Stuck in the 𝐌𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞~KDG

Crossing Lines

The resolution between BabyJoe and me brought a temporary peace, but the fallout from the rumors left a mark I couldn't ignore. Word spread quickly throughout the school, and even though BabyJoe tried to set things straight, whispers still lingered in the air. I found myself more aware of people's stares, and even Kentrell seemed slightly distant, like he was holding something back.

A few days later, during lunch, I sat with Mia, Ava, and Zoe in the cafeteria. The lively conversations around me helped dull the awkwardness I'd been feeling, but there was still a weight in the air that I couldn't shake. Kentrell hadn't been his usual self since the confrontation with BabyJoe, and although we hadn't talked about it, I knew something was bothering him.

Mia, as usual, was the first to notice. "You've been weird lately. What's going on with you and Kentrell?"

I shrugged, poking at my food. "It's nothing. Just... things have been weird with everyone."

Ava leaned in, whispering conspiratorially, "People are still talking, you know. The rumors didn't die as fast as BabyJoe probably hoped."

I sighed, feeling the tension return. "I know. I don't really care what people say, but it's making things awkward with Kentrell. We haven't really talked about it."

Zoe chimed in, "Maybe you should talk to him. Clear the air. If you don't, it's just gonna get worse."

I nodded, knowing they were right. After lunch, I made up my mind to find Kentrell and have the conversation I'd been avoiding.

Later that day, I spotted Kentrell at his locker, surrounded by a few of his friends. I took a deep breath and walked up to him. "Hey, Kentrell. Can we talk?"

His friends exchanged looks and quickly gave us space. Kentrell closed his locker and leaned against it, his expression guarded. "What's up?"

I hesitated. "I've noticed things have been off between us since... well, since everything with BabyJoe. I just want to know where we stand."

Kentrell's jaw clenched slightly. "It's not like I'm mad or anything, Tori. It's just... people keep talking, and I guess I've been hearing it more than I want to."

I felt a pang of guilt. "I didn't mean for things to get this complicated. BabyJoe and I cleared things up, but I know it's affected you too. I don't want this to mess up our friendship."

Kentrell ran a hand through his hair, looking conflicted. "Yeah, but I can't help feeling like things have changed. The way people keep looking at us, talking about us—it's getting to me."

I stepped closer, my voice softening. "I get it. I don't want people assuming things about us, either. But we're stronger than that, right? We shouldn't let this stuff come between us."

Kentrell looked down at the ground for a moment, then met my eyes. "I don't know, Tori. Maybe it's more than just rumors. Maybe it's about figuring out what we really mean to each other."

My heart skipped a beat. I had always valued my friendship with Kentrell, but this felt like it was edging into unfamiliar territory. "What do you mean?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Kentrell hesitated, his eyes searching mine. "I don't know... maybe we've been tiptoeing around something for too long. Maybe it's time we stop pretending like there's nothing there."

My breath caught in my throat. This was the conversation I hadn't seen coming. I cared deeply for Kentrell, but I'd never allowed myself to think beyond friendship—not like this.

"I... I didn't think you saw things that way," I said, my mind racing.

Kentrell gave me a small, sad smile. "I didn't think I did either. But now... with everything that's happened, I'm not so sure anymore."

Before I could respond, the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch. Kentrell pushed off from the locker, his expression unreadable. "We'll figure it out," he said before turning and heading down the hallway.

I stood frozen, the weight of the conversation settling heavily on me. What had just happened between us? Was this the beginning of something new, or the unraveling of the one solid friendship I thought I could count on?

That night, I lay awake, my thoughts spinning. Kentrell's words had changed everything. For the first time, I had to face the possibility that my feelings for him might be more complicated than I'd let myself believe. And even if they were, what did that mean for my relationships with BabyJoe, Mia, and the rest of the group? Everything felt like it was on the verge of crossing lines I wasn't sure I was ready for

_____________
Thoughts ?
Vote & Comment!
______________