---
After that unexpected double confession on Sunday, Lila barely slept.
She was confused. Torn.
How do you look at your two best friends the same way… after that?
And now it was Monday.
School.
She walked through the gates with a lump in her throat — and a heart racing for all the wrong reasons.
---
☀️ First Move: Theo
Before first period even started, Theo was at her locker, holding a little white box.
Theo (smiling softly):
"You skipped breakfast again, didn't you?
So, I made you your favorite—mini pancakes with chocolate chips."
Lila (blushing):
"You made these?"
Theo:
"Well… I tried. Mira almost set the kitchen on fire helping me, but yeah."
He winked.
She smiled — small, but real.
---
🌸 Second Move: Kai
Lunch.
She barely had time to sit before Kai pulled out a folded paper.
Kai:
"You remember how you said you loved that drawing I made of you last year but I never finished it?"
He handed it to her.
It was finished now.
A sketch of her laughing, carefree, surrounded by stars.
Kai (softly):
"I see you like this. Always."
Her heart fluttered again.
Why were they doing this to her?
---
🌀 After School: Torn
After the final bell, both boys were waiting outside.
Theo had a bouquet of tiny wildflowers.
Kai brought her a coffee milkshake, her favorite.
She blinked.
Lila (hands up):
"Okay—STOP. Please. I can't… I don't know what to say."
The boys exchanged glances.
Theo:
"We're not trying to pressure you. Just… letting you know how we feel."
Kai:
"And we'll wait. But that doesn't mean we'll stop trying."
---
🌙 That Night: A Diary Entry
> "They're trying. Both of them. And it's sweet, confusing, beautiful, and terrifying.
I love them… both. But not in the sam
e way.
I just don't know which way leads to my heart."
---
End of Chapter 28