Zara squeals. “That’s so romantic, I actually hate you.”
I smile softly, hugging a pillow to my chest. “He was quiet for a long time. I thought I ruined it again. But then… everything just fell into place. Like it was supposed to happen that way.”
Yana makes a dreamy sigh. “Ugh, the slow burn finally burns slow enough to catch fire.”
I catch myself smiling again. My heart feels too full for my chest.
Yana sits up. “So… what now? Like, you guys are together together, right? No more angsty confusion?”
I snort. “Yeah, no more of that. We’re officially together.”
“God, it’s about time,” Zara says. “The entire friend group has been suffering because of your unresolved romantic tension.”
“Sorry for the trauma,” I cringe.
“Apology accepted, as long as we get cute couple content now. I want beach walks. I want him to carry you on his back. I want you walking around in his hoodies.” Yana points at the hoodie I’m wearing right now.
That makes me grin wider. “Oh, that part’s already happening.”
Zara rolls her eyes. “Good for you.”
“I told him I get to steal them whenever I want. Men’s hoodies are just better. And they smell like him. I feel happier when I wear them.”
“As you should. It’s part of the package. A boyfriend and his hoodies.”
I couldn’t agree more.
Zara sighs contentedly. “Honestly, you two make sense. It’s always been obvious you’re meant to be. Even when you weren’t in the mess.”
“Yeah… it does feel right.”
Yana leans back on her elbows. “And now he’s staying. Which I am so thankful for because life would be so weird without him around.”
“Although,” Zara adds, “it’s kinda sad he’s not pursuing that dream.”
I frown.
He told me it’s a secret, and I don’t want to reveal it all to them, even though Ialwaystell Yana everything, but Luca is entitled to his own privacy.
“He told me that he’s still chasing his dream, just differently. Here. With us.”
Zara smiles softly. “That’s love, you know. When someone stops chasing the whole world just to stay where they are.”
Yana nods. “And honestly, you both deserve it. After everything.”
I bite my lip, trying not to cry.
I feel lucky that I’m in this situation instead of the one I imagined in my head.
Yesterday I was still horrified of taking the step forward, but I realized for the first time in my life, a risk is not that bad.
I’m finally experiencing the one percent out of ten. And suddenly, I start understanding why risk takers do it.
It feels ecstatic.
They start joking again, and I let myself fall back against the pillows, laughing until my stomach hurts.
There’s no panic in the pit of my stomach, and I’m not scared of what tomorrow will bring, which feels nice.
