Chapter 66 Feelings Buried Deep in the Heart

Chapter 66 Feelings Buried Deep in the Heart

Kane Ashworth's POV

Back in my room, I was surrounded by my familiar bed and environment, yet sleep eluded me.

Before, I couldn't sleep in my dorm at school because I was searching for the feeling of home.

But now that I was home, my insomnia seemed even worse!

After much thought, I realized there could only be one reason for my sleeplessness—Cecilia in the room next door.

Just thinking about her being next door, being in my house, made my heart race uncontrollably.

I worried she wasn't sleeping well, worried she might be awake. I even considered finding a folding bed to stay by her side.

But men and women should maintain proper boundaries, and since she hadn't mentioned anything, doing so would clearly be inappropriate.

Suddenly, someone knocked on my door.

Thinking it was Cecilia, I immediately got up to answer, but Marina stood at the threshold instead.

"What's wrong, Marina? Do you need something?"

Without a word, Marina walked straight into the room. "It's so late. Why aren't you asleep?"

My gaze instinctively shifted away. "Nothing's wrong. I slept too long yesterday, so I can't sleep now."

Marina suddenly laughed. "You know, I've told you before—you're terrible at lying, especially to me."

"Just tell me the truth. Is it because of the girl next door? Do you like her?"

Marina's words made my heart leap into my throat.

I shook my head rapidly. "No, no, no, you've got it wrong. I just want to protect her, that's all. I have no other intentions, I promise!"

"Besides, we're just friends—the purest kind of friends. There's absolutely nothing romantic between us!"

Marina smiled faintly. "Just friends? But in all these years, you've never had a friend before."

"I remember people who didn't know your identity tried to befriend you before, but you rejected them all. So why did you agree this time?"

"And no one knows you better than I do. You've never had anything you wanted to protect, not since you were little."

"Including that board game earlier—you were obviously letting her win at the end. But you've always been so competitive, so why this time—"

I suddenly raised my hand, cutting her off. "Marina, please stop. My mind is a mess. I need to be alone."

Marina patted my shoulder, speaking earnestly. "I can give you time, but I hope you'll face your true feelings. Don't deceive yourself."

"If you really like her, you should tell her how you feel. Otherwise, it's not fair to her, and it's even less fair to you!"

"Of course, that's just my suggestion. I hope you find love. It would put my mind at ease."

"And Cecilia is perfect. I support you pursuing her boldly. If you two got together, you'd definitely be happy."

With that, Marina turned and left, leaving me alone in confusion.

I already couldn't sleep before, but now—forget it. Sleep was completely out of the question.

I paced back and forth in my room, Marina's words echoing in my mind.

I should face my true feelings. I should express my love...

Finally, I opened my door and walked to Cecilia's room.

I raised my hand several times but lowered it each time.

I didn't know how to express love. No one had ever taught me.

And I was afraid that once certain words were spoken, they couldn't be taken back.

If Cecilia only wanted to be friends, my confession would freeze our relationship—we might not even be able to remain friends.

If that happened, I would hate myself forever and never forgive myself!

I stood there for at least fifteen minutes before reason finally won over emotion. I turned to leave.

Just then, the door behind me opened, and Cecilia's voice called out.

"You're already at my door. Why not come in?"

I quickly turned around, trying to control my emotions so she wouldn't notice anything unusual. "Nothing... nothing's wrong. I just couldn't sleep, so I was wandering around."

"I know. I'm asking why you didn't come in." Cecilia blinked her beautiful eyes. I didn't dare meet her gaze, afraid she'd see through my lies.

"Well... I thought you were asleep. I was afraid of disturbing you, so I didn't knock."

Cecilia stepped forward and took my hand. "It's fine. I'm not asleep yet. Come on, let's chat."

Though I'd been familiar with this room before, everything felt different today. Like the first time I'd entered Cecilia's dorm, I didn't even know where to put my hands.

Cecilia smiled. "Why are you so nervous? Do you have something to tell me?"

I gasped, unable to say a word.

Had she figured out what I was thinking? Or had she overheard my conversation with Marina?

If so, this was a disaster!

"Why aren't you saying anything? What's going on? Didn't we agree we wouldn't hide things from each other?"

"Actually, it's nothing. I just don't really want to go back to the academy. I want to stay home."

I made up a lie on the spot. Though it felt awkward, I had no choice.

Fortunately, Cecilia didn't overthink it and offered comfort. "I understand how you feel. After all, those people at school treat you..."

"But none of that matters. You don't need to care what others think. You just need to do what you're supposed to do."

"Besides, you still have me as a friend. We can attend classes together, eat together, and play games when we're free. Isn't that great?"

"Oh, and there's Jenny too. You two are friends now, so you don't need to feel any pressure!"

Cecilia spoke at length, but she didn't know that in my heart, I had only one friend—her.

After chatting briefly, I excused myself, claiming I was tired, and left the room.

Alone on the balcony, I took deep breaths, relieved she hadn't noticed anything unusual.

Just then, Marina appeared. "In the end, you still didn't say those words."

I nodded gently. "Yes. I've decided I'm going to bury these feelings deep in my heart. I can't let them destroy our friendship."

Marina asked, "But have you considered that maybe she feels the same way but is too shy to say it? Are you two going to keep holding each other back?"

I shook my head again. "Maybe I'll tell her someday, but now isn't the right time. I won't let anyone or anything affect our friendship!"

Marina sighed softly. "Alright then. Since you've made your decision, I'll respect it."