“I don’t care. It’s worth it,” he swallowed, before he poured more of his vulnerabilities on the table, “ I hope you can forgiveme for what I said, even if this apology is a little pathetic and much too late.”
She shook her head.
“I already have.”
The verbal confirmation eased the ache in his heart, at least a little. All these years, he’d carried a guilt over hurting Nina Mendez, and while it may never be settled, every moment he spent making her smile eased the pain bit by bit.
“There’s no reason why Carlos wouldn’t want you back,” Seth continued, like he needed to remind her of why they were having this conversation in the first place. He needed to divert the attention on his vulnerability back.
“So, you really think I should confess?”
There was something about Nina’s question. Something in her tone, like she was waiting.
Was she waiting for…
No. Perhaps, that was just his hope.
“You should, when you feel the timing is right. Get it off your chest, and I’ll be here, cheering you on,” Seth added, the promise a stab in the back against his own feelings.
“Thank you Seth. You’re amazing.”
The smile in Nina’s voice made it all worth it. And Seth thought, maybe this is closest to what love should feel like.
To want to see the one you love at their happiest, even if it’s at the expense of your own.
24
Then
— Nina’s Diary, April 6, 2017
It was a conversation he wasn’t meant to hear, but one that shifted his world forever.
Seth was on his way to the toilet from his economics class upstairs, when he heard their voices drifting from below the set of stairs he was descending.
“You and Seth seem to be friendly with each other more often lately,” Bianca said, her voice echoing the slightest around the empty locker bay.
“Friendly, but not friends. It’s always been like that.”
That was Nina’s voice. His body reacted accordingly, with sweaty palms and a beating heart. He crept down the stairs more slowly, softening his footsteps.
“Would you be happy just being his friend?”
“Is that even a question? Of course.”
He crouched beside the stair railing, leaning forward. Seth knew he shouldn’t be listening to this private conversation, but he couldn’t help himself.It’s Nina.
“But you still like him,” Bianca stated.
Seth froze, his breath quickening.
“Yes, of course,” Nina replied, instantly. Like a habit.
Her voice had become a little quieter, but Seth could still hear.
“How?” Bianca asked, exasperated, “Aren’t you tired of liking someone who just…doesn’t give back?
There was no response for a bit. Seth’s heart pounded with every passing second, anticipating Nina’s next words.
