Chapter 8:

As the hours passed, Sasha and Tim anxiously waited for any news on Ethen's condition. The hospital's sterile environment seemed to amplify their anticipation, filling the room with a palpable tension. Finally, the doctor emerged, clad in a white coat, and made his way towards them.

"Good news, folks. Ethen's injury wasn't as severe as we initially thought. He received the necessary treatment, and he'll need to rest and recover for a few days, but he should be just fine," the doctor reassured them, a small smile playing on his lips.

Sasha and Tim breathed a collective sigh of relief. The weight that had been pressing on their hearts began to lift, replaced by hope and gratitude. Sasha turned to Tim, a grateful smile curving her lips. "Thank goodness he's going to be alright."

Just as Sasha was about to utter more words of appreciation to Tim, Ethen's voice broke through the air. "Sasha, Tim, thank you for being here. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't come."

Sasha's attention quickly snapped to Ethen, who had mustered up the courage to speak up. His voice was soft but filled with sincerity. Their eyes locked, and for the first time, Sasha saw a flicker of confidence shining in Ethen's gaze.

"Ethen, of course we would be here," Sasha replied, her voice filled with warmth and understanding.

"Listen, Sasha," Ethen continued, his words tumbling out in a nervous cascade. "I've been freezing every time I see you because... because I like you. More than just a friend. I like you a lot."

Sasha's heart skipped a beat, the weight of her unspoken feelings suddenly lifted. A warm smile graced her features as she contemplated the meaning behind Ethen's confession. But before she could respond, Tim interjected.

"Aw, look at Mr. Nerves finally confessing his love for our dear Sasha," Tim teased, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

Sasha shot Tim a playful glare before turning her attention back to Ethen. "Ethen, thank you for being brave enough to share your feelings with me. I... I feel the same way."

Ethen's eyes widened, a look of surprise mingled with joy illuminating his face. "You do?"

Sasha nodded, taking a step closer to him. "Yes, I do. And I've been waiting for this moment for a long time."

Tim watched in amusement, playfully pretending to gag. "Well, isn't this just a lovely soap opera unfolding before my eyes? But hey, Ethen, let's not forget about Sasha's cousin who has a huge crush on you. What's her name again?"

Sasha's cheeks flushed with a tinge of embarrassment while Ethen's face clouded with confusion. "Oh, uh, Donny? But-"

Tim burst into laughter, throwing his arm around Ethen's shoulders. "Man, you're just a heartthrob, aren't you? Caught in the middle of this love triangle! Maybe you'll have to choose between Sasha and Donny one day."

Sasha rolled her eyes, but inside, a pang of doubt echoed through her mind. She couldn't help but question what Tim had said. Just as the intensity of their newfound connection swept through her, uncertainty crept in, clouding her hopes and aspirations.

But in that moment, Sasha chose to focus on the present. Ethen had mustered up the courage to confess his feelings, and she reciprocated them wholeheartedly. The rest could be dealt with in due time.

As they left the hospital, hand in hand, Sasha whispered to Ethen, "Let's not worry about Donny or what Tim said. Right now, all that matters is us."

And as they ventured into the unknown, together, their hearts filled with ardor and the promise of a love that had finally been set free.