✧𝑴𝒀 𝑹𝑰𝑽𝑨𝑳 | postwickshipping

❀ 6 ❀

"So, we both wanted to talk?"
Gloria turned her head awkwardly, unsure whether or not she wanted to make eye contact with her rival. She was aware that she felt worried about him just mere moments ago, but now her feelings of anger and sadness were returning. It was an undeniably painful feeling. The concept of just looking at him seemed a bit too difficult to do anymore.

Why did things have to be this way?
The way that he tried to cover up his feelings came off as wrong to her, however, she still knew in her mind that she had done the same thing in a sense. While she wanted more with Hop, she just never wanted to tell him that herself. She was the one who continued to let his behavior slide. Regardless, she knew that she needed answers. Gloria deserved that.

The boy gulped, his burst of confidence from just moments ago began to subside. Hop knew that what he was doing to her was stupid. He didn't want to come off as crazy, or insensitive but he just absolutely adored her company. He knew he made her upset, and he wanted to do everything he could to make it right. No more lies or beating around the bush.

He looked up from his feet, wanting to make it known that he was serious. Eye contact was an important factor in that. "I'll start with saying I am so sorry, Gloria," Hop murmured, his eyes looking right into hers. He wasn't the very best at eye contact at times, so it was hard; but this is not the time to look away from his rival. The conversation would be carried out much smoother if he would just give her the authenticity she deserved.
"The way that I acted... when, you know. It was really immature and I hate it. I hate it so much." He continued, trying not to get emotional. It was all his fault, and the last thing that he needed was to make her feel guilty for being (rightfully) upset. He continued by saying, "I like you. I really, really like you. You're my best friend, my rival, but I think you're more than that. No! I know you're so much more than that." Hop looked at Gloria, only to see heavy tears rolling out of her eyes. His stomach started to hurt as he wasn't quite sure if he hurt her feelings or if she was just relieved to hear him say that.
"Gloria? I'm sorry. Please say something."
                                  — 🗡️🛡️ —
The brunette looked back at Hop with an unrecognizable expression, her eyes were filled with tears. Yes, she was sad - but she also knew that this was exactly what she wanted to hear. She wanted to scream at the top of her lungs and profess her love to him, but she knew she had to take it slow with him.
"Hop, please, don't be sorry," She started off, rubbing the tears from her eyes. Hop would often wipe her tears for her as well, a soft smile following afterwards. "You were wrong for what you did, but I understand why you felt like you had to move on. You're my best friend, and I worry about what could happen." She smiled back at him too, looking into his amber eyes once again. Gloria knew in her heart that she could never stop staring at him. Everything about him was everything that she ever wanted, and so much more.

"I know. I like you, too. So much. That's exactly why I just... thought it was best if it went away. If that makes sense," Hop replied, nodding in a way that made Gloria feel understood. "I am so, so sorry again. I would never mean to hurt you." He promised, and he meant that. Hop never meant to push her away like that.
And he followed it up with, "You are my rival! Don't forget that, Glo!" and a radiant smile.
They understood each other. They liked each other and they both knew that they wanted it to be known.
But then why was it all so difficult to say out loud? Was it the awkwardness of it all, or the fear of tension? Or maybe just the fact that they didn't want to lose each other? Either way, the two of them felt a newfound sense of belonging to each other. The feelings that they had for each other were only just starting to bloom.

a/n: hey guys!!! sooo... here's the update *some* of you have been waiting for!! it's been so long, i'm so sorry! i don't really know who's active on here anymore, but either way i just felt like writing and continuing this story! whoever ends up reading, i really hope you enjoy! more to come very soon!
love,
care 🤍