Love Cocktail

Niel

A few days passed after the incident, and Anya hadn't returned to classes yet. She was staying at home, still recovering both physically and emotionally. I wanted to give her space, but I checked on her every day. Though she was getting better, she wasn't ready to face the world just yet.

At college, people began to ask questions. Whispers about her absence were spreading. I wasn't in the mood to explain, especially when most of them didn't really care-they just wanted to gossip. I avoided it as best as I could, but one day, as I was walking out of the library, someone stopped me.

"Jade."

🤨

I turned to see a familiar face-Neil, the president of the library club. He was the kind of guy who exuded calmness and had a quiet strength about him. Anya had mentioned him a few times, though I hadn't understand why she admired him much,

"Hey, Neil," I said, trying to sound casual.

He didn't beat around the bush. "Where's Anya? She hasn't been around for a while, and I noticed her absence in the club for a long time ."

I hesitated. I wasn't sure how much to share, but his eyes were filled with genuine concern. This wasn't an idle curiosity; he was worried.

"She's... been going through something," I finally said, my voice softer than I intended. "It's been tough, but she's okay , just needs time."

His brow furrowed, and his calm demeanor faltered for a moment. "What happened? Is she hurt?"

I sighed, realizing he wasn't going to let it go. "It's complicated, Neil. It's not something she'd want everyone to know about."

Neil didn't respond immediately. Instead, he glanced down, thinking carefully before speaking. "I get that, but... Anya and I, we're friends. I've seen her push through a lot, but this... it feels different. I don't want her to deal with it alone"

His words hung in the air, and something about the way he spoke struck a chord in me. It was clear that he cared, more than I had expected. Maybe that's what Anya had seen in him-the quiet, steady way he genuinely connected with people.

I softened, realizing that keeping him out might hurt Anya more than help. Maybe seeing him would remind her that she had more people in her corner than she thought.

"She's staying at home for now, but you can come with me to see her if you want," I offered, feeling the weight of the situation lift slightly. "I think she could use someone else who... gets her."

Neil's face brightened, just a little, and he nodded. "Thanks, Jade. I appreciate that."

Later that day, we went to Anya’s apartment together. Neil was quiet as we walked, but his presence felt solid and reassuring. I remembered the first time Anya had confided in me about her struggles. It was at the beginning of our college journey, during the orientation week when she felt so lost in the crowd. That was also when she first mentioned Neil, the charming guy from the basketball team who had an easy smile and a warm personality. I hoped seeing him would be a step toward her healing.

When we reached the apartment, II have the key after that incident but knocked gently before letting myself in. Anya was on the couch, flipping through a book but not really reading it. She looked up, and when she saw me, her expression was neutral. But when her eyes landed on Neil behind me, her face shifted—surprise, then uncertainty.

“Neil?” she asked, sitting up a little straighter.

He gave her a small smile, stepping forward. “Hey, Anya. I just wanted to check on you. Jade told me you’ve been... going through something, and I thought I’d stop by.”