Chapter 48 - Intimate

It is 5:00 pm.

The temperature is gradually dropping despite the sun still being present. Our journey completed, we begin the way back. Suddenly, Maïko freezes, busy with a meticulous lacing of her shoes.

_ Maïko: “ Go ahead without us. Anyway, we’re going straight to our rooms to take a shower. ”

Receptive to the information, Hazel and I carried out the order, gradually moving out of their sight.

_ Kona: " Another set-up? "

_ Maïko: " I admit I'm a sketchy girl, but for once, that really fell apart on its own. ”

Seeing his sincerity in his eyes, the long-haired girl does not insist.

_ Kona: " Alright, very well. "

_ Maïko: " But since it's just the two of us, don't you have any juicy gossip to tell me? "

A sigh escapes.

_ Kona: " Predictable. "

Carefully tying her shoelaces, Maïko stood up, catching the subtle start of a smile on her friend's face.

_ Kona: " I confessed my feelings to him “

The long-awaited announcement illuminated her face with a radiant smile, her eyes sparkling with joy.

_ Maïko: " Is that true!? "

_ Kona: “ But I didn’t tell him straight out, so I’m not sure he got it. ” she said, trying to cool the other woman’s fiery temper.

Two hands tightened on her head.

_ Maïko: " Ughhh, but why?? "

_ Kona: " I don't have as much confidence as you do. "

Then, she twirls her hair around her finger, looking slightly away.

_ Kona: " And besides, it's totally embarrassing. "

Collecting her thoughts, the young girl with the hair curler lifts her head.

_ Maïko: " Well, at least you spoke, that's a good start. "

_ Kona: " Yes, and I have to admit that it's also thanks to you. "

A wave of pride washed over her.

_ Maïko: " See, I told you I handled it in the end! "

_ Kona: " I was going to confess to her no matter what. Let's just say you sped up the process. "

_ Maïko: " Right, right, just admit that Super Maïko is a big deal in the game. “

Despair colors her face as she nods her head in resignation.

_ Kona: " You... I swear it… "

At the same time, I'm almost at my destination.

_ Hazel: “ By the way, I have something to tell you. ”

_ Ayden: “ Tell me. ”

_ Hazel: “ I think Kona just confessed her love to me. “

I receive this information, as unexpected as it is important, with near-total indifference.

_ Ayden: “ Oh. “

Amused by my silence, Hazel offers a quiet smirk.

_ Ayden: " Why are you laughing? "

_ Hazel: " I'm starting to figure you out, so I'm not surprised that you're not reacting. “

_ Ayden: " It's not offensive coming from me, it's just that I don't know anything about it. And quite honestly, I don't really care. "

_ Hazel: " Yes, that's exactly why I'm taking it well. "

_ Ayden: " And so what did you answer him/her? "

_ Hazel: " Nothing at all. Just like you, I didn't react. "

A few meters from the clinic, I open the door.

_ Ayden: " Don't overthink it too much. Just getting recognition from one person is already a reward. Simply do what you feel is right. “

I crossed the threshold of the door, heading towards my room.

_ Hazel: “ Yes, you are right,” he said, nodding with the echo of satisfaction in his gaze.