𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 | 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲

𝐓 𝐇 𝐈 𝐑 𝐓 𝐘 - 𝐓 𝐇 𝐑 𝐄 𝐄

Camden

The cafeteria was buzzing with energy, laughter, and conversation filling the air as I sat with my friends, soaking it all in. I leaned back, feeling more relaxed than I had in weeks. Sage was right beside me, cracking jokes that had me giggling, and I couldn't help but marvel at how quickly she'd become part of my world.

Caden leaned across the table, grinning. "Hey, Camden, you up for a bike ride with me and Max this afternoon?"

I looked at him apologetically, offering a small smile. "Sorry, Caden, I can't."

He frowned, sharing a confused look with Max. "Why not?"

Suddenly, everyone's attention shifted to me, the chatter dying down. I felt the weight of their stares, but I wasn't about to hold back. Keeping my voice steady, I said, "I've got a date."

I slid my arm around Sage's shoulders, pulling her closer to me, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves as I glanced around the table. For a second, everyone just blinked, surprised, and then I caught Sofia's gaze from across the table. Her face was like a storm cloud, fury written in every line. Mateo, sitting beside her, didn't look much happier, but I was done caring about what either of them thought.

Caden whistled, breaking the silence. "Well, alright, Cam! You go and enjoy that date."

I chuckled, the tension easing as Caden shot me a thumbs-up, and Max raised his cup in mock toast. Sage looked over at me, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

She leaned in close and whispered, "Sofia's giving me a death stare."

I snorted, trying to hide my laughter. Without missing a beat, I whispered back, "Well, she had her chance. Now it's my turn."

Sage grinned, nudging me playfully. I could feel a warmth spreading through me, this rush of confidence I hadn't felt in so long. It felt good to sit here, next to Sage, knowing that I was finally doing something for myself. For once, I wasn't waiting around, hoping Sofia would see me, hoping she'd realize what she'd missed. I was moving forward, and it felt freeing.

The conversation around us resumed, everyone diving back into their lunches, but I caught Sofia glancing my way again, her face tight with an expression I couldn't quite place. If she was upset, if she was jealous, well, that was her problem now, not mine. I was done being her backup plan, her safe option.

Sage reached over, grabbing a fry from my plate with a smirk. "Better be ready for that date, Cammy. I've got some plans." she teased, raising an eyebrow.

I grinned back, my heart racing. "Oh, I'm ready. Bring it on."

I meant it too. For the first time, I was ready to let myself be open to something new, something that wasn't wrapped in pain and unfulfilled hopes.

I barely noticed the noise around me as I pulled Sage closer by the waist, feeling a thrill at her touch. I could sense my friends laughing, talking, teasing in the background, but at that moment, they were the last thing on my mind. Sage smirked up at me, her green eyes glinting with mischief.

"Oh, you're getting bold, aren't you, Cammy?" she teased, her voice soft and low, almost like a dare.

I shrugged, feeling my confidence surge. "Maybe." I said, a small smirk tugging at my lips. "So, where's this mysterious date happening, anyway?"

Sage wrapped her arms around my neck, and suddenly, she was practically in my lap. My heart skipped a beat as her face moved closer, her breath warm against my cheek. She leaned in, her lips barely an inch from mine, and whispered, "It's a surprise."

I pouted, giving her my best "come on, just tell me" look, which only made her laugh.

"You're so adorable when you pout." she said, her eyes dancing with amusement.

I playfully glared at her, trying not to laugh myself, which only made her giggle more. She had this way of making me feel at ease, making me forget everything that had been weighing me down. I was enjoying myself, and for once, I wasn't worried about anyone else's opinions.

Suddenly, Sabrina's voice cut through the moment, loud and teasing. "Camden, Sage! Get a room already!"

Without even looking her way, I raised my hand and flipped her off, feeling a grin pull at my lips as the rest of the group burst into laughter. Well, everyone except Sofia and Mateo, whose faces were conspicuously tense. But I didn't care. I was done letting Sofia's moods dictate how I felt.

Sage smirked, leaning closer to me with a glint in her eye. "Ooh, flipping people off now? I think I like this side of you, Camden."

I chuckled, pulling her even closer, feeling a rare lightness in my chest. "Good." I said, a playful edge in my voice.

"Because I'm not going back."

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~ R