𝐏𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐅𝐄𝐂𝐓 │ 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧

𝐓𝐄𝐍

EMBERLY FOUND HERSELF AT A loss for direction as she made the impulsive decision to leave the Homecoming dance. Without a specific destination in mind, she simply wanted to escape the event. After a few moments of contemplation, she decided on Hermosa Park. The peaceful atmosphere and stunning scenery provided the perfect backdrop for her to gather her thoughts—exactly what she needed at that moment.

Emberly perched elegantly on the bench, enveloped in silence as she gazed at the breathtaking cityscape. The breeze against her skin sent a shiver down her spine, but her attention remained fixed elsewhere. The remnants of dried tears left her face feeling slightly numb, and her makeup, likely smudged, was the least of her concerns.

Tonight was supposed to be a great time with her friends, but things hadn't gone as planned. She had found out that her friend kissed Spencer, and then learned that her sister had slept with her ex-boyfriend while they were still dating. It was definitely not the night she had envisioned.

Emberly never imagined Evelyn would betray her by sleeping with Jordan. She knew her sister liked casual relationships, but she never thought it would go this far. Even though it happened last year, it still hurt to find out. And if she had found out right after it happened, it still wouldn't have stopped her from feeling the way she did right now.

But it wasn't just that. She also found out Spencer and Layla kissed. Emberly was hurt—she'd admitted to herself that her feelings for Spencer went beyond friendship, and that made the situation even more painful. If they had stayed just friends, it might've been easier, but she knew deep down they crossed that line when they got in the jacuzzi together.

Emberly didn't blame Spencer for the kiss between him and Layla. They weren't dating, and he had the right to kiss whoever he wanted. She couldn't be mad at him. But Layla? That was another story. Layla knew about her feelings for Spencer long before Emberly had acknowledged them herself. It wasn't okay to kiss someone your friend liked—that was crossing a line.

Right now, she wished she'd stayed home. She hated being involved in drama, and this situation was a mess. But if she had stayed home, she wouldn't have discovered the truth either.

"It's a hell of a view, right?"

Emberly startled when she heard Spencer's voice, turning her head to see him standing beside the bench, looking out at the view before them.

She opened her mouth to speak, but was taken aback. How did he know where to find her? She hadn't texted or called anyone. It must've been his superpowers, right?

"I was kind of hoping you'd be here," Spencer said, his voice soft but certain. He didn't know where she would be when she left the dance, but after some hints from Olivia about her favorite spot, he'd decided to take a chance.

"I was kind of hoping you'd come," Emberly replied, her voice quieter now, as Spencer took a seat beside her.

He looked at her, his gaze softening as she rested her head against his shoulder. They both stared out at the beautiful view, soaking in the silence. After a while, Emberly broke the stillness.

"I like you."

The words slipped out before she could stop them. She didn't even bother looking at Spencer, keeping her head resting on his shoulder, staring at the view that was the only thing keeping her grounded right now. "At first, I didn't even know when it happened. Maybe it was when you first arrived in Beverly or when we got in the jacuzzi. But my feelings for you feel different now. I just figured after tonight, it's better you know. You don't have to feel the same way. It's cool. As long as I still have your friendship, that's what matters to me."

That was it. She had said it. She told him how she felt. It was a mixture of fear, nervousness, and relief. If everything else was coming out tonight, she might as well lay it all on the table too.

Spencer shifted, his arm resting across the back of the bench. "Layla kissed me," he began, his voice low and serious. "She was upset about Asher and her dad. I kissed her back, and it was stupid. I felt like you were pulling away, and I wasn't sure where we stood—one moment, we were stepping out of friendship, and then we were back in it. But after tonight... I know now, I've never wanted anyone but you." Spencer's words were raw and genuine, and Emberly felt her heart skip.

Holy shit. He liked her. It wasn't a dream. The words had come straight from his mouth. And she liked him too. Was her night really turning around?

Emberly raised her head from his shoulder, and Spencer turned to face her. She leaned in for a kiss, but he subtly pulled away, disrupting the moment. Emberly's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and she quickly averted her gaze. "I'm sorry. I—I," she stammered, flustered.

"No. Hear me out," Spencer said, turning to face her fully, his arm gently going around her. "You've been through a lot tonight."

"That's an understatement." Emberly scoffed, trying to laugh off the tension.

"You're hurting right now." Spencer continued. "Everything is complicated. Between me, you, Layla, and then the thing with Jordan and Evelyn... So as much as I want to be with you right now—and believe me, I do—last thing you need is more complications."

Emberly nodded, understanding. It wasn't the romantic moment she had hoped for, but it was still a confession of feelings. She'd take that over nothing. This was one of the reasons she liked him—he always knew exactly what she needed. "I hate it when you're right."

Spencer stifled a laugh. "Yeah, me too." He brushed a strand of her curly hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering there. "I made fun of y'all for taking this Homecoming stuff so seriously. Turns out, just because it isn't life or death out here doesn't mean the pain isn't real."

"Can I ask you a favor?" Emberly asked, turning toward him.

"Anything."

"Can we finish our dance?" Emberly asked. "This night has already been rough. I think the least we could do is end it on a good note."

Spencer's lips curled into a smile as he straightened his suit. He extended his hand to her. She smiled back softly, placing her hand in his, their fingers intertwining as she rose to her feet.

They strolled away from the bench, their eyes locked on each other. Emberly gracefully wrapped her arms around Spencer's neck, and he placed his hands on her lower back, pulling her close as they swayed together.

The absence of music didn't bother them; the comfortable silence was enough.

Drawing closer, they rested their foreheads together, savoring the intimacy of the moment. Despite the night's unexpected turn, they found peace in ending it on a positive note.

As much as Emberly wanted to be with Spencer—and she did—she understood that some things needed to be handled first. He was right about that. She believed their time would come soon—just not tonight

A/N: Another update. Wow. I'm not sleepy and it's like almost 11 now. But it going to backfire on me tomorrow when I sleep the whole day but who cares? Vote and Comment.