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, but his words eased

intelligence has really skyrocketed lately, lying

nodded, "Yeah, otherwise you'd

I know you've been avoiding me lately because I confessed my feelings

up, I didn't pretend

you know. Regret that I ruined the simple sibling-like bond we had. But then, I genuinely fell for you and felt it'd be

a brother, almost like a real one. You know,

my fault for scaring you off. So, can Dustin take

once spoken are like spilled water; they can't

reined in my feelings. From now on, I'm just your brother, nothing more," Dustin

me feel

often used as kids. Whenever Conrad,

smiled and bumped his

are you two up to now?" Conrad's voice came from the doorway, eyeing our joined