Hearts in Bloom

Chapter 23

Lately, Tobias had become an unavoidable part of her day.

No, scratch that—he had always been a part of her life. But now, it felt different.

Before, she would never think twice about texting him, calling him, or showing up at his place unannounced. Before, she never cared if people assumed they were dating because she knew they weren't.

But now...

Now, every little thing he did made her heart race. The way he laughed, the way his eyes softened when he looked at her, the way he always seemed to know when she was in a bad mood before she even said anything.

It was getting frustrating. It seemed like Mia and Luna's words were coming true.

And worse? She was spending too much time with him.

She tried to convince herself it was normal. Best friends hung out all the time. They studied together, ate together, and watched movies together. That was totally normal, right?

Then why did her heart do a weird flip every time she is with him?

Aria groaned internally. This is bad. This is very, very bad.

_______

That afternoon, Aria and Tobias were walking together, heading toward their usual spot near the library. It had become a habit—walking together after classes, talking about everything and nothing.

"So, for your information," Tobias said smugly, "I finally wrote a composition by myself and the teacher even praised me yesterday."

Aria snorted. "Wow. Did you throw a victory party?"

"I was going to," he said dramatically. "But someone didn't pick up my call last night."

Aria blinked. "Huh? You called?"

"Yeah. Twice," Tobias replied, raising an eyebrow. "Where were you?"

She thought back. Oh... right. She had been too busy completing her assignment last night that she forgot to check her phone.

"Uh... I was busy," she said quickly, avoiding his gaze.

Tobias gave her a suspicious look but didn't push it.

Just then, a girl suddenly approached them.

She was someone from their university—Aria recognized her vaguely from a few classes. She had long, perfectly straight hair, bright eyes, and a sweet smile.

"Um... Tobias?" The girl said shyly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Can I talk to you for a second? Alone?"

Aria frowned. Alone?

Tobias, who was standing beside her, glanced at Aria before turning back to the girl. "You can just say it here."

The girl hesitated, then took a deep breath.

"I... I really like you, Tobias! I've liked you for a long time!"

Aria's heart stopped.

For a second, she swore she forgot how to breathe.

Tobias sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Look, I appreciate it, but—"

Before he could finish, the girl suddenly hugged him.

Aria's eyes widened.

What... the... heck?!

"Even if you don't like me back, I think you should give me a chance." the girl murmured, hugging him tighter.