"I can't believe I actually said that," I muttered, feeling a wave of exasperation crash over me.
"It's alright," Alex said with a calm shrug. "Honestly, I think it's a good sign. He'll definitely feel the same way."
"What?" I stared at him, wide-eyed. "I'm never going to see him again! What if he thinks I'm weird? I should just leave the city now—disappear forever!"
Alex burst into laughter, wiping tears from his eyes. "You're unbelievable. Where do you even come up with this stuff?"
"I'm being serious," I insisted, crossing my arms. "This isn't funny."
"Oh, come on. Just meet him on Sunday. If it turns out he doesn't feel the same, tell him you were joking. Easy."
I shot him a look. "Easy? You think it's that simple? You have no idea what it's like around him. It feels like my chest might actually explode. Every little thing he says sends me into a spiral. I feel… so stupid."
Alex's teasing softened into something warmer. He tilted his head, a playful glint in his eyes. "You're in love with him."
I stopped walking. My cheeks flushed instantly, heat rising to my face. I turned my gaze away, murmuring under my breath, "No, it's not like that."
He grinned. "It is like that."
"Stop," I said quickly.
He laughed again, and even though I rolled my eyes and tried to play it off, I could still feel the butterflies stirring in my chest.
It was Sunday, and I just couldn't bring myself to go.
"Terra, where are you? Are you not ready yet?" my mother called, her footsteps approaching my room. She entered and found me curled up in bed, wrapped tightly in a blanket. Her brows furrowed with concern. "What's wrong, Terra?"
"I think I'm unwell," I murmured, barely audible. "I can't go today."
Her eyes widened. "Oh my God. Should I call the doctor?"
"No!" I sat up quickly. "I mean… no, there's no need. I just need some rest."
I'm sorry, Mom. I have to lie to you. There was no way I could face him after what I said.
After an hour, I must've drifted off, because I awoke to the sound of someone shifting nearby. Assuming it was my mother, I rubbed my eyes and whispered, "What happened, Mom? I'm okay now."
But the voice that answered wasn't hers.
A deeper voice responded from the other side, "It's good you're feeling better. Since you're awake… we can begin the session."
My body tensed. That voice—it was him.
Startled, I exclaimed, "fuck!
I bolted upright. "What the—what are you doing here?" I blurted out before clamping a hand over my mouth. "Sorry, I didn't mean to yell, but… seriously, why are you here?"
He gave a calm smile. "Your mother called me. She said you were sick, and I offered to stop by for a short check-in. I figured… maybe talking might help you feel better."
I responded in disbelief, "What? So, you are going to give me therapy now?"
He gently replied, "Yes, Only if you're comfortable," he said softly."
I hesitated. I didn't know what I was feeling—confusion, nerves, maybe even hope. He walked closer, slowly, and I instinctively raised my chin to meet his gaze. His voice dropped slightly, more intimate than before.
I was still trying to find my footing. "I mean… I guess I have to. Since you're already here."
He moved even closer, and the atmosphere thickened. A strange look flickered across his face—something unreadable. And then, without warning, he reached out and gently touched my neck, like he was trying to draw me closer.
"Say yes," he whispered.
Everything about this felt wrong. My chest tightened, my thoughts scrambled. Why was he so close? Why was he touching me?
He placed a hand on my stomach. I froze.
"What are you doing?" I whispered.
His eyes searched mine. Then, suddenly, he leaned in and kissed me—slowly, deliberately, like he'd been waiting for it.
My breath caught. For a moment, I didn't move, couldn't move. His lips were soft, but my thoughts were screaming. What is happening? I had thought he didn't feel the same way. I thought I had embarrassed myself… and now this?
The kiss deepened. His hand pressed lightly, then more firmly, and instinctively, I pulled back. Something slipped from my hand. My heart was hammering.
"Stop," I said quietly.
We both paused—faces inches apart, breathing heavy, silence stretching long between us.
Then he said it.
"Let's be sex partners, Terra."
The words shattered everything.
My eyes widened in disbelief. "What the fuck did you just say?"
I yanked the blanket over myself, retreating. My voice rose, panic laced with fury.
My mother's voice echoed from the hallway. "Terra? What happened?"
Thinking fast, I laughed nervously and called out, "Nothing! Just a weird dream—I saw him in it and freaked out."
She stepped inside, confused. "Oh… well, I think I woke you. I came to inform you that your therapist is here. Did you forget?"
He stood, quickly smoothing his shirt. "I apologize for scaring you, Terra. I must have startled you, perhaps it's best I leave now. We can continue next Sunday."
My mom nodded, seeing him to the door.
I stayed wrapped in my blanket, shaking, heart still racing.
What the hell just happened?
Alex called later. "So? What happened?"
I told him. Everything. His silence was long, stunned.
"You heard me right," I finished, voice flat. "I had the same reaction."