What we thought we knew

Chapter 9

As the wedding date approached, Kaylee and Connor found themselves entangled in a web of emotions, their hearts tugged in different directions. They spent more time together, but every moment was tinged with a strange tension that neither could quite name. The laughter came easily, the inside jokes flowed, yet underneath it all, something deeper was stirring—an awareness of their feelings for each other that was both exhilarating and terrifying.

While planning the wedding, they often slipped into routines that felt comfortable and familiar. They would sit side by side, discussing the details of the venue, the guest list, and decorations. But as they worked, Kaylee found herself stealing glances at Connor, catching his eye and feeling an inexplicable thrill at the connection they shared. She couldn’t help but notice how his smile lit up his face, how his laughter sent a ripple of warmth through her.

Yet, every time Kaylee pictured a future with Matt, the spark that excited her felt dim compared to the glow she felt with Connor. No matter how many fun dates she had with Matt, her mind kept drifting back to Connor—the way he understood her without needing to say a word, the way their conversations flowed effortlessly, and how they could simply sit in silence, comfortable in each other's presence.

Connor, too, wrestled with his growing feelings. On paper, Jenna was everything he thought he wanted—charming, witty, and easy to talk to. But when they were together, he often found himself wishing it was Kaylee sitting across from him instead. He would catch himself thinking about the way her eyes sparkled when she laughed or how her voice could calm his worst worries. It felt wrong to admit, but the realization that he was falling for his best friend sat heavily in his chest.

One evening, they decided to take a break from planning and indulge in a tradition that had brought them closer throughout their friendship: a movie marathon. Settled on the couch with popcorn and blankets, they surrounded themselves with their favorite comedies, the familiar ambiance wrapping around them like a warm hug.

As the credits rolled on the third movie, Kaylee leaned back, her head resting against the cushions. She glanced at Connor, who was still chuckling at a particularly funny scene. The sight of him, carefree and genuine, sent a flutter through her stomach. She marveled at how natural it felt to be with him, yet an unsettling thought crept in—what if their friendship changed forever?

“Hey,” Connor said suddenly, turning to her. “What’s on your mind?”

Kaylee hesitated, biting her lip. “I was just thinking about how easy this is—how it always has been with you.”

“Yeah,” he replied, his voice softening. “It’s like we don’t have to try. We just… fit.”

His words hung in the air, and Kaylee’s heart raced. They both felt the weight of unspoken feelings pressing down on them, yet neither knew how to bridge the gap. “Do you think it’s weird?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. “This whole situation with the engagement and dating other people?”

Connor shrugged, a faint smile playing on his lips. “A little. But at the same time, I think it’s… different. We’re different. I mean, who else can I plan a wedding with and still feel this relaxed?”

Kaylee laughed, though it was tinged with nerves. “Right? It’s just… I don’t know. I feel like I should be more excited about Matt, but when I’m with him, it’s not the same as when I’m with you.”

Connor’s gaze dropped for a moment, and when he looked back at her, his eyes were serious. “I get that. It’s like… no matter who else we’re with, we always come back to this. To us.”

A silence enveloped them, thick with unacknowledged feelings. Kaylee’s heart raced as she contemplated what they were both trying to say without actually saying it. It was as if they were standing at the edge of a cliff, peering into the unknown depths below, terrified to take that leap.

“Maybe we’re just supposed to keep figuring this out,” Kaylee suggested, forcing a lightness into her voice. “See where it leads?”

“Yeah, maybe,” Connor agreed, though a flicker of uncertainty crossed his face. “But it’s hard not to wonder if we’re missing something, you know?”

Kaylee nodded, understanding what he meant. Their friendship had always been a sanctuary, but now it felt like the foundations were shifting beneath them. She wanted to explore this new territory, but fear held her back.

As they returned to their movie marathon, the laughter resumed, but the atmosphere had changed. They both felt the tension simmering beneath the surface, the unspoken acknowledgment that their feelings for each other were more complex than they’d ever realized. For now, they continued to navigate their engagement, their new relationships, and their undeniable bond, but the air crackled with the possibility of something deeper—something neither was quite ready to face.