Stole My Heart 💕

28 - Confession

The next morning, everything felt different. Brighter, lighter. As though the universe itself had shifted in response to their kiss. Candice woke up with a fluttering heart, the remnants of Nick's touch still tingling on her lips. No matter how hard she tried to focus on getting ready, her mind kept drifting back to him—his intoxicating scent, the warmth of his hands, the way his lips had moved against hers as if she belonged to him.

She sighed dreamily, biting her lower lip as she brushed her hair. Was this what falling in love felt like? It was terrifying and exhilarating all at once.

At college, her emotions were impossible to hide. As soon as she entered the cafeteria, Hanny and Andy's eyes zeroed in on her, their faces lighting up with knowing mischief. Within seconds, they pounced.

"Oh my god, did something happen?" Hanny practically shrieked, pulling Candice into a tight embrace.

Andy narrowed her eyes, grinning. "You look different," she observed, folding her arms. "Like you're radiating some kind of secret happiness. Spill."

Candice's cheeks burned as she tried to act nonchalant. "Nothing happened," she mumbled, avoiding their gazes.

But they weren't fooled. Hanny leaned in, gasping dramatically. "No Something happened. I can sense it?"

Candice choked on air, her heart hammering. "What?! No!"

Andy arched a brow. "Liar."

Before Candice could come up with a weak excuse, Hanny and Andy exchanged a look and pressed further. "Okay, no more dodging," Hanny said, crossing her arms. "Something is going on, and we want details."

Candice hesitated, but the expectant looks on their faces made her sigh in defeat. "Fine," she muttered, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Nick and I... something's happening between us. It's complicated, but we are liking each other."

Andy gasped dramatically while Hanny clutched her heart. "Oh my god, Candice! You're just casually dropping a bomb like that?"

Candice smiled shyly. "I don't even know how to explain it. It felt... right. But I don't know where we stand yet. He's been watching over me, helping me, even when I didn't realize it. And now... I think I—"

Before she could finish her sentence, a familiar voice interrupted. "Hey, Candice. Congrats."

She turned, startled to see Mark standing there, his usual easygoing smirk in place.

"For what?" she asked, blinking in confusion.

Mark chuckled. "You and Nick. I already knew. And honestly? It was about time."

Her breath hitched. How did he know? Her mind whirled with panic as she shot him a wary look. "How do you know that?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mark's smirk softened into something more knowing. "After Jessica locked you in that room, I noticed Nick was always around, watching over you. He even convinced Potts to go easy on you with assignments."

He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping. "You think it was a coincidence that Potts suddenly stopped giving you a hard time? Nick personally went to talk to him, made sure he understood that you were going through a rough patch. And remember that day you lost your notes? I saw Nick slip an extra set into your bag when you weren't looking."

Candice's heart pounded. She had never noticed any of this.

Mark continued, "He was there even when you didn't realize it. When you stayed late in the library, he waited outside. When you were sick and missed class, he made sure you got the notes. And that day at the café when you tripped and almost spilled your coffee? You didn't see it, but Nick was ready to grab you before you even realized you were falling."