Chapter 33: Almost Yes

Alan's POV.

"How long are you planning to ignore me?" She said, sliding into the seat across from me as if nothing had happened.

I let out a dry laugh, leaning back slightly. "I don't think that matters to you even one percent."

It came out colder than I intended.

Because I was hurt. Not just a little—enough to walk away when she asked me not to come.

Enough to almost say I'll come anyway. What's your problem? But I didn't.

Because with her forcing my way in never felt right.

"Am I that bad?" she asked, hurting. "Do you hate me?"

I looked at her. God, I wish I could.

"Wish I could," I said, my voice softer now. "But I can't."

Her lips pouted, and then she held her ears like a guilty kid. "I'm sorry. You know I don't think before I speak."

I just watched her. I didn't want to melt. I really didn't. But my anger was already slipping through my fingers.

"How many times are we going to go through this, Mils?" I asked finally.

She blinked, clearly scrambling for something that would make sense.

"Because…" she paused, thinking hard.

I raised an eyebrow, already bracing myself. "Yes? Because?"

"Because my heart and brain don't communicate," she blurted. "And my mouth just says things I don't actually mean."

I stared at her for a second, trying not to laugh, but I ended up laughing.

I couldn't help it. Who even says that?

I leaned forward and tapped her forehead lightly. "I knew it'd be something weird."

Relief flooded her face. "So… we're good?" she asked with hope in her voice.

I smirked. "Do I have a choice?"

Her face lit up instantly. And just like that, I gave in again.

"Now tell me," I said, folding my arms. "Was the stomach ache real or fake?"

She froze and then quickly looked down, avoiding my eyes.

I tilted my head, trying to catch her gaze. "Don't lie."

She whimpered and dropped her head onto the table. "Was it that obvious?"

I chuckled. "Yeah, too obvious."

"Emma? Isn't it? She was the reason, right?"

Her head snapped up, completely shocked. And God, as much as I liked seeing that jealousy, I hated being the reason behind it.

"I need to go," She said, rising. I held her hand and made her sit back.

"She's hot," I said casually. She turned to me. "Smart too. We've got things in common, but—"

"Hey, guys!" Emma cut me off, sliding into the seat beside me.

Milie forced a smile, but I could see it. If she had something in her hand, she'd probably throw it at Emma.

I hid my smile and quickly typed.

Alan: Continue… but– she's not you.

I waved my phone slightly. She frowned, then checked hers.

I watched her face change—confusion, realization, and then that soft pink creeping into her cheeks.

She looked up. I was talking to Emma. But my eyes were on her, and just for her.

She dropped her gaze immediately, blushing harder.

"My darling," Sammy's voice cut in, making her jump, "who are you texting that's got you blushing like that?"

She completely froze. "I—I need to use the restroom," she said quickly, pushing past him.

And just like that, she was gone. I leaned back, a small smirk playing on my lips as I watched her leave.

She turned once before disappearing. That was enough for me to try.

I picked up my phone. For a second, I hesitated, then I typed.

Alan: Tell me once that you like me.

My chest tightened as I hit send, hoping, finally, she would say it.

Message seen, but no reply. I let out a quiet breath, leaning forward, my eyes on the phone.

If softness didn't work, this would definitely.

I ran a hand through my hair, then typed again.

Alan: I'm sure you won't mind if I spend my holidays with Emma till you decide.

That did it. Her typing bubble appeared almost instantly.

I smiled, and there her text popped up.

Milie: Can you give me some time?

Something in my chest loosened. I stood up, needing a second to breathe, to hide the stupid smile forming on my face.

I quickly typed.

Alan: Take all the time you want.

Alan: I'll be the happiest person if there's even a 1% chance you choose me.

I slipped my phone back into my pocket and walked toward the counter, exhaling slowly.

I needed to calm down. Because this girl? She could undo me in seconds.

When I came back, I made one small change.

"Emma, can you slide inside?" I said casually.

She did. I took the outer seat, not too close, not too far, just enough space—For her.

I didn't want her to feel like she was competing. I wanted her to know that my eyes were just for her.

Dax and Tessa returned first. Then… her, slowly, cautiously.

When she reached the table, she slowed down. Her eyes went to Emma, then to me.

And I saw it. That tiny shift in her expression: relief, Happiness.

I shrugged slightly. Her lips curved into a soft smile.

"Yeah… that was worth everything."

I stood up without thinking, letting her slide into the seat between us, where she belonged.

"Milie, where did you go?" Dax asked.

She blinked, clearly searching for an answer.

"Her stomach was acting up," I said smoothly, stepping in. "Right?"

She nodded quickly. "Yeah… yeah. I'm good now."

Everyone laughed, even Dax. She shot me a look. When I didn't stop, she pinched my thigh under the table.

I flinched, but I met her eyes anyway. She quickly looked away, blushing, and I just wished that this trip would become unforgettable.