No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

But I couldn't keep hiding forever.

The more awkward the situation, the less I could afford to hide.

I let go, and Dustin also pulled back the duvet, looking at my face, "Heard you were caught in the flood. Scared me half to death."

He was explaining why he came. I managed a wry smile, "What, did I make the evening news?"

In this age of the internet, even the smallest events get blasted online. Today's flood was massive, and yet people were filming instead of helping. "Yeah, looked like a drowned rat," Dustin said, raising his hand.

I instinctively moved aside, but he didn't show any embarrassment, just gave a light chuckle, "I just wanted to fix your hair. You looked terrified."

I didn't respond, and Dustin sat on the edge of the bed, "How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine, got checked out."

"But you seem quite shaken up, even cried, huh?" My red-rimmed eyes didn't escape his notice.

knew I wasn't crying from fear,

intelligence has really skyrocketed

"Yeah, otherwise you'd

Dustin just smiled, "Felicia, I know you've been avoiding me lately because I confessed my feelings for

it up, I didn't pretend

I ruined the simple sibling-like bond we had. But then, I genuinely fell for you and felt it'd be a regret not to confess. Thought maybe you felt the same, that maybe if I spoke up,

seen you as a brother, almost like a real one. You know, when Conrad used to bug me, I

lost that girl who depended on me. Realized it was my fault for scaring you off. So, can Dustin take back what he said? Pretend you never heard it, and let's be like before?" His request

are like spilled water; they can't be taken

I know you don't see me that way, so I've reined in my feelings. From now on, I'm just your brother, nothing more," Dustin said, raising his hand, "I swear, I

sincerity made me feel small

and extended my fist to him, a gesture we often used as kids. Whenever Conrad, Dustin, and would get into trouble and

smiled and bumped his fist against

up to now?" Conrad's