Crossed Love
chapter 1 (Unexpected Reunion)
Sophia
[Sitting at her favorite café, sipping on a caramel latte, her phone buzzes. A text from Lily lights up the screen.]
lily
Hey, guess who I ran into today?
lily
Ethan. You remember him, right? From the music scene?
Sophia
Ugh, Ethan... I don’t know if I want to hear about him right now.
lily
I know, I know, but he asked about you. Seriously, he was looking for you. Like, he seemed... different.
Sophia
Different? As in good different or bad different?
lily
I don't know. He was actually pretty calm, not the mess he used to be. But there was something in his eyes. Almost like... regret?
[Sophia frowns, thinking back to their tumultuous past. Ethan had been her first love, but also the first to break her heart when his wild lifestyle became too much for her. He had been irresponsible with their relationship, constantly surrounded by parties, substance abuse, and late-night performances. She had tried to help him, but it drained her. After one argument too many, Sophia realized she couldn’t keep trying to fix someone who wasn’t ready to change.]
Sophia
You told him I was here, didn't you?
lily
I may have casually mentioned it... [Sends a cheeky emoji]
lily
Relax, I told him you were busy, but he wants to meet. Just to talk, nothing serious.
Sophia
Why would he want to talk now? After all this time?
lily
I don’t know, Soph. But I think it might be worth it. Don’t you want to hear him out?
Sophia
I don’t know... I haven’t heard from him in over a year. Why now?
lily
He said he wanted to apologize. To make things right. Come on, you deserve closure.
Sophia
You really think that’s possible?
lily
I’m just saying, you don’t know unless you give him a chance. What’s the worst that could happen?
Sophia
I guess you’re right. Fine, I’ll hear him out. But this better not end with me regretting it.
lily
Good. I know you, Sophia. You’ve been carrying around that baggage for way too long. Let it go.
Sophia
[Sighs, looking out the café window, lost in thought.] Alright, I’ll text him. But I’m not making any promises
chapter 2 ( The First Text )
Sophia presses send on the message, and within seconds, her phone buzzes. Ethan’s name lights up the screen.
Ethan
Sophia, I can’t begin to explain how sorry I am. I never meant to hurt you. If you’ll give me the chance, I’ll make it right. I know I don’t deserve it, but I really need to see you again.
Her heart flutters with a mixture of anger and confusion. Why now? Why after all this time? She quickly types back.
Sophia
I’ll meet you. But only if you’re really serious about this. I’m not here for empty apologies.
Ethan
I swear, I’m done with my old ways. This is for real. I’ll be at the park at 3 PM. Can’t wait to see you.
Sophia sits on the edge of her bed, staring at the message. Is this really what she wants? She hasn’t seen Ethan in over a year, but the pain from their past still feels fresh.
Sophia
[Texting Lily quickly.]
Lily, I’m meeting him. I don’t know if I’m doing the right thing.
lily
You’ve got this. Just stay strong and listen to your heart
The minutes drag on, and finally, she heads to the park.
When she arrives at the park, she sits on a bench, checking the time. He’s late, which irritates her. Typical Ethan, she thinks.
Ethan
[Smiling as he walks toward her, his eyes soft but intense.]
Sophia... you look just like I remembered.
He doesn’t seem cold, but there’s an underlying warmth in his words that’s impossible to ignore. The same charm that always got to her.
Sophia
[Trying to remain composed.]
I’m here. You wanted to talk?
Ethan
[Nods slowly, hands in his pockets, his tone gentle but earnest.]
I know it’s been a long time, and I’ve made so many mistakes. I shouldn’t have let you walk away. I was selfish, and I see that now.
Sophia
[Crossing her arms, skeptical.]
You were selfish? You weren’t just selfish, Ethan. You were reckless. You pushed me away when I needed you the most.
Ethan
[His smile falters just slightly, but he doesn’t let it show for long. He steps closer, his voice low and soothing.]
I never meant to hurt you. You have to believe that. It wasn’t about not loving you... I just thought I needed to fix myself first.
Sophia’s breath catches in her throat, but she holds her ground. There’s something in his eyes that feels genuine, yet his sudden intensity makes her hesitate
Sophia
[Shaking her head.]
And now you think you’re fixed? What’s different now?
Ethan
[Looking down, then meeting her gaze again.]
I’ve spent the last year... realizing what I lost. You. You were always the one good thing in my life, and I’ve been trying to fix the mess I made of everything
Sophia
[Quietly.]
I don’t know if I can just forget everything you put me through.
Ethan
[Leaning in slightly, his voice soft but insistent.]
I’m not asking you to forget, Sophia. I’m asking for a chance to make things right... a chance to show you that I’ve changed
Sophia stares at him, searching his face for any hint of manipulation, but Ethan keeps his expression calm, even tender. He doesn’t rush her, doesn’t push for a decision
Just as she’s about to speak, she notices something—Ethan’s hand, almost absentmindedly, reaches out and brushes a strand of hair from her face, a gentle, familiar gesture
Sophia
[Pulling away slightly, her heart racing.]
You’re not going to get me back that easily, Ethan. Things aren’t the same anymore
chapter 3
Ethan’s smile doesn’t falter
Ethan
[His voice smooth, but there’s a flicker of something intense beneath.]
I don’t need to get you back, Sophia. You were never really gone. Not in my heart. You’ll see. Things between us will always be the same
Sophia
[Frowning.]
What do you mean by that?
Ethan
[His gaze sharpens, but he keeps his tone calm and almost tender.]
I mean, we’re meant to be together. I’ll show you, eventually. But for now... just trust me
Sophia stands there, a chill running down her spine. The words felt too familiar, too confident, too... possessive. But Ethan just smiles as if nothing is wrong, his innocent expression back in place
Sophia
[In a low voice, almost to herself.]
I don’t know if I can trust you anymore, Ethan.
Ethan
You will. In time, you will
After their tense meeting in the park, Sophia finds herself consumed with thoughts of Ethan. He seemed so genuine, but his words—and his lingering touch—leave her feeling unsettled. She knows that the more she thinks about it, the more confusing it gets
She decides to focus on something else and head back to her favorite café, a quiet place where she can think. But as she walks through the door, she’s greeted by someone unexpected
Claire
[With a bright smile, standing at the counter, she waves at Sophia.]
Sophia, hey! Fancy seeing you here!
Sophia pauses, surprised. Claire is a friend she hasn’t seen in a while—an old acquaintance from high school who always seemed to have everything under control. Claire is beautiful, charismatic, and has a way of making anyone feel like they’re the most important person in the room
Sophia
[Smiling, trying to shake off her worries.]
Claire! Wow, it’s been a while. What are you doing here?
Claire
[Laughing softly.]
I just moved back to town for work. Just needed a change, you know?
Sophia nods, a bit distracted. She takes a seat at a corner table, but Claire doesn’t let her off so easily. She slides into the seat across from her, a knowing smile on her face
Claire
[With a playful grin.]
So, spill it. I saw you walking with Ethan the other day. You two back together or what?
Sophia
[trying to stay calm.]
It’s... complicated. I don’t know what he wants. He says he’s changed, but I’m not sure I can trust him
Claire
[Eyes narrowing slightly, sensing Sophia’s vulnerability.]
I get it. He’s always been a bit of a mess. But you don’t owe him anything, Sophia. Don’t let him pull you back in if you’re not sure. He’s probably just playing with your head
Sophia takes a deep breath. The truth is, she’s not sure what to think about Ethan anymore
Sophia
[Looking down at her coffee, softly.]
I just don’t know if I can let go of what we had. But then again, maybe it’s better if I do
Claire watches her for a moment, her expression softening before she speaks again.
Claire
[Leaning in slightly.]
I’m just saying... you deserve someone who’s going to treat you right. Ethan's always had this way of getting what he wants, but he’s never really been able to give you what you need
Sophia looks up, her gaze meeting Claire’s. Something about Claire’s words hit her hard—maybe because it’s the truth. She knows Ethan isn’t perfect, but she still feels that pull toward him
Just then, Claire’s phone buzzes. She glances at it and then smiles knowingly
Claire
[A teasing glint in her eyes.]
Actually, speaking of people who want your attention, looks like someone’s been keeping track of you
Sophia frowns as Claire shows her the text. It’s a picture of her and Ethan, taken from a distance in the park, looking like they were having an intimate conversation
Sophia
[Wide-eyed.]
How did they get this?
Claire
[Casually.]
Probably a friend of Ethan’s. But hey, you’ve got to admit, he’s got a way of making people... keep an eye on you
Download MangaToon APP on App Store and Google Play
