Meant to Collide

33. A Love Unreturned

Fear isn't always the enemy—it can be a catalyst for discovery, pushing us toward possibilities we might never have dared to pursue. The kind of fear that takes hold when you're facing an audience of thousands, or the trembling uncertainty of sharing your feelings with someone for the first time, each has its own purpose and intensity.

As dusk settles, Jules and Sky climb into the Black Knight. A heavy, awkward silence fills the car, standing like a barrier between them. Finally, Jules breaks it, hesitantly. "Sir Sky," she begins, "are you mad at me?"

Sky looks over, offering a forced smile, one that feels almost childlike in its falseness. "No, Mon," he replies gently. Then, with a pause, he adds, "Let's go. Aunt's waiting."

Jules nods, a small smile tugging at her lips. As she reaches to grab the prawns in the backseat, Sky does the same. Their hands brush, and suddenly, they're closer than before, a soft hum of music playing in the background. Jules's gaze drifts toward Sky, her heartbeat quickening as he leans in, his eyes meeting hers with a familiar spark. He gently wets his lips before asking, "Are you not interested in my offer?"

Feigning innocence, Jules responds, "Yes?"

Sky's eyes hold a playful glint. "You know... you bite my nose, I bite your lips," he says, reminding her with a teasing grin. This time, Jules doesn't pull back. Entranced by his nearness, she stays still, lost in the aura around him. The music builds, transforming into a delicate, melodious piano tune. The shadows of their forms moving closer to each other cast a beautiful, musical scene.

But then—a sudden knock on the window shatters the moment. Jules and Sky snap back to reality, startled, as Noah's face appears on the other side, mischievous and entirely unaware of the romantic tension he's interrupted. The music cuts off abruptly as Sky smirks, visibly frustrated, muttering under his breath, "Just a bit..."

Jules, flustered, scrambles out of the car, trying to mask her awkwardness. "Oh, Noah," she stammers. Sky steps out on the other side, casting a firm, irritated gaze at Noah, who greets him with folded arms.

"How long have you been standing there?" Jules asks Noah, hoping to downplay the situation.

"I just came out and saw you, thought I'd come to pick you up," he replies, attempting to sound casual.

"I'll excuse myself, then," Jules mutters, trying to leave.

But before she can go, Sky calls her back, "Mon!" He hands her the forgotten prawns. When Noah tries to take the bag, Sky moves it away, keeping his tone firm. "It's for Mon," he says with authority. Jules thanks him, but Sky can't contain his simmering curiosity any longer.

"So, Noah," he begins, "what's your relationship with Mon?"

Noah hesitates, his gaze shifting to Jules, who quickly interjects, "We're friends."

Sky raises an eyebrow, skeptical. "A friend? You're acting more like a boyfriend," he challenges, his frustration evident.

Jules tries to intervene. "Sir Sky, please—"

Sky cuts her off. "Why? Can't I raise my suspicion? You're so nice to Mon that she can't turn you down. Because if she did, she'd be seen as the bad one. But deep down, you know she sees you as just a friend, don't you?"

Noah clenches his jaw, defiant. "Has Mon ever told you I'll never be more than a friend?"

Sky's eyes flicker as he glances at Jules. "Say it, Mon," he presses. "Tell him."

Terrified, Jules finds herself caught between their clashing emotions. Gathering himself, Noah asks Sky, "What about you, sir? From what position are you asking this question?"

Sky stares back, unwavering. "Do I need a position to ask?"

There's a pause before he adds, with a cold edge, "If you need one, how about as a rich man?"

Jules glances around, searching for an escape. "It's getting late, sir. You should go home."

But Sky isn't done. "This is a rare opportunity, Mon. Use it to clear things up."

Jules steps closer to him, speaking softly. "Some questions can't be answered in a straight way. May I have some time to talk to Noah?"

Sky lets out a frustrated sigh but relents, leaving them alone.

As she walks back with Noah, he finally confronts her, voice strained with jealousy. "Mon, what were you doing with Sky in the car?"

Jules freezes, at a loss for words.

"I saw it, Jules," he presses. "Were you... about to kiss?"

Jules hesitates before denying it. "It's hard to explain, Noah." But Noah refuses to let it go. 

"Stop it, Noah. Stop acting like I owe you something. We're nothing more than friends," she snaps, her voice breaking.

Noah's face falls, her words cutting deeper than he expected. "Wow... That's harsh," he says, his voice cracking.

Jules's voice softens, but she holds firm. "I've wanted to tell you this for so long, Noah. Maybe today really is the day. You need to stop telling yourself that we'll end up together when I don't feel the same. We can be friends, but we can't be lovers."

"Why?" Noah demands, barely holding back his hurt.

"Because I have no feelings for you like that. Please, stop this. You're making me uncomfortable."

Noah stands, stunned and heartbroken. "Excuse me," Jules whispers, trying to walk away.

Desperate, he grabs her hand, holding her back. "What about Sky? Are you friends?" he asks, his tone laced with resentment.

Jules winces, her voice firm but pained. "You're hurting me, Noah."

He releases her, but the intensity of the confrontation lingers. As she walks away, the rain begins to fall, soaking Noah as he stands there, drenched not just in water, but in the painful reality of unrequited love.