Firework

Silence fell between us, but it was quickly broken by the waiter bringing our order. “Here’s your order. Enjoy,” he said, setting down our food.

I began to think about Thomas’s confession. Hesitantly, I asked, “Why are you telling me this now? Were you afraid it would make things awkward if you told me sooner?”

He admitted, “Of course, I wanted to tell you. But I felt like a nobody back then. I decided to keep my feelings to myself until after graduation.

“Before I got the chance to say anything, you found your mate. Also, Alpha Jared seemed to love you very much, so I decided to stay back and protect you from afar.”

I took a spoonful of my dessert, savoring the taste but not commenting on it. Instead, I stated, “Maybe if you had told me back then, I might have chosen you over Jared.”

Thomas‘ gaze deepened as he heard that. But he did not say anything, so I continued, “But seeing you like someone else now, I realize you don‘ t really like me, do you?

“You felt that way because we were always together. So, you just feel there is a connection between us, which is only friendship not affection.”

I noticed Thomas was still glancing at the café owner once a while. Sometimes, he was really not good at lying.

Thomas glanced back at me, replied, “I guess it’s time for me to move on, right? Besides, there‘ s someone who loves you more than I do.”

“You‘ re wrong! If he loves me, why does Georgia always come first?” I challenged him.

Thomas answered carefully, “Have you ever thought that there might be another reason behind it? Maybe you should talk to him, give him a second chance.”

“Do you really think I can be the poem, not the poet?” I asked, almost rhetorically.

Thomas nodded and said with confidence in his eyes, “Absolutely!”

Then he gave me his mobile, showing me Jared clarification‘ s post about the fireworks video that went viral online. He said it was only a misunderstanding, they were not a couple, only friends. Jared also told everyone if he already had his own fiancée.

“I’ll give you a chance by mind–linking you when Georgia leaves later. Whether you use it or not, that’s up to you,” Thomas continued.

After some more deep conversation, I left, not heading back to the dorm but to the house. On the way, I bought groceries, the usual ingredients for making Jared’s nutrition meals.

“Alright, let’s get everything clear. Are you ready, Serena?”

Serena nodded in my mind, her voice firm. ‘Let’s go!‘

That night, as I finished preparing the meal, Thomas mind–linked me, Georgia left a minute ago. I don‘ t think she‘ ll be back because George asked her to visit tomorrow morning.”

“Thanks, Thomas. Whoever ends up as your mate will be lucky. Or… is that café owner your mate?” I teased again.

Though I couldn’t see his face, I was sure my guess had struck a chord.

“You ll win her heart, Thomas. Go for it now; don‘ t waste your chance,” I encouraged.

Then, after packing everything up, I headed to the hospital. But when I arrived, I saw Jared in a terrible state, still vomiting, surrounded by nurses.