•<Stupid Cupid>•

Stupid cupid, why'd you do me like that?
     Why'd you send me someone I can't have?
      Stupid Cupid when you crossed our stars
                         You broke my heart
                                           •
                                Jenna Raine

                                      •<>•

It's been several days since Autumn's hospital discharge, and I'm genuinely happy to witness her remarkable recovery. Her overall well-being is on the upswing, her complexion exudes a healthy glow, her eyes have regained their sparkle, and it warms my heart to see that broad, radiant smile returning to her face.

The sight of her reuniting with Brandon never fails to bring warmth to my heart, and I can't believe that it was only when they were on the brink of parting ways that I realized the depth of my love for both of them.

Gosh, I'm glad they didn't breakup.

After Key and I granted them some private time for conversation, it took them a little while before inviting us back in. As soon as we re-entered the room, we were greeted by the heartwarming sight of a joyful couple tightly clasping hands, as if they feared losing each other.

I'm relieved that I encouraged him to communicate with her because, as it turns out, Brandon had been truthful from the beginning. There was nothing more to his relationship with his ex-girlfriend than the longstanding friendship they had maintained for some time.

Upon getting home and letting her rest for hours, she began to tell us what happened in that hospital room the second we left. She told us about why Brandon was giving more attention to Aero than to her even though he didn't realize it. Turns out Aero's parents finalized their divorce some weeks before and she needed a shoulder to lean on. I can't imagine how she must have been feeling going through something like that. I can't even imagine my parents being divorced.

Realizing how inappropriate his close relationship with his ex-girlfriend has been even though it was never his intention to hurt Autumn, Brandon promised her that he'll keep his distance from Aero.

She let out a small laugh and quietly uttered something to herself, 'I can't believe I misinterpreted everything.

While nibbling on her nail, she proceeded to recount Brandon's response upon learning the same details she had shared with the medical professionals and us. She confided in him about her insecurities when in the company of Aero and the other girls from The Apex, describing her constant sense of insecurity and the pressure she felt to conform to their standards in order to belong.

She explained that his expressions underwent a constant transformation, alternating between anger and sorrow. The once vibrant spark in his eyes gradually faded, leaving behind an overwhelming sense of sadness and guilt, only to be periodically replaced by flashes of anger before reverting to those earlier emotions once again.

'He then wrapped his arms around me, and pulled me closer to him till there was no space left between us,' She said with a smile on her face -- her eyes lost into nothingness as though she was reliving that moment. She was beaming, her eyes sparkled and I could almost swear I saw a halo hanging above her head.

After she broke free from her reverie, she went on to convey his words to us. He had encouraged her never to change because he appreciated her just as she was. He expressed that she was the most beautiful and remarkable girl he had ever been with. In her account, she emphasized the sincerity of his words and how keenly she could sense the depth of his emotional pain caused by all that had transpired.

He proceeded to tenderly run his fingers through her hair, his arm enveloping her shoulder, while his other hand gently brushed her cheek, all the while whispering affectionate and hopeful words into her ears, lavishing her with love. She struggled to put into words the exact sensation, but she conveyed that it was the most beautiful feeling she had ever experienced.

She giggled at the thought of it as she tugged the fleece to her mouth and bit on it. Watching her get that excited about him reminded me of the one person that makes me feel like that. Despite the impossibility of us being together, I can't help but smile whenever I think about him and I can't stop my heart from fluttering either.

Seeing Autumn and Brandon's love grow gives me hope. Call me crazy for wanting someone I can never have but, seeing Autumn and Brandon whom I would have never guessed a year ago that they would be together makes me believe in love. It gives me hope to find a love like theirs, a love that never dims despite the chaos around it, a love that stays forever just like my parents.

When we shuffled on the couch and wrapped our arms around her, Key apologized to Autumn once again for how ill she treated Brandon. 'It's fine, you were just being protective of me. At least he knows now not to mess with me.' she replied joyfully as she pulled her lips into a tight-lipped smile.

Words can't describe how comforting it is to see her eating freely and not throwing up afterward.

Whatever it is that Dr. Charles the shrink and Brandon said to her has done wonders. It's like they pumped that confidence back into her and she's happier and more secure than she's ever been. She hardly wears red lipstick and just the other day, she went to the hair salon and changed her bangs to curtain bangs with full, bouncy, and shiny curls.

After all the storms we've encountered lately, it's nice to see the sun breaking through the dark clouds, to see the beams of light flooding in through the gap and casting their light upon us. However, there's still one more thing on my mind.

                                    •<<<>>>•

What's more stubborn than the other, the heart or the mind? Some say it's the mind, but in my opinion, I'll go with the heart, given everything that happened yesterday. It hadn't been long since I left his class feeling sorry for myself for being interested in someone who was forbidden. However, all the sympathy that had engulfed me loosened its hold on me the second we met again, I swear it was not planned.

There was a group of students who were handing out fliers to anybody they landed their eyes on, myself included; asking people to attend an upcoming event which didn't pique my interest the second I heard about it.

I politely declined the offer as I smiled in kindness, hardly had I realized that my decline to that offer would be offensive to the Emerald-eyed young man with copper curly hair who stood before me with the flier in his hand.

Just as I was about to walk away upon politely declining his invitation, he sidestepped me — his medium-sized frame was now blocking me.

Though surprised by the turn of events, the fear that coursed through my body was so strong that it nearly paralyzed me. I hate confrontations and I wasn't going to get into one over turning down an invitation for an event which was much ado about nothing in my opinion.

'Look, I'm sure you'll do exceptionally well without my presence. I have a lot on my plate at the moment, sorry I can't come,' I said calmly, although my inner turmoil was akin to molten lava, and I could feel my patience wearing thin.

'You think you're special or something?' the young man hissed, 'My team and I put a lot of effort into this event, and we're reaching out for your support. The least you can do is show up even for a couple of minutes or donate. It's all for a good cause.'

'Maybe next time,' I replied with a smile, hoping to diffuse the situation, however, this angered him more. He was relentless and his eyes reflected nothing but annoyance and anger.

I have the right to say no. I thought to myself while his frame was standing before me, blocking my way.

'Is there a problem here? Is he bothering you?' A familiar voice resonated from behind me just as I was about to say something to the relentless young man.

A wave of relief washed over me as I turned toward Ethan, who had positioned himself beside me — his presence towering over me. His gaze was fixed intently on the young man, a warning so palpable that anyone could discern the unspoken message it conveyed.

'Easy man,' the copper curly-haired student said as he held up his hands in defense, 'I'm not trying to steal your girl. I'm actually sending out invitations to an event my team and I will be hosting next week on Saturday, in fact, here,' he said as he handed the flier to Ethan, 'You can come too, it's gonna be lit and worthwhile I promise you.'

'Do I look like your mate?' Ethan uttered with a stern face, his narrowed slit eyes never leaving the student who started appearing frightened. 'Go on, leave,' he said calmly, however, the underlying intimidation in his voice compelled the Emerald-eyed young man to depart upon Ethan's command.

'Thank you,' I said with a sincere heart.

'Glad I could help, you take care alright,' he replied and promptly walked away, leaving me with no opportunity for a response.

Once again, Ethan came to my rescue when I needed it and hardly expected it; his kindness gave me yet another reason to hold onto something that will never be.

       AN

✨I'd like to get to know you briefly but you can skip this question if you want to.

- Who's your celebrity crush? I have a lot ngl 🙈 (There's Chris Evans, Regé-Jean Page, Henry Cavill, Lee Min-ho, Cha Eun-woo, Luis Ernesto Franco, Keith Powers, and Dacre Montgomery just to name a few. They're a lot, I KNOW!)

- Secondly, this isn't a get-to-know-you type of question, so here it goes, what are your thoughts about Brandon?✨
     ***
Thank you so much for getting this far, much appreciated. Don't forget to vote, comment and share. It'd be nice to hear from you and your honest opinions/thoughts about the story.
              🧡🤎