said, his voice soft. "Thank you for inviting me."
"Me too," Kristel said, her heart fluttering. "I'm glad you came."
Kyou leaned closer, his eyes searching hers. "I'm glad I did too," he whispered. "I think I'm really starting to like you, Kristel."
Kristel's breath caught in her throat. She had been hoping he would say that. "I like you too, Kyou," she whispered back, her voice barely audible.
Just then, a group of Kyou's friends approached, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern.
"Hey, Kyou," one of them said, his voice laced with a hint of suspicion. "What's going on with you and Kristel?"
Kyou's smile faded. "We're just friends," he said, his voice a little too defensive. "We had a good time at the dance."
"Yeah, right," another friend scoffed. "We've heard about her. She's a player. She breaks hearts."
Kyou's eyes narrowed. "What are you talking about?"
"Don't be naive, Kyou," another friend said. "She's been through a string of boyfriends. She dumps them the minute they get too close."
Kyou's heart sank. He had never heard anything bad about Kristel before. He had been so caught up in his feelings for her that he hadn't considered the possibility that she might not be who she seemed.
"I don't believe you," Kyou said, his voice tight. "Kristel is different."
"You're right, she is different," another friend said. "She's good at pretending to be different. But she's just like all the others. She'll break your heart."
Kyou felt a wave of anger and frustration wash over him. He wanted to believe in Kristel, but his friends' words had planted a seed of doubt in his mind.
"Leave me alone," he snapped, his voice shaking. "I'll figure things out for myself."
He turned away from his friends and walked back to Kristel, his heart heavy with conflicting emotions. He wanted to believe in her, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.
YOU ARE READING
THE JOURNEY BEGINS
RomanceTheir story, a testament to the enduring power of love, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams, had come full circle. They had found their happily ever after, not in a destination but in the journey itself, a journey they would continue to share, ha...
