Burning Truths?

Chapter 6: After the Storm

Sophie stood at the edge of the party, her heart racing. The music thumped in the background, but she couldn't focus on anything except the sight of Leo storming out of the room. Emma had told her to leave it alone, that Leo probably needed space, but Sophie couldn't shake the uneasy feeling gnawing at her.

She glanced back at the party. Everyone else had moved on, too caught up in their drinking games and laughter to notice Leo's absence. They don't get it. They don't know him like I do. The thought surprised her, but it was true. She had seen something in Leo no one else seemed to see.

Before she could talk herself out of it, Sophie slipped away from the crowd and headed toward the stairs. The hallway was quiet, the noise of the party fading as she approached Leo's room. She hesitated in front of the door, her heart pounding. Am I really doing this?

Part of her wanted to turn around and leave, but she couldn't shake the image of Leo's face when he had stormed out—how hurt and angry he had looked. You're already here, she told herself. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door.

The room was empty, save for the sound of the shower running in the bathroom. Sophie stepped inside quietly, closing the door behind her. The room looked the same as before—neat, organized, a reflection of the Leo that no one else seemed to notice. Books were stacked on the shelves, football gear was tossed casually on the floor, and the desk was impeccably clean.

But something was different this time.

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Her eyes landed on a sketchbook lying open on the desk. She moved closer, curiosity pulling her in. When she saw what was inside, her breath caught.

It was a drawing of her.

Sophie stared at the page, her heart racing. The lines were soft but precise, capturing her features in a way that felt intimate, like Leo had studied her face and remembered every detail. He's been thinking about me. The realization hit her like a wave. She had always thought of Leo as the cocky, distant jock who didn't care about anyone's feelings, but this... this was different.

Suddenly, the sound of the shower stopping pulled her out of her thoughts. She glanced toward the bathroom door, panic bubbling up inside her. What am I doing? She quickly grabbed her phone, her fingers trembling as she typed out a message.

Sophie: Don't come out naked this time.

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Inside the bathroom, Leo's phone buzzed on the counter. He picked it up, still toweling off his hair, and saw Sophie's message.

Sophie: Don't come out naked this time.

Leo chuckled softly, a grin spreading across his face. So she's trying to be funny now. He called out from the bathroom, his voice playful, but laced with his British tone. "Really? You couldn't wait 'til I was dressed? Not exactly shy, are you?"

Sophie stood by the desk, feeling a smile tug at her lips despite the nervous energy running through her. "Just thought I'd give you a heads-up this time."

Leo laughed, the tension easing in his voice. "Well, I appreciate the warning. I'd hate to be a repeat offender."

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A few moments later, he emerged from the bathroom, a towel wrapped securely around his waist. His hair was still damp, and there was a playful smirk on his face, but his eyes were filled with something deeper—surprise, and maybe a little vulnerability. He glanced at Sophie, then his eyes fell on the open sketchbook on the desk.