CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO: MY CRUSH IS YOU!
"Yeah, he was daydreaming while saying that. I was shocked and just asked what makes him like you, and he said… everything," Samuel responded with a playful smirk, wiggling his eyebrows as if teasing me.
I frowned, clearly irritated by his reaction to Daniel's nonsense. "What's with the wiggling of your eyebrows?" I asked, my tone sharper than intended.
Samuel laughed softly, leaning back. "I heard from him that you also like him," he said, still smirking.
I let out a groan and muttered to myself, Tsk! He still thinks I have the same feelings I had two years ago. My cheeks warmed slightly at the thought.
"Was he daydreaming while saying that? Or not? I'm sure he was, but… why even ask?" I interjected to myself, frustrated by the idea that Daniel could have such thoughts swirling in his head. Urgh!
Samuel tilted his head, raising an eyebrow. "You never liked him?" His expression clearly showed confusion.
"Yeah," I said immediately, turning to face him. "But don't tell me you actually believe what he said!"
"Of course! Daniel never once lied to me," he said with certainty, an expression that left no room for doubt.
I let out a deep sigh, feeling a mixture of annoyance and exasperation. "Listen, I was stupid to have fallen for him in the past, but right now? I have zero feelings for him. To be honest… thinking about him disgusts me." I made sure my tone left no room for misinterpretation, speaking with sincere conviction.
"Oh! So, you did fall for him—" Samuel began.
"-Point of correction," I interrupted, my voice firm, "that was in the past. So stop bringing it up!" I looked at him squarely, my expression screaming 'disgusted'.
"Okay, okay…" he said, holding up his hands in playful surrender.
"Thank you for understanding!" I added, letting out a sigh of relief, my gaze drifting to the ceiling.
"You're welcome," he replied, also glancing at the ceiling before turning back to me as if he had something important to ask. "Can I ask you something?" he asked, a smile dancing on his lips.
"I hope it's not another question about what Daniel told you?" I groaned, dreading another round of Daniel-related discussion.
"Nope, I'm over that. Although…" he paused, nodding thoughtfully, "I would have loved for you guys to date."
I blinked, caught off guard. "Can I ask something? Did he ever mention wanting to date me? Or why on earth he ignored me all those years instead of… I don't know, reaching out?" I asked, curiosity bubbling up inside me.
Samuel chuckled softly, raising his eyebrows. "Okay… that's a lot of questions in one go. But yes, he did explain why he ignored you."
"Okay… so why?" I pressed, leaning slightly forward, eager for an answer.
"He said he didn't know how to start a conversation whenever he looked at your contact. He called it… love fright. When you love someone and don't want to make things awkward," Samuel explained patiently.
I groaned loudly, throwing my head back. "Urgh! That is the stupidest excuse I've ever heard!"
"I agree!" Samuel admitted with a nod. "I get it, though. That's why I prefer meeting my crush in person rather than just chatting. It's easier to read expressions than words." He gave me a serious look that made me pause for a moment.
I shook my head, exasperated. "Gosh…" I whispered, my thoughts tangled.
"Was that why you stopped crushing on him?" Samuel asked, arching an eyebrow.
"Yes," I said firmly. "I stopped loving someone who clearly didn't care enough to make an effort."
"But now you know…" he started, a teasing tone in his voice.
"Are you really in a hurry for me to fall in love with him again?" I asked, narrowing my eyes at him.
"You know… I'm something like a matchmaker," he said with a sly grin.
My eyes widened. "Gosh! Can I even know who your crush is?"
"Mine is simple," he said, leaning slightly closer. "I'm crushing on you."
I froze, my phone slipping slightly in my hands. "You're lying," I whispered, looking away to avoid his eyes.
"What makes you think I'm lying?" he asked, genuine curiosity in his tone.
"Okay… so, who is always forcing their crush to like their friends? Like, who does that?" I asked, shrugging.
"I know that's exactly what you're thinking. But haven't you considered why I keep asking the same questions? I wanted to make sure you don't have any lingering feelings for Daniel," he said with a sigh.
Even though I wanted to remain skeptical, a small part of me considered the possibility. Still, I shook my head. "Even though I can't believe you, I'm not ready to crush on anyone yet."
…
Later, Vivian appeared in the room, munching on popcorn curiously. "Did you tell her how you feel?" she asked Samuel, her eyes wide with interest.
"Yeah," Samuel replied with a sigh, dropping his phone onto the sofa in slight disappointment.
"What did she say?" Vivian asked, leaning forward eagerly.
"She doesn't believe me and… she's not ready for love. Honestly, I don't think I'll ever get to date her since she isn't ready to give in," he said, groaning.
"Listen," Vivian said with a knowing smile, "don't give up. Keep being her friend and do things to make her notice you. That way, eventually, she'll believe you."
"I hope so…" he murmured, gazing at the floor.
Vivian's eyes sparkled as she looked at him. "Goodness! How did I not know you were crushing on my boyfriend's sister?"
"Don't make me regret ever telling you this!" Samuel warned playfully.
"Come on! Besides, didn't you say Daniel likes her too? What are you going to do about that?" Vivian asked, raising a curious eyebrow.
Samuel sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I'll just have to hope I didn't make a mistake by putting Daniel in the right for her."
…
Later, exhausted from all the emotional overload, I collapsed on my bed after returning home. My mind raced. I couldn't believe Daniel still liked me. And Samuel… why did he have to confess his feelings like that?
Was Daniel lying when he said he had no crush? Or was Samuel exaggerating? I sighed, covering my face with my pillow. My thoughts bounced back and forth: Who do I even like? Daniel? No… no! Not him! I can't…
Why was Daniel even crossing my mind? Why did these memories have to surface now? I had to shut those thoughts down. I had to remind myself: I must not love Daniel. I mustn't.
…
Days passed quickly, as if time was in a rush to remind me of school resumption. Soon, I had to see my friends again. As for Samuel and the others, I didn't cross paths with them yet. Maybe he'd return next week.
I was also quietly relieved that I hadn't seen Daniel yet. That gave me a little breathing space from the chaotic thoughts swirling in my head.
Then, suddenly, a familiar voice broke through my scattered thoughts.
"Hello! Happy Friday!"
I looked up to see him, smiling and waving at me. My heart skipped a beat, even though I tried not to show it.
And just like that… the school week, friendships, crushes, and confusing emotions all collided at once.