Maybe, Someday

Chapter 10

Serene's POV

It had been two days since I introduced Jason as my boyfriend, and I felt like I was caught in a whirlwind of confusion and regret.

The moment I had said those words, a part of me had hoped it would ease the ache in my heart, but instead, it only deepened it.

Jason was sweet enough, and he had tried hard to make me smile, but every time he leaned in for a kiss or made plans for us, I felt a hollow pit in my stomach. I didn't feel anything for him. Not really.

It was as if I was trying to convince myself that I could love someone else, that I could move on from Aki, but all it did was remind me how much I missed her.

I spent those two days in a daze, going through the motions of being a good girlfriend while my heart was still tangled up in memories of Aki.

I kept replaying our last conversation in my mind, the way she had looked at me, the pain etched on her face when I had mentioned my feelings. I had been angry and hurt, but deep down, I knew I still cared for her.

As I sat in my room, surrounded by the remnants of a relationship that felt more like a façade than anything real, I made a decision.

This wasn't fair to Jason, and it certainly wasn't fair to myself. I couldn't pretend to be happy with him when my heart was still yearning for Aki.

I texted Jason, asking him to meet me at our usual spot in the park. My heart raced as I walked there, the butterflies in my stomach a mix of anxiety and relief.

I approached him, and he looked up with a smile that faltered when he saw my serious expression.

"Hey, everything okay?" he asked, concern creeping into his voice.

I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. "Actually, no. I need to talk to you about something important."

He nodded, his brow furrowing. "Is this about us?"

"Yeah," I replied, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside. "I don't think this is working. I'm really sorry, but I can't be your girlfriend."

Jason's expression shifted from concern to confusion. "What do you mean? I thought things were going well."

"They're not," I said, my heart aching for the honesty I was finally embracing.

"I've been trying to convince myself that I could move on, but the truth is... I'm still dealing with a lot of feelings for someone else. It's not fair to you."

He looked taken aback, but then his expression softened. "I understand. I just wish you had told me sooner."

"I'm sorry," I said again, feeling the weight of my words. "I didn't mean to lead you on. You deserve someone who can give you their whole heart."

He nodded slowly, and I could see him processing my words. "Thank you for being honest, Serene. I hope you find what you're looking for."

As I walked away, I felt a mix of relief and sadness. I had done the right thing, but it hurt to know that I had left someone who genuinely liked me.

Still, it was a small price to pay for the chance to confront my true feelings.

After breaking up with Jason, I knew what I had to do next. I needed to reach out to Aki, but my pride was telling me not to.

I missed her laughter, her warmth, the way she always knew how to make me feel safe and understood.

A month had passed since I broke up with Jason, and life had settled into a strange routine. I went to school, hung out with friends, and tried to focus on my studies, but the ache in my heart for Aki never really faded.