ᴇᴄʜᴏᴇꜱ ᴏꜰ ᴜꜱ

Chapter 19: Waves of change

Sarah's POV

The next day felt like a whirlwind. I couldn't shake off the lingering feelings from my day with Izuko. My mind was still buzzing as I arrived at college, heart racing with anticipation and a hint of anxiety.

I spotted Riy, Aysh, and Jenna sitting together at our usual spot in the cafeteria. They waved me over, and I took a deep breath, preparing to share my thoughts.

"Hey! You look like you've just seen a ghost," Aysh teased, giving me a playful nudge.

"Or maybe she's just finally realized how amazing I am," Jenna chimed in with a wink, flipping her hair.

"More like she's thinking about someone special," Riy said, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Don't try to hide it, Sarah! Spill the beans!"

I hesitated for a moment, glancing around to make sure no one was eavesdropping. "I hung out with Izuko yesterday," I said slowly, trying to gauge their reactions.

"What did you two do?" Aysh asked, leaning in with curiosity.

"We just... talked a lot," I replied, trying to keep it vague. "Remembering old times, laughing, and stuff."

"And?" Riy pressed, her excitement palpable. "There has to be more than that. You looked like you were glowing!"

"It felt different," I confessed, my heart pounding. "I think I might have feelings for her. But I'm scared to ruin our friendship."

Aysh nodded understandingly. "That's tough. I mean, feelings can complicate everything. But isn't it worth exploring?"

"Maybe," I sighed, feeling the weight of my uncertainty. "But what if she doesn't feel the same? I can't risk losing her again."

"Sarah, you won't know until you talk to her," Jenna encouraged, her tone softening. "And you know you can't keep hiding your feelings. It's like trying to ignore a fire in your heart. It will just get bigger and burn you out!"

Sarah's inner thoughts (again)

As I listened to my friends, I couldn't help but reflect on the countless memories I had with Izuko. From our ridiculous attempts at baking to the nights spent talking about our dreams and fears, every moment had built a foundation that I cherished.

"What if we end up just like we were before?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. "What if we can't go back to how things were?"

"Sometimes you have to take a leap of faith, Sarah," Riy replied, her expression earnest. "Friendships can evolve, and that doesn't mean losing what you had. It might just mean gaining something new."

Aysh's POV

As Sarah shared her feelings, I felt a mix of empathy and excitement. I remembered the times I had navigated similar waters and how scary yet exhilarating it could be.

"You know, when I realized I liked someone, it felt like being on a roller coaster," I added, hoping to lift her spirits. "One moment you're terrified, and the next, you're screaming with joy. It's all part of the ride!"

"Great analogy, Aysh," Jenna chuckled. "Just remember, not everyone enjoys roller coasters!"

We shared a laugh, but I could see the turmoil in Sarah's eyes. I wanted to support her in whatever decision she made, but I also wanted her to find the happiness she deserved.

Back to Sarah's POV

"Maybe I should just talk to her," I said, feeling a spark of determination. "But what if I screw it up?"

"Then you screw it up," Riy said, shrugging. "At least you'll know. And who knows? Maybe Izuko feels the same way."

"Right, and then we can all celebrate Sarah's love story!" Aysh exclaimed, her eyes gleaming with enthusiasm.

"Okay, okay! Just don't get ahead of yourself," I laughed, feeling a little more at ease. "I'll think about it."

As the lunch bell rang, I found myself stealing glances at Izuko across the cafeteria. She was laughing with her friends, that same infectious smile lighting up her face. My heart fluttered, and I felt that familiar pull toward her.

Izuko's POV

The day flew by, filled with classes and the constant buzz of college life. But my mind kept drifting back to Sarah. After our last conversation, I felt a strange sense of clarity. I wanted to understand my feelings for her, but I also feared the consequences.

In between classes, I met up with Nya. "You seem deep in thought. What's up?" she asked, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed.

"I don't know, Nya. I've been thinking a lot about Sarah," I admitted, my voice low.

Nya raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh really? You've been spending a lot of time with her lately. Something going on?"

"I mean, we've reconnected, and it feels great. But I can't shake the feeling that things might change again. I don't want to lose her."

Nya nodded knowingly. "You like her, don't you? Like, really like her."

"I'm not sure! I mean, I care about her a lot, and she's amazing. But what if I ruin everything?"

"You won't know unless you try, Izuko," Nya replied, her tone serious. "Sometimes it's about taking risks, even if it scares you."

"I know, but what if it ruins our friendship? I don't want to go through that again."

Nya paused, considering her words. "Then maybe you need to talk to her about it. You two have a bond that's worth exploring. Just be honest."

Sarah's POV

Later that evening, I found myself pacing my room, my heart racing at the thought of confronting my feelings for Izuko. It felt like the calm before a storm, and I knew I had to make a decision.

Taking a deep breath, I grabbed my phone and texted Izuko. "Hey, do you want to hang out tomorrow? Just us?"

I hit send, my stomach twisting in knots. What if she saw right through me? What if this was a mistake?

A few moments later, my phone buzzed.

"Sure! I'd love that. What's the plan?"

I stared at the screen, my heart pounding. The plan was simple: talk. But the thought terrified me.

"Let's meet at the park? Maybe some ice cream?" I replied, trying to keep it casual.

"Sounds perfect! Can't wait!" she texted back, and I felt a wave of relief wash over me.

The Night Before

As I lay in bed that night, I couldn't help but replay all the moments we shared—each laugh, each memory, and the unspoken tension that hung in the air. I knew that tomorrow could change everything, and I was both excited and terrified.

What if we ended up closer? What if we fell apart? I felt like I was standing on the edge of a cliff, ready to dive into the unknown.

Tomorrow would be a new chapter, one filled with uncertainty but also hope. I closed my eyes, wishing for the courage to embrace whatever lay ahead.