Love Admits Deceit

The Weight Of Words

Ethan's pov:

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I stood in front of the mirror, tugging at this stupid tie for the fifth time. No matter how many times I adjusted it, I couldn’t get comfortable. I felt different tonight. Not just nervous, but like something huge was about to happen. And I guess it was.

Tonight, I’m telling Emma everything.

I exhaled slowly, trying to settle the knots twisting in my stomach. My phone buzzed again on the counter. I knew I should check it, but I wasn’t ready yet. It was probably Jake, reminding me not to be late. But that w toasn’t what was on my mind.

No, all I could think about was Emma.

How am I even going to tell her? How do I say, “Hey, I really like you… oh, and I’m moving halfway across the country in a few weeks. But don’t worry, I’m coming back for you”? It sounds ridiculous when I say it like that.

But that’s what I have to do. I can’t leave her without telling her how I feel. After everything that’s happened with my dad—the accident, the move—it feels like my life is spinning out of control, and the only thing that makes sense anymore is her.

I stared into the mirror and practiced again, “Emma, I like you. Always have. And I know I’m leaving, but… I’ll come back. I promise I’ll come back for you.”

My chest tightened as I said it. I don’t even know how long I’ll be gone. My dad’s still recovering, and I’ll be handling the business while going to college. There’s no easy way to say it, but I have to.

We’re moving because of my dad’s accident. Everything changed the day we got that call. One moment, we were this normal, happy family, and the next… my mom called me  , wondering if I’d even see him again. It messed him up pretty bad. He can’t work like he used to, and I’m expected to step in. So, that’s it. We’re leaving, and I’ve got to grow up fast.

I can’t stay.

But Emma doesn’t know yet. I’ve been putting it off, avoiding the conversation, hoping that maybe there’s a way to tell her that won’t break her heart.

The thing is, I don’t even know how she feels about me. Sure, we’ve gotten close, but what if she doesn’t see me the same way I see her? What if I tell her, and it’s too late?

I ran my hands through my hair, my mind racing. I thought about her message earlier—how she said she might not come to the dance. My heart nearly stopped when I saw that. I can’t let tonight pass without telling her. That’s why I sent her the dress, hoping it would change her mind.

I needed her there tonight.

I glanced back at my phone. It buzzed again. I picked it up this time—Jake, of course. He’s probably already at the dance, wondering where I am. But all I could think about was Emma.

I can’t leave without her knowing the truth. I have to tell her how I feel.

Looking back at the mirror, I said it one more time, “I’m coming back for you, Emma. No matter how far I go… I’ll come back.”

I just hope that’s enough.

---Jakes pov

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I leaned against the cold brick wall outside the gym, staring up at the stars. Everything was already in motion inside—the decorations, the lights, the music—and all I could think about was her. Emma.

I had been telling myself for weeks that tonight was the night. That I was finally going to tell her how I felt, even if I knew what was coming.

Rejection.

I knew it. She’s in love with Ethan. Anyone with eyes could see it. The way she looks at him, the way they laugh together—it’s obvious. But here I am, still holding onto something that’s probably long gone. No, not ‘probably’—definitely.

I ran my hand through my hair, trying to shake the nerves building inside me. My chest felt tight, like it was caving in on itself. But I had to do this. I couldn’t keep it bottled up anymore.

Everything’s moving so fast. Ethan’s leaving soon—he hasn’t told Emma yet, but I know it’s coming. And I’m just stuck here, waiting for my chance. For my moment to tell her that I’ve been in love with her for longer than I care to admit.

Ever since we were kids.

But I’ve always been the quiet one. The guy standing on the sidelines, watching from a distance. Maybe that’s my problem. I never spoke up, never took a chance, and now… now it feels too late.

But I’m going to do it. Tonight.

What do I even say? "Hey, Emma, I know you’re in love with my best friend, but I’ve loved you for years, and I just need to get this off my chest before I go insane." Yeah, that’ll go over real well.

I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. It’s not like I expect her to feel the same way. I know she doesn’t. I’m not stupid. But still… it’s better to get rejected than to keep this bottled up inside.

I’d rather face her telling me no, straight to my face, than live with this regret. At least then, I could move on. Or try to, anyway.

Ethan’s been through so much with his dad’s accident. I get why he hasn’t told her yet. He’s been juggling all of this—his dad’s recovery, the move, college, and now… Emma. I’m not mad at him. I can’t be. But I need to tell her before it’s too late, before everything changes even more.

I pushed off the wall, taking a deep breath. The gym door was just a few feet away, and beyond it was Emma.

This is it. My chance.

I might not get the answer I want, but at least I’ll know. I’ll have some kind of closure, instead of this gnawing feeling that’s been eating away at me for years.

“Better to know than to wonder,” I muttered to myself, trying to muster the courage. “Better to hear her say no than to live in silence.”

With that, I headed inside, my heart pounding with every step.

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