It wasn't that long but a few months had passed. Three weeks from Aurora's last date with Matheo. She finally told how she felt about him which made him feel sad that she didn't feel the same as him. Aurora forgave Matheo and became good friends. In September, Aurora, Imani, and Drake celebrated Drake's birthday. He was finally going to be 30 years old. Aurora and Drake got wasted as Imani was still a hard-core drinker and watched the two do karaoke in their home.
Even Niccolo, his interest in Aurora started to grow deeper as they spent more time with each other. Despite talking around from time to time, he was falling deeper for the female than ever. Which led to them going on dates with the fake duo such as Imani and Drake watching from afar. Aurora was enjoying her time with Niccolo but seemed on edge with him. She just saw him as a friend and only treated him that way, making sure he did not think otherwise.
As for Imani and Drake, the cases of Smiley face had gone quiet. Which was very suspicious. Imani couldn't stop thinking about what Grant had said to him before he escaped their grasp. It was somewhat worrying him to death, but it felt like he was getting a break from the frequent murders. As for Drake, he has been trying to pinpoint hideouts that could have Grant and his accomplice on the line.
As for schooling, Aurora found out that Katerina and Carlo had called it quits after their 4 year-long relationship. It was quite shocking hearing it from Lucia but when confronting Carlos. He said that it was true. Aurora had found out that Carlos didn't cheat on her at all; rather, in fact, Katerina was the one who cheated on him with some random dude that they didn't know. Did this cause a breakup in the friendship of the group? Well no. They all still hang out and talk to each other. It's just Carlos and Katerina would never speak to each other.
Aurora had also gained a new friend at her workplace. Her name was Celine Tarasov, she was 19 years old and she came from France. She was a newbie into the center and they started to click with each other. Aurora also got a call from her parents which was very shocking to hear. But she enjoyed chit-chatting with her parents as they had time to talk to their only daughter in the family.
But roommates were a different story. Aurora did her best to start up a conversation with Imani and she was slowly getting there. Imani was slowly opening up to her as Aurora smiled learning new things about him. As for Imani, he started to show a bit more affection towards Aurora. Their bond started to become more of a brother-and-sister type of bond. For Drake and Aurora, they were like besties. Drake opened up more about his old love person. They'd hang out, go for ice cream, walk around the park, and just get to know and understand each other more. But being besties wasn't for long, Drake started to develop some type of feelings for Aurora and so was she. Did he dare to tell her? Hell no! He kept those feelings locked away.
It was as long as Aurora and Niccolo were still hanging out with each other. Niccolo's feelings for Aurora kept getting deeper and deeper.
"Aurora. I love you"
Aurora stopped what she was doing and looked right into Niccolo's eyes. Her eyes started to shake.
"Don't mess with me, Niccolo."
"No Aurora...I mean it I truly do love you. I want us to be more than just a fling to each other..."
"Niccolo."
"Aurora..please go out with me"
Aurora stayed quiet as she was lost in thoughts. As soon as she started to gather them, she opened her mouth.
"I enjoyed our time together, but I do not think this is right. I've been meaning to tell you, I just didn't have the guts to. Please forgive me, you've been so kind, but my heart is not swayed enough."
"Aurora, is there someone else on your mind? What about our time together? Was I only seen as a friend to you?"
"Please Niccolo, I thought about giving us a chance to get to know each other and see where it would take us. But I feel like we are way too different. I may have someone else in mind, but I do not know my true feelings for him. I want to understand myself and what these feelings are."
"Who is this guy?"
"I won't tell you who, just please, I cannot continue this, I'm so confused right now. I wanted us to see how far we'd get but my heart does not want to accept you. Niccolo, I thank you for your kindness and hospitality towards me. I'll see you around. Can we just be friends?"
"Of course Aurora. I'll be your friend and protect you."
Niccolo did not accept the rejection and his feelings toward her were so strong. He did not want to harm her but he also did not want to give her up. They both headed their way home.
"Hey, Aurora!"
"Hey Drake, what are you watching?"
"Cinderella. Do you want to join me? I have popcorn."
"Oh great, I'd love to. Where's Imani?"
"He's on a date with someone."
Aurora's stomach growls.
"You must be hungry. Let me make you some dinner. Is lemon pasta alright with you?"
"Oh it's okay, you don't have to go through that much trouble to make pasta."
"But I'm craving pasta too, just watch the movie. I'll be finished with the food soon."
Aurora did not watch the movie but instead watched Drake as he cooked. She felt strange just by looking at him. She felt happy and flustered while he cooked. To her, he looked so good while he was cooking. After cooking, he plates her food and wine.
"How is it?"
"Oh, it's amazing. I love all your cooking."
"Thanks. Where were you before coming home?"
"With Niccolo. He confessed to me, but I rejected him. I only saw him as my friend."
"Ah okay"
"Thanks again for the dinner."
Thirty minutes later Imani comes home from his date. They both ended dinner after talking for a while about Niccolo and cleaning up. Aurora heads to her room.
"So when are we going to stop watching them? I mean Aurora seems safe with her new boyfriend"
"Imani, they aren't together. She just told me."
"Oh, sorry to push your buttons, did someone hurt you today?"
"No!"
"But didn't you notice how Smiley Face hadn't made any sorts of moves yet..."
"Yeah but..wait are you trying to imply that her-"
"Yeah..it's suspicious.."
"Oh, Imani don't go that far in!"
"How can we know that he isn't"
"Imani."
