Tapestry of Heart

Chapter 4

Tristian POV

The morning sun poured through the window, casting a warm glow across the room as I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. My mind was a chaotic jumble of thoughts from the night before, but one thing stood out: Serena.

I had to admit, she was an incredible girl—smart, pretty, and always so devoted to me. But as much as I appreciated our connection, I couldn't shake the feeling that things were getting a bit too serious, too fast. Serena had become more demanding lately, pushing for deeper conversations and commitments that felt heavy on my shoulders. Sure, I liked her, but did I really want to settle down this early?

I rolled over to glance at her, still asleep, with the faintest hint of a smile on her lips. In moments like this, it was easy to forget the weight of our issues. But I couldn't help but wonder if we were growing in different directions. The warmth I felt toward her was overshadowed by an undeniable urge for fun and spontaneity—something that had been lacking in our relationship.

The college campus was buzzing with life, and I wanted to be part of that energy. I had started using dating apps again, enjoying the thrill of flirtation. Those late-night swipes brought back a sense of excitement I hadn't felt in ages, and the attention from other girls was intoxicating. It felt good to be pursued, to have options. I couldn't shake the feeling that I deserved a little fun, and if I was honest, Serena was getting a bit too predictable for my taste.

I knew Serena was serious about us. The way she looked at me last night, filled with hope and determination, made it clear she was in it for the long haul. Part of me admired her for that; she was strong and unwavering. But the other part of me rolled my eyes at her naivety. Did she really think I was ready to trade in my freedom for the weight of commitment?

After our dinner last night, as we cuddled and talked, I felt a flicker of guilt at the back of my mind. She was investing so much of herself in our relationship, while I felt like I was holding back, caught between wanting to please her and needing to explore my own desires. I loved the closeness we shared, but I also longed for nights out with friends, for laughter without the shadow of serious discussions lurking overhead.

I slipped out of bed, careful not to wake her, and padded to the kitchen to grab a cup of coffee. The quiet of the apartment was a welcome reprieve. I needed to think.

As I wandered into the kitchen, the soft morning light spilt through the window. The coffee machine stood there, an imposing contraption that always seemed more complicated than it needed to be. I stared at it, my mind racing with the jumbled thoughts of the night before. I reached out to grab the coffee grounds, but quickly found myself second-guessing my decision.

Maybe I should just let Serena handle this. After all, she had a knack for making the perfect cup. Each morning, the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee was like a warm hug, an invitation to start the day with her by my side.

With a sigh, I abandoned the idea of making my own coffee and headed back to the bedroom. I felt a little guilty about waking her, but I had gotten too used to her doing everything for me. It was a small thing, but it spoke volumes about our relationship. I tiptoed over to her, carefully brushing a strand of hair from her face.

"Serena," I whispered, leaning in closer. "Hey, beautiful, wake up."

She stirred slightly, a soft smile spreading across her lips as her eyes fluttered open. "Good morning," she murmured, her voice still heavy with sleep.

"Could you make some coffee for me?" I asked, trying to sound casual, though the request felt more like a plea.

"Of course," she replied without hesitation, sitting up and stretching. I watched her as she slipped out of bed, the morning light catching in her hair, giving her an ethereal glow.