SKYLINE HEARTS

BONUS: 02

We're back with another bonus chapter! Unlike the first one, this bonus content includes Chris's happy ending. It takes place in between chapters 24 and 25. For a refresher, please refer to them. With that out of the way, I wish Team Chris and the rest of my dear readers a joyful reading session.

A.K.A HAPPY READING!

P.S. I APOLOGIZE IN ADVANCE FOR MAKING THIS CONTENT SHORTER THAN THE PREVIOUS ONES.

***

"Hey, cupcake?"

I spun on my heel and watched as Chris emerged from the shadows. My eyes widened in disbelief. How long had he been standing there? Was it long enough to watch the whole interaction with Ace?

"C-Chris?"

He chuckled, showing his hands in the blazer's pockets as he stepped forward.

"You sound like you've seen a ghost."

Quickly averting my gaze, I wiped off my tears before facing him.

"I don't s-sound like I've seen a ghost." God, I hated how shaky my voice sounded. I hoped he didn't pick up on that.

"You alright?"

His question caught me off-guard.

"Huh?"

"I said," He paused, stepping even closer. His voice dropped to a low, gentle tone. "Are you alright?"

"O-Of course," I quickly said, forcing a chuckle. "Why wouldn't I be?"

His thumb caressed the skin below my right eye swiftly yet delicately.

"Then what is this?"

He showed me the drop of moisture that lay on his thumb.

"I---"

"You know you can tell me things, right?" He softly reminded me. "I see no reason why you should lie to me."

"Right. You're right," I sighed.

A satisfactory smile graced his lips.

"So, I'm going to ask you again, cupcake. Are you alright?"

"No..."

"And why not?"

I let out another sigh as I rubbed my forehead.

"How can I be okay? I broke Ace's heart."

His silence prompted me to continue.

"I...I know it was inevitable. Someone had to have their heart broken. But just because it was unavoidable, it isn't any easier."

He nodded, crossing his arms against his chest.

"I know. But it's something we have to go through. When we made the pact, we didn't realize it would come to this. I never thought I'd have to compete with either of my best friends, let alone both simultaneously."

He paused, averting his gaze briefly before looking down at me again.

"I'm sorry we dragged you into this. We never intended that to happen."

I shook my head.

"Don't apologize. It's alright. There was nothing you three could've done about it. The heart wants what it wants, right?"

He chuckled and nodded.

"Agreed. The heart wants what it wants. We can't control who we like."

Silence fell over us. None of us knew what to say next. I briefly looked up to see Chris lost in thought, contemplating something.