Chapter 14: The Misread Message
Tuesday afternoon.
The apartment was quiet, sunlight spilling across the floor.
I was tidying up my desk when my phone buzzed.
A message from a friend:
"Saw Alex with someone today… looked really close."
My chest tightened.
I stared at the screen, heart racing.
Could it be…?
Alex appeared from the kitchen, holding a cup of coffee.
"Hey," he said casually.
"Hey," I replied, trying to sound normal.
But my mind wouldn't stop spinning.
He sat down beside me, unaware of my inner turmoil.
Our shoulders brushed.
The contact, once comforting, now felt sharp.
"I… did you…?" I asked hesitantly, my voice low.
Alex frowned slightly.
"Did I what?"
I swallowed.
"Did… you meet someone today?"
He blinked.
"No… I just went out to grab some groceries," he said, clearly confused.
"Who said that?"
I showed him the message, my hands shaking slightly.
Alex looked at the screen, then back at me.
A faint smile tugged at his lips.
"It's a misunderstanding," he said softly.
"See? Nothing to worry about."
I felt a mix of relief and embarrassment.
I had let my imagination run too far.
And yet… the flutter in my chest didn't go away.
He reached for my hand lightly, just brushing his fingers against mine.
"Don't let messages get between us," he whispered.
"And don't overthink… okay?"
I nodded, still feeling the warmth of his touch linger longer than it should.
And for a moment, the world outside ceased to exist.
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