Dusk Glow

Chapter II: Lingering on the Surface

Ever since their quiet, emotional moment while they were leaving the forest, Darla has been avoiding Jakkub, unsure of how to deal with her feelings after his confession.

But Jakkub has had enough of the distance, and they run into each other at a quiet spot on the school grounds—somewhere secluded, away from everyone else. Darla has been sitting alone, clearly deep in thought, when he approaches.

His expression unreadable but his eyes serious. He's been patient for days, but he can't stay silent any longer.
"Darla."
His voice is soft, but there's a weight to it.
"We need to talk."

Darla looks up, startled. Her heart starts racing again as soon as she sees him. She knew this conversation was coming, but she's been dreading it.
"Oh, Jaku, hoo... I didn't see you there."*

Of course he wants to talk. He's probably wondering why I've been avoiding him. But what do I even say? I don't know what I'm feeling!

Jakkub steps closer, sitting down beside her.
He doesn't beat around the bush—he's always been direct. "You've been avoiding me."
His voice isn't accusatory, but it's firm.

He's hurt, but he doesn't want to push her too hard.
"What's going on, Darla? I thought... I thought we had a moment that evening. But now... you're distant."

Darla bites her lip, her heart pounding. She knows she owes him the truth, but it's hard to say it out loud.
"I'm sorry, Jaku. I didn't mean to avoid you,
I just... I've been thinking a lot."
Her voice is shaky, her eyes downcast. She's afraid to look at him, afraid of what she might see.

Jakkub's expression softens, and he leans forward slightly, trying to catch her gaze.
"About what?"
He's gentle, but there's an urgency to his words.
He needs to know what's going on in her head.
"You can tell me, Darla. You know you can."

Darla takes a deep breath, her mind spinning. She knows she has to be honest, but it feels impossible. How can she admit she's still thinking about Edwynn, too?

"It's just... after what you said the other night, I've been thinking about... us. And... I don't know what I feel right now, Jaku. I'm so confused."
She fidgets with the edge of her sleeve, feeling a little nervous. And her voice cracks slightly, and she finally looks up at him, her eyes wide and filled with emotion.

"I never realized how much you cared. And now that I know... it's like everything's different. I don't know how to handle it."

J.I.M: She's confused. She's still thinking about him, I know it. But hearing her say it...
it still hurts.

Jakkub's jaw tightens for a second, but he keeps his voice steady. It is clear that he's trying to be patient, even though the weight of her words stings. He leans forward, his expression softening, but there's a weight to his words now.

"I get it, Darla. I'm not asking you to have all the answers right now."
His voice is calm, but there's a hint of sadness in his eyes.

"But I need to know where I stand.
If you don't feel the same way, that's... fine.
I just don't want to be left hanging."*

Darla's heart breaks a little at his words. She hesitates, unsure of how much to reveal about her feelings. Because the last thing she wants is to hurt him. He's been there for her like a brother, and now she's the one causing him pain.

"It's not that I don't care about you. I do. You're... you've been there for me, like a brother I never had... but I never really saw how you really felt... until now. But..."

She hesitates, knowing this is the part that's going to hurt him the most.
"Edwynn... he's still in my head, too. I don't know why, but I can't stop thinking about him, and it's messing me up. I don't know what to do."