Far Yet Forever

Chapter 20

"Sometimes, the only way to find clarity is to step away from everything clouding your mind."

Aarin POV

The sunlight streamed through my window, warming my face as I stirred awake. My head felt heavy, not just from the late-night thoughts that had kept me tossing and turning but from the weight of everything I'd been feeling lately. I glanced at my phone, half-hoping for a message, but it was just the usual notifications—nothing from her.

I quickly got ready for college, brushing my teeth while my mind replayed our conversations. Was it crazy to think about her this much? I couldn't help but feel drawn to her, even from behind the screen. As I grabbed my bag and headed out the door, I resolved to clear my head.

When I met up with my best friend, Jake, at the campus café, I could tell he noticed something was off. He raised an eyebrow as I took a seat across from him.

"Hey man, what's up? You look like you haven't slept in days," he teased, but his tone shifted when he saw my expression. "Seriously, what's bothering you?"

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "It's just... there's this girl I've been talking to online. It's complicated."

Jake chuckled, shaking his head. "Dude, it's just some random girl on the internet. Why are you even stressing about it? You barely know her."

"I know, but..." I hesitated, searching for the right words. "We connect in a way that feels different. It's not just a casual chat; it's deeper. But it's still online, you know? What if it's all just in my head?"

"Man, you need to chill," he said, leaning back in his chair. "You've got to focus on what's real around you. It's easy to get wrapped up in something you can't even touch. Just let it go."

His words hung in the air, and for a moment, I considered them. Maybe he was right. Maybe I was overthinking it, building something up in my mind that wasn't really there. But there was still a part of me that felt this undeniable pull toward her. How could I just walk away from that?

"I get it," I finally said, "but it feels more than that to me. I just can't shake the feeling that there's something special about her."

Just then, Jake's phone buzzed, and he glanced at it before looking back at me with a surprised expression. "Uh, speaking of complicated, Leah texted me. She's worried about you."

At the mention of my ex, a wave of irritation washed over me. "Leah? Seriously? Don't believe her. She's a bitch."

Jake raised his hands defensively. "I'm just saying what she texted, man. You know how she can be."

"I don't care," I snapped, trying to brush off the thought of Leah's concern. "She's not someone I want in my life anymore."

Jake grinned, clearly enjoying the moment. "Well, that's good. It's better than the online chapter you've got going on right now."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help but smile a little. "Very funny, Jake."

"Seriously, though," he continued, leaning forward. "Why don't you take a break? We've got that vacation coming up in a week. We should fly somewhere, get some fresh air. Clear your head."

The idea hung in the air, tempting and exciting. "Yeah, maybe. A little getaway wouldn't hurt."

"Exactly! Just focus on yourself for a change," he encouraged, and I found myself considering the possibility. Maybe a change of scenery would help me figure out what I really wanted—whether it was moving on from Leah or figuring out this strange connection I felt Aarisha.

As we chatted about classes and vacation plans, I couldn't help but wonder if I could really let go of the past or if I'd find myself reaching out to the girl who had captivated my thoughts again soon.