The sun was shining brightly over the school fountain, its gentle spray creating a rainbow in the air. I sat on the edge of the fountain, my legs crossed and my hands gesturing wildly as I recounted the events of the past few days to Zianne and Jiro. Zianne was perched beside me, her eyes wide with excitement, while Jiro lounged on the ground, his head propped up on his hand, grinning like he’d just won the lottery.
“So, let me get this straight,” Zianne said, her voice practically squealing with excitement. “Ethan, Professor Hottie himself... confessed to you? Like, full-on ‘I like you’ confession? And you guys are, like, a thing now?!”
I nodded, my cheeks flushing as I tried to suppress a smile. “Yeah. I mean, we’re taking it slow. And we’re keeping it a secret, obviously. Especially from my brother. If Kai finds out, he’ll probably lose his mind.”
Jiro snorted, rolling onto his back and staring up at the sky. “Oh, please. Your brother going to lose his mind regardless. I mean, his best friend and his little sister? That’s like, prime drama material. I can already see the headlines: ‘CEO’s Best Friend Steals His Sister’s Heart.’ It’s practically a soap opera.”
I groaned, throwing a small pebble at him. “Shut up, Jiro. It’s not like that. Ethan and I are just... figuring things out. And it’s not like we’re going public anytime soon. We’re keeping it low-key.”
Zianne leaned in, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Low-key, huh? So, what does that mean? Secret hand-holding in the library? Midnight coffee dates? Oh my gosh, are you guys sneaking around like spies? Because if so, I need details. All the details.”
I laughed, shaking my head. “It’s not that dramatic. We’re just... being careful. You know how my family is. And Ethan’s my professor. It’s complicated.”
Jiro sat up, his grin widening. “Complicated? Aria, you’re living in a K-drama. This is the kind of stuff people binge-watch on Netflix. You’ve got the hot professor, the secret romance, the overprotective brother... all you’re missing is a love triangle.”
I froze, my smile faltering for a moment. I hadn’t told them about Aiden yet. The guilt of leaving him hanging after his confession was still weighing heavily on me. I opened my mouth to say something, but before I could, Zianne gasped, pointing behind me.
“Speaking of love triangles...” Zianne whispered, her eyes wide.
I turned, my heart skipping a beat as I saw Aiden and Arkin walking toward us. Aiden’s expression was unreadable, but the moment his eyes met mine, he stopped in his tracks. For a split second, it looked like he was about to say something, but then he turned on his heel and walked away, leaving Arkin standing there, looking completely confused.
“Aiden, where are you going?” Arkin called after him, but Aiden didn’t look back. He just kept walking, his hands shoved deep into his pockets.
Arkin sighed, running a hand through his hair as he walked over to the group.
“What was that about?” Jiro muttered, more to himself than anyone else.
I felt a pang of guilt, my stomach twisting into knots. I knew exactly what that was about. Aiden had heard us talking. He’d heard me gushing about Ethan, and now he was hurt. And it was all my fault.
“Uh, Aria?” Zianne said, her tone cautious. “What’s going on? Why did Aiden just... walk away like that?”
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “Okay, so... there’s something I didn’t tell you guys. Aiden... he confessed to me. The same day Ethan did.”
Jiro’s eyes widened, and he let out a low whistle. “Oh, snap. Double confession? Aria, you’re out here living the dream.”
Zianne smacked his arm, her expression serious. “Jiro, shut up. This is serious. Aria, what did you say to Aiden?”
I groaned, burying my face in my hands. “I didn’t say anything! I told him I needed time to think about it, and then Ethan and I... you know. And now Aiden heard us talking, and he probably thinks I’ve already made my choice. Which, I mean, I have, but... I didn’t want to hurt him.”
Arkin crossed his arms, his expression thoughtful. “Yeah, well, you might’ve just done that. Aiden’s been into you for a while, Aria. He just finally worked up the courage to tell you. And now... this.”
I felt tears prick at the corners of my eyes, and I quickly blinked them away. “I know. And I feel awful. I never meant to hurt him. He’s one of my best friends.”
Zianne reached out, squeezing my hand. “Hey, it’s not your fault. You can’t control how you feel. And it’s not like you led Aiden on or anything. You were honest with him.”
“Yeah,” Jiro chimed in, his tone uncharacteristically serious. “Aiden’s a big boy. He’ll get over it. But you should probably talk to him. Clear the air. Let him know where you stand.”
I nodded, though my heart was still heavy. “Yeah, you’re right. I need to talk to him. I just... I don’t know what to say.”
Arkin sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Just be honest with him. Tell him how you feel. And... maybe give him some space. He’s going to need time to process everything.”
I nodded, though the guilt was still gnawing at me. I knew Arkin was right. I needed to talk to Aiden. But the thought of facing him, of seeing the hurt in his eyes... it made my stomach twist into knots.
As the group fell into a thoughtful silence, Zianne suddenly perked up, her eyes lighting up with mischief. “Okay, but can we circle back to the fact that Aria and Professor Hottie are, like, a thing now? Because I need details. All the details. How did he confess? Was it romantic? Did he kiss you? Oh my gosh, did he—”
“Zianne!” I interrupted, my cheeks burning. “It’s not like that. We’re taking it slow, remember?”
Zianne pouted, clearly disappointed. “Ugh, fine. But you’re telling me everything eventually. And I mean everything.”
Jiro chuckled, leaning back on his hands. “Yeah, Aria. We’re your friends. We deserve to know all the juicy details.”
I rolled my eyes, though I couldn’t help but smile. “Yeah, yeah. I’ll tell you guys... eventually. But right now, I need to figure out how to fix things with Aiden.”
Arkin nodded, his expression serious. “Good luck, Aria. And... for what it’s worth, I think you’re doing the right thing. Just... be gentle with him, okay? He’s been through a lot.”
I nodded, my heart heavy but determined. I knew what I had to do. I just hoped I could find the right words to make things right.
As the group dispersed, I stayed by the fountain, my mind racing. I pulled out my phone and typed out a message to Aiden.
'Hey, Aiden. Can we talk? I’m really sorry about earlier. I didn’t mean to hurt you. Please, just... let me explain.'
I hit send, my heart pounding as I waited for a response. But seconds turn to minutes and an hour but there's no response.
Maybe he really needs some space. 
—–—
After a stressful day, Ethan invited me to a night market in the downtown after school.
As we walk in, the night market was alive with energy, a kaleidoscope of colors, sounds, and smells that made the air feel electric. Strings of fairy lights crisscrossed above the stalls, casting a warm glow over the bustling crowd. The scent of sizzling street food, grilled meats, sweet pastries, and spicy noodles are filled the air, making my stomach growl in anticipation.
Ethan and I had been wandering through the maze of stalls for about an hour now, laughing and joking as we sampled different foods. It felt like a date, even though we hadn’t officially called it that. But the way Ethan kept glancing at me, his eyes soft and his smile lingering a little too long, made it hard to think of it as anything else.
Ethan glanced at me, his lips curving into a soft smile. “You look like you’re having fun.”
I laughed, feeling a little giddy. “I am. This place is amazing. I can’t believe I’ve never been here before.”
He shrugged, his tone playful. “Well, now you have me to show you all the best spots. Consider it part of your... extracurricular education.”
I rolled my eyes, though my cheeks warmed at the way he was looking at me. “Oh, please. Is this how you charm all your students, Professor Ramsey?”
Ethan chuckled, leaning in slightly. “Only the ones who make me lose my mind.”
I felt my heart skip a beat, and I quickly looked away, pretending to be deeply interested in a nearby stall. “So, uh... what’s good here? Any must-try foods?”
Ethan’s grin widened, and he gently took my hand, pulling me toward a stall that smelled like heaven. “You have to try the takoyaki here. Trust me, it’s life-changing.”
As we waited in line, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out, my stomach dropping when I saw Kai’s name on the screen. I hesitated, glancing at Ethan, who was busy chatting with the vendor. I knew I should answer. Kai would only worry if I didn’t but I also didn’t want to ruin the moment.
“Uh, I’ll be right back,” I said, stepping away from the stall. Ethan nodded, his attention still on the food.
I answered the call, trying to sound casual. “Hey, Kai. What’s up?”
“Aria,” Kai’s voice came through, warm but slightly concerned. “Just checking in. How’s my little sister doing?”
I smiled, leaning against a nearby lamppost. “I’m good. Just... taking a break. You know, college life. It’s exhausting.”
Kai chuckled. “Yeah, I remember those days. But you’re not overworking yourself, right? You’re eating? Sleeping?”
I rolled my eyes, though I couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt. “Yes, Kai. I’m eating. I’m sleeping. I’m fine, I promise. Just busy with school.”
“Busy with school, or busy avoiding your big brother?” He said, his tone is teasing. 
“Maybe a little of both. But seriously, I’m good. How about you? How’s work?”
Kai sighed, and I could practically hear him running a hand through his hair. “Work’s work. Stressful as always. But enough about me. What are you up to tonight? You sound like you’re somewhere... loud.”
Before I could respond, Ethan’s voice cut through the noise of the market. “Aria, do you want extra sauce on your takoyaki?”
My eyes widened, and I quickly covered the phone with my hand, but it was too late. Kai had heard him.
“Wait, was that Ethan?” Kai asked, his tone sharp. “Are you with Ethan right now?”
I hesitated, my mind racing. “Uh... yeah. We’re just... hanging out. He’s helping me unwind after a long day. You know, like old times.”
Kai was silent for a moment, and I could practically hear him processing the information. Then he sighed, his tone softening. “Alright, alright. I’m just glad you’re not alone. But, Aria... be careful, okay? Ethan’s a good guy, but he’s still my best friend. And you’re my little sister. Just... don’t make things weird.”
I felt my cheeks heat up, and I quickly glanced over at Ethan, who was now holding two paper trays of takoyaki and looking at me with a curious expression. “Yeah, Kai. I know. Don’t worry, okay? We’re just hanging out.”
Kai chuckled, though there was a hint of something in his voice that made me nervous. “Alright, alright. Just... tell Ethan I said hi. And remind him that if he does anything stupid, I’ll kill him.”
I laughed, though it came out more nervous than I intended. “Yeah, I’ll tell him. Talk to you later, Kai.”
I hung up the phone, taking a deep breath before walking back over to Ethan. He handed me a tray of takoyaki, his expression curious. “Everything okay?”
I nodded, forcing a smile. “Yeah, just Kai being... Kai. He says hi, by the way. And also... if you do anything stupid, he’ll kill you.”
Ethan laughed, the sound warm and rich. “Sounds about right. Don’t worry, Aria. I have no intention of doing anything stupid with you. At least, not tonight.”
I felt my cheeks heat up, and I quickly looked down at the takoyaki, popping one into my mouth to avoid responding. The flavors exploded on my tongue. Crispy on the outside, soft and savory on the inside, with just the right amount of sauce and bonito flakes. I couldn’t help but let out a small moan of appreciation.
Ethan’s grin widened, his eyes sparkling. “Good, right?”
I nodded, my mouth still full. “So good. You were right, life-changing.”
He chuckled, taking a bite of his own takoyaki. “Told you. Stick with me, and I’ll show you all the best things in life.”
We continued walking through the market, stopping at a stall selling handmade bracelets. Ethan picked up a delicate silver bracelet, holding it up to the light. “What do you think? Would this look good on you?”
I blinked, surprised. “Ethan, you don’t have to—”
But he cut me off, his smile gentle. “I know I don’t have to. But I want to. Consider it a... souvenir. To remember tonight.”
I felt my cheeks heat up, and I nodded, unable to suppress a smile. “Yeah, it’s beautiful.”
He bought the bracelet and slipped it onto my wrist, his fingers lingering for a moment longer than necessary. “There. Perfect.”
The way he said it, the way he looked at me... it felt like so much more. And for the first time, I let myself believe that maybe, just maybe, this could work. That we could figure it out together.
As the night wore on, we found ourselves sitting on a bench near the edge of the market. The crowd had thinned out, and the air was filled with the soft hum of conversation and the occasional burst of laughter. Ethan leaned back, his arm casually draped over the back of the bench behind me.
“So,” he said, his tone light but with a hint of curiosity. “What’s next for us?”
I glanced at him, my heart pounding. “What do you mean?”
He shrugged, his gaze steady on mine. “I mean... we’re taking it slow, right? But eventually, people are going to find out. Your brother, our families... everyone. Are you ready for that?”
I hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah. I think so. I mean, it’s scary, but... I don’t want to hide this. Not forever.”
Ethan smiled, his expression softening. “Good. Because I don’t either. But we’ll take it one step at a time, okay? No rush.”
I nodded, feeling a surge of warmth. “One step at a time.”
I still couldn’t shake the lingering guilt about Aiden. I knew I needed to talk to him, to clear the air and make things right. But for now, I pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the here and now, on Ethan’s presence, on the way his laughter made my heart race, on the way he looked at me like I was the only person in the world.
And for tonight, that was enough.