A Warning from Alexander_

Julian sat in Alexander's living room, nursing a cold beer. Alexander, his best friend since college, eyed him knowingly.

"Jules, what's going on with you and Avery?" Alexander asked, his tone laced with concern.

Julian shrugged. "Just studying together, hanging out."

Alexander raised an eyebrow. "Don't play dumb, Jules. I've seen the way you look at her."

Julian's cheeks warmed. "What's your point?"

Alexander leaned forward. "My point is, Avery's not just some passing attraction. She's... different. And you need to be careful."

Julian's defenses rose. "What do you mean?"

Alexander's expression turned serious. "I mean, don't rush into confessing your feelings. Take some time to think it through."

Julian's eyes narrowed. "Why?"

Alexander sighed. "Because Avery's not like the girls you usually date. She's real, Jules. She's got substance. And if you're not genuine, you'll hurt her."

Julian's mind reeled. Was Alexander right? Was he just caught up in the thrill of something new?

"Avery deserves someone who's all in," Alexander added. "Not someone who's just testing the waters."

Julian's gut twisted. Was that what he was doing?

_Alexander's Concerns_

Alexander's voice cut through Julian's thoughts. "Jules, listen. I've seen the way Avery looks at you too. She cares about you, deeply. But you need to consider the consequences."

Julian's eyes locked onto Alexander's. "What consequences?"

Alexander's expression turned somber. "Your family, Jules. They won't approve of Avery. She's not... their type."

Julian's jaw clenched. "I don't care about that."

Alexander's voice softened. "You should, Jules. Your family can make things difficult for Avery. And for you."

Julian's mind wandered to Avery, to the way she made him feel.

Was he ready to face the challenges that came with loving her?

_Taking a Step Back_

Julian left Alexander's place, his mind reeling. He couldn't shake Alexander's words.

As he walked across campus, he spotted Avery sitting alone on a bench.

His heart skipped a beat.

But instead of joining her, Julian kept walking.

He needed space to think, to consider Alexander's warning.

Avery deserved better than a rushed confession.

She deserved his genuine, thoughtful heart.

_The Waiting Game_

Days passed, and Julian kept his distance.

Avery noticed, but didn't push.

Their study sessions continued, but the tension between them grew.

Avery's eyes would meet Julian's, and for a moment, they'd just stare.

The air was thick with unspoken emotions.

But Julian held back.

He needed to be sure.

Needed to know that his feelings were real.

Needed to prove to himself that Avery was more than just an attraction.

"Avery, can I ask you something?" Julian said during their next study session.

"Of course," Avery replied, her eyes sparkling.

"What do you want from us?" Julian asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Avery's expression softened. "I want us to be honest with each other."

Julian's heart skipped a beat.

Was he ready to be honest?

Was he ready to take the leap?

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