Burning Truths?

Chapter 3: Secrets in Texts

The next morning, Leo lay in bed, his gaze fixed on his phone as he scrolled through Sophie's Instagram for what felt like the hundredth time. Books, coffee, and scenic shots—nothing flashy, but there was an understated charm in the simplicity. Without the usual bravado he was used to seeing, her posts felt real, genuine.

With a slight smirk, he typed out a message.

Leo: Are you always this skilled at sneaking out of rooms, or am I just special?

He sent the message, leaning back, and wondered how long she'd take to respond. A few minutes later, his phone buzzed.

Sophie: Depends on whose room it is.

Leo chuckled, thoroughly entertained. She was quick—didn't bother with small talk. Refreshing.

Leo: And yet, here I was thinking I was the lucky one.

Sophie: "Lucky" isn't quite the word I'd use.

Her sharp, cutting replies kept him intrigued. She wasn't impressed by his usual charm, and that only made this whole thing more captivating.

Leo: What's on the agenda today, then?

Sophie: Studying.

Leo: You know, you could take a break. I could provide some entertainment.

Sophie: No thanks. I'm perfectly entertained as it is.

Leo laughed softly. Stubborn, aren't you? he thought. But that only made it all the more entertaining.

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Over the next few days, texting Sophie became a habit. Leo found himself anticipating their conversations—an unfamiliar feeling. He'd grown accustomed to quick flings and easy interactions, but with Sophie, it wasn't about flirting for the sake of it; she pushed back, and she wasn't interested in games.

The unspoken rule between them was clear: no talking in public. Whenever he spotted her on campus, their eyes met briefly, but neither spoke. Everything stayed between their phones, a private exchange just for the two of them.

Leo: Morning. How's the studying going?

Sophie: Fine. Just finished a paper.

Leo: Riveting stuff, I'm sure. Fancy taking a break?

Sophie: No.

Leo: Come on, surely you must need one.

Sophie: Not with you.

Leo shook his head, a smile playing on his lips. She was relentless, and yet she kept replying. Each time felt like a small triumph. She was still talking to him, even if she pretended not to be interested.

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Sitting outside a café with Mason and Emma, Leo's phone buzzed again with another message from Sophie. He quickly typed out a reply, but Mason was quick to notice.

"Alright, mate, what's going on?" Mason asked, leaning in. "You've been glued to that thing for days. Who's got you this hooked?"

Leo shrugged, locking his phone. "No one special. Just someone from class."

Mason narrowed his eyes. "Come on, you've been texting non-stop. It's got to be a girl."

Emma joined in, her tone playful. "Yeah, Parker, what's the story? You're never this secretive."