The atmosphere in the office feels different now—heavier, thick with unspoken tension. It wasn't like this before. Before, conversations were effortless, exchanges natural, laughter easy. But after last night—after the confession—everything feels uncertain.
Erika, Lauren and Lexi was in the same room. Lexi was proposing her project and their was Lauren checking it out.
After checking and flipping thoroughly through the proposed project, Lauren give some advice, some revision and adjustment. A few more minutes past, Erika and Lexi were about to leave when Lauren stopped Erika from leaving the office.
"I—uh, things have been weird today". Lauren admits, not looking up.
Erika exhales slowly, nodding. "Yeah, they have."
A silence stretches between them—long, fragile.
"Uhmm, look I apologize for what have happened yesterday night". You can feel the nervousness in Lauren's voice.
"Yeah it's fine, it's not your fault that you don't know me clearly". Erika said and was about to get up from the couch when a voice suddenly talk.
"I know". Lauren answered shortly making Erika turned around, cause how did she know? can she feel it like her parents? "I have accidentally read your diary, the one from our college days...when we have a graduation party at your place".
Erika swallows, trying to stay steady. "Then you also know about—?".
"I know, your feelings about me since then I know".
Erika chest tightens, but she nods, giving a small smile—one that doesn't quite reach her eyes. She's sure, she's just so sure that this conversation would not go somewhere near good so she decided to walk away, taking three steps forward.
"I don't want it to be like this," Lauren finally says, glancing at her. "I don't want to hurt you, and I don't want to ruin what we have."
Erika lets out a small, tired laugh. "Neither do I."
Another pause. Then, softer now—"I don't want to lose you."
Lauren sighs, shaking her head. "I don't know how to do this right."
"Then let's figure it out." Erika suggested.
And just like that, the tension doesn't vanish, but it softens. It becomes something they can work through.
On the other hand Lexi was there enjoying her walk to her house as she can finally enjoy the thrill of success because finally her proposal was approved.
Lexi barely sits when her phone suddenly buzzed.
"Hey, love," Valeria says, the smile evident in her tone. "How did your day go?"
Lexi exhales, a wide grin spreading across her face as she sinks onto the couch. "So did you remember when I asked you about writing our story and turning it into a movie?". she breathes, the words finally real."I finally did it, not yet finished but they love the proposal".
A delighted squeal bursts through the speaker. "I knew it!".
"I am so incredibly proud of you," Valeria says, voice softer now, filled with warmth. "I wish I was there to celebrate with you."
Lexi sighs, leaning her head back against the couch. "Me too. I really just want to hold you right now."