Better Paradise

Chapter 28

NICCOLO

"10 Consequences! What's that?" I exclaimed in surprise as Megan abruptly left. My eyes darted to the rest of our group, curiosity piqued.

And then.

"Guys, Megs just texted me with the first consequence," Lily announced, immediately capturing everyone's attention.

"What's the first consequence?" I inquired, directing my question to Lily.

Lily took a moment to compose herself before responding, "You have to drink 8 different types of coffee while blindfolded. Once you've tasted them, you must guess which one is Megan's favorite and identify the flavors." Her explanation left me feeling a mix of apprehension and intrigue.

"Wow, that sounds challenging," I mused, furrowing my brow as I tried to comprehend the task.

Cathy, wearing a mischievous grin, interjected, "If you want Megan to forgive you, right? Then you should do what she's asking." Her words were accompanied by an encouraging smile. I felt a sense of determination rise within me—for Megan, I was willing to take on the challenge.

"Thy's absolutely right!" Reika chimed in, a slight sheen of sweat on her brow as Jesswelie wiped it away. The camaraderie between the two friends was evident.

Curiosity getting the best of her, Camile couldn't help but inquire, "Are you two really just best friends?" Her question caused Reika and Jesswelie to exchange fleeting glances, a hint of unspoken depth lingering in their eyes.

Kian, eager to contribute, interjected with a grin, "They really are just best friends." He observed the silent exchange between the two, adding an air of intrigue to the situation.

Unable to resist a playful remark, I turned to Reika and Jesswelie, saying, "Bro, take it easy. Don't forget that Cathy is here." A wry smile played on my lips, prompting Cathy to avert her gaze slightly, perhaps feeling a tinge of self-consciousness.

Quick to diffuse any tension, Kian apologized, flashing a peace sign, "Oh, sorry, Cathy."

Cathy, ever resilient, responded with a nonchalant smile, "It's fine. Jess seems happy anyway, and I can't do anything about that." Her gaze encompassed all of us, radiating a genuine warmth.

With a mischievous grin, Jesswelie suddenly posed a question to Cathy, "So, have you accepted it?" Her words were laced with a sense of anticipation, hinting at a deeper meaning.

Perplexed, Cathy raised an eyebrow and sought clarification, "What do you mean, Jess?"

And thus began an unraveling argument, emotions bubbling to the surface.

"Have you accepted it? Accepted that I won't return to the time when I loved you," Jesswelie's voice trembled with emotion, tears threatening to spill. A heavy silence descended upon us, as no one dared to interrupt the raw vulnerability in her words. "..Perhaps a lot has changed, Cathy. Maybe I grew weary of waiting for someone who showed no signs of reciprocation. Maybe I gave up because I no longer wished to wait for someone whose intentions remain uncertain..." Her voice cracked, a mix of anguish and determination coloring her words. "..I refuse to make a fool of myself, Cathy. I refuse to act foolishly. I've been rejected, and yet I'm expected to wait! You never even asked me to pursue you, instead, you told me to stop, right? You know, Cathy, you're so confusing. You're incredibly perplexing. But we're not characters in a Wattpad story, where I'm supposed to wait for you indefinitely." Jesswelie's voice quivered with sadness as she poured her heart out, supported by Reika's comforting presence. The intensity of the moment left Cathy stunned, her emotions caught off guard.