episode 2: A secret no longer

... A Secret No Longer...

Scarlett sat across from Lily in their favorite café, absentmindedly stirring her iced coffee. The hesitation in her voice was unmistakable, but she needed to say it out loud—at least once.

“I think… I like him.”

Lily smirked, propping her chin on her hand. “You think?”

Scarlett groaned, pushing her drink aside. “Fine. I do. I like Valen.”

Lily’s smirk widened. “I knew it.”

Scarlett sighed. “It’s just—he’s not like I expected. Everyone says he’s a player, a heartbreaker, but when I’m with him, it feels… different.”

Lily hummed thoughtfully. “That’s how they get you.”

“Lily.”

“I’m just saying,” she teased before softening her tone. “So, are you gonna tell him?”

Scarlett shook her head. “No way. I don’t even know if he likes me back.”

Lily tilted her head, as if debating something. “You never know. He might surprise you.”

Scarlett didn’t think much of those words at the time. But later that evening, she realized exactly what Lily had meant.

—

She was heading to the library when her phone vibrated.

Valen: Where are you?

Scarlett hesitated before replying.

Scarlett: Library. Why?

Valen: On my way.

Her heart pounded as she stared at the message. She hadn’t expected to see him tonight. Was it just coincidence, or was there a reason?

Fifteen minutes later, he found her near the back shelves, leaning lazily against the bookcase. His dark eyes held a mischievous glint.

“You and I need to talk,” he said, his voice smooth but unreadable.

Scarlett closed her book. “About?”

Valen smirked and took a step closer. “Lily told me.”

Her stomach dropped. “Told you what?”

His gaze flickered with amusement. “That you like me.”

Scarlett’s breath hitched. Lily told him?!

She opened her mouth, but Valen moved before she could speak. He leaned in, closing the space between them, his lips mere inches from hers. His hand brushed against her arm, sending a wave of heat through her skin.

“Tell me, Scarlett,” he murmured, his voice low, teasing. “Is it true?”

Her throat went dry. “I… I—”

His smirk deepened. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

Before she could even process what was happening, Valen’s fingers grazed her chin, tilting her face toward him. The air between them crackled with tension. He wasn’t just playing—he was testing her.

“Do you know what you’re getting yourself into?” he asked, his voice softer now.

Scarlett swallowed, trying to steady her pulse. “I don’t know. Should I?”

For a second, something flashed in his eyes—hesitation, maybe even conflict. But it was gone just as quickly.

“I guess we’ll find out,” he murmured before pressing his lips to hers.

—

But was it really dating?

That question haunted Scarlett over the next few days. They spent more time together, texting late into the night, stealing glances across campus, sharing moments that felt almost unreal.

But there was something about Valen—something unsettled.

One night, she finally asked.

“Are we dating?” she said, watching him carefully.

Valen exhaled, running a hand through his hair. “I guess.”

Scarlett frowned. “That’s not an answer.”

He looked away, suddenly tense. “It’s just… complicated.”

“What’s complicated about it?”

Valen hesitated before speaking. “I haven’t been in a relationship since my ex two years ago. And after that, I—” He stopped, rubbing his temple.

Scarlett leaned in. “You what?”

His jaw tightened. “I liked Lily. For a year.”

Scarlett’s stomach dropped. “Lily?”

He nodded, his expression unreadable. “I told her. But she was dating someone, so she rejected me.”