Never Date a Genius

Chapter 43: It had always been him

Sophie sat by the window, the morning light casting soft shadows across her face. Her fingers curled tightly around a warm mug of tea, but inside, her thoughts churned restless and heavy. Today was the day of the finals, the moment Mason had been preparing for all season. And yet, she hadn't told him she would be there.

The last few days had been difficult. Not because they had fought, but because of the misunderstanding with Marissa. Sophie still remembered how Marissa had slipped into Mason's room that night when he was drunk and asleep, taking a selfie with him. Mason's jealousy towards Jason, especially after that tense moment when he had taunted Jason, drunk and calling both of them pathetic for being together knowing that Sophie confessed that he liked Mason. This had hurt her deeply. It wasn't anger, but confusion and fear that had built up inside her, making her question if she could trust Mason fully again.

But then there was the other side, the memories that reminded her why she had fallen for him in the first place.

She thought of their childhood: the teasing banter, the quiet laughter shared during those long summer afternoons. The countless quiz bees where Mason cheered her on when she competed in math and science, and how she had never missed a single one of his games. Her seat in the bleachers was always reserved, a silent signal that she was there, his anchor amid the chaos.

Mason had told her once, all serious for the first time, how seeing her there gave him strength, that her presence was the cue to play his best, no matter how tough the game got.

She took a deep breath, feeling the bittersweet ache in her chest soften to resolve.

No more running away. No more second guessing.

She was ready.

Pulling out her phone, her thumb hesitated above the screen just as a message popped up:

Mason: "G, finals today. I need you here. Please."

Her heart tightened at the plea. It was more than a simple request. It was hope, fear, longing all wrapped into four words.

Sophie exhaled slowly and typed back, steady and sure:

Sophie: "I'm coming, Mace. Always."

A tear slipped down her cheek, but she smiled through it. The road ahead might still hold uncertainty, but her choice was clear.

She wouldn't just be a spectator anymore. She was ready to be his strength, his home.

Because this time, she was all in.

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