Unexpected Love [GXG]

Chapter 31: You Don't Need To Label Anything

POV: OLIVIA

The sunlight poured gently through the hotel window, casting golden streaks across the bed. I blinked slowly, not wanting to move. Not with the way Enid was still curled next to me, her dark lashes resting like soft paint strokes on her cheek.

She looked peaceful. Soft. The kind of soft that made you forget the world existed outside this tiny room.

I should've gotten up. I heard the subtle knocks, the buzz of morning activity. Probably one of the teachers making their rounds. But something in me... didn't want to wake her. Not yet.

Instead, I watched her. Her lips slightly parted, her hands tucked close to her chest like she was guarding something fragile. I wondered if she had dreamt of me. If her heart was racing like mine did when she looked at me the way she did last night.

"Olivia!" A voice called from the hallway, followed by another knock. "Breakfast, girls. Pack up after."

I gave one last glance at the girl sleeping beside me, then forced myself out of bed. I whispered softly, "Sleepyhead... we need to go," and nudged her shoulder gently.

Her eyes fluttered open and met mine.

"Five more minutes," she mumbled, rubbing her eyes.

I chuckled under my breath. "We're already late."

✿⁠ 

We rushed through getting ready. I tugged a hoodie over my head while she struggled to brush her hair in time. By the time we reached the dining area, most of the tables were filled. Only one spot left-right next to each other.

I slid into my seat. She followed a beat later, cheeks slightly flushed, eyes sleepy but sparkling. I couldn't help myself.

As she reached for the toast, I let my hand brush hers underneath the table. Then, slowly, I hooked her pinky with mine. Just like I did that day in photography class. She stiffened for a second but didn't pull away.

I smiled quietly to myself.

After breakfast, one of the teachers stood up and gave a long, drawn-out speech about teamwork, gratitude, and how proud they were of us all. I barely listened. My eyes kept drifting to Enid.

And I wasn't sure I was ready to leave this trip behind.

Then came the dragging of suitcases, the echo of laughter in the hallway, and a few sleepy groans as we climbed onto the bus again.

This time, Enid sat with Ally and Mia behind me.

I sat with Derick and Marissa, but my mind wasn't on either of them. As soon as the engine rumbled to life, I reached behind the seat casually and let my pinky dangle between the cracks. It was ridiculous, probably, but still-I waited.

Seconds later, I felt the warm brush of her skin.

Our pinkies locked again, like a secret promise held in silence.

She didn't say anything. I didn't either.

We just held on to each other like that, stealing a touch, hidden from everyone except us.

When the bus finally pulled to a stop near school and students started filing out, she gently let go. And I missed the weight of her finger in mine immediately.

POV:ENID

The familiar gates of Fatima's house felt like an embrace. Miriam beamed when she opened the door.

"Welcome home, Enid. You look so refreshed," she smiled.

I muttered a soft "thank you" and walked in, my bag slung over my shoulder.

Upstairs, I found Fatima and Hamida sprawled across her big, comfy bed. Hamida was glued to her iPad, giggling at something animated. She didn't even notice me at first.

But the second she did, she squealed, "Nini!!" and leapt off the bed into my arms.

"I missed you, Mida," I whispered, hugging her tight.

"I missed you more," she grinned.

Fatima laughed, sitting up. "You're back, finally! How was it? What happened? Tell me everything."

I took a deep breath and dropped my bag. "It was... a lot."

We curled up on her bed while Mida lay on my stomach, still watching her show. And slowly, I let it all out.

"I don't know what's wrong with me, Tima. I'm just... so confused. Olivia-she makes me feel things. And it's terrifying." My voice shook a little.

Fatima was quiet for a moment. Then, with the softest voice, she said, "I've always known."

I blinked at her. "What?"

"You don't remember that day in junior high when that girl held your hand during the inter-house sports prep? You went all red and wouldn't talk for hours. I wanted you to come to term with it and tell me yourself."

I stared at her, stunned.

I remember that day. But I thought little me was just shy.

I've never been attraction to any girl until Olivia.

Maybe Fatima was right. Maybe she had always known... before I even did.

But what if I didn’t always know?

Little me thought I was just shy. Just quiet. Not the kind of girl who blushed over boys the way the others did. I thought that meant I just hadn't met the right one yet. But then again... maybe the reason I never looked twice was because I wasn't looking at all.

I used to admire girls like Akira—tall, confident, legs for days. I thought it was admiration. I thought it was just... wanting to be like them. But what if it wasn’t?

What if it was me noticing beauty in a different way? Wanting to be close. Wanting to stare a little longer than normal.

Wanting to be seen.

But it’s Olivia who made it feel different. Like it wasn’t about wanting to be her. It was about wanting her. Her voice, her smirk, the way she says my name like it’s something sweet and forbidden.

Is it attraction now because I’m finally brave enough to see it for what it is? Or has it always been there, just hiding behind polite smiles and practiced straightness?

Tima smiled, brushing my hair back. "You don't need to label anything, Enid. You're allowed to just feel. It's not wrong. Love is love. And it's not a sin to care deeply for someone."

"But... everything we was taught-"

"Forget all that. God doesn't make mistakes, E. He made you with this big, beautiful heart. Don't be afraid to use it. I'm using mine and loving both gender." Tima says, letting a small laugh at the end.

Tears pricked my eyes. She pulled me in and kissed my forehead.

"So..." she grinned, mischievous now. "Tell me what really happened on that trip. You're blushing too hard not to spill something."

I covered my face with a pillow as she laughed beside me.

______________________________________

Did the cuddle + thunder scene wreck you too?
Or that pinky touch on the bus ride?

And what did you think of Fatima's advice?

And tell me: do you think Enid’s ready to fall? Or is she still holding back?

Love you all sm for reading Gaybies😘

~D