I wanted to say yes

As Tian waited near the swings, his thoughts drifted to the first time he had seen Cynthia in this very park. It was a serene afternoon; she had sat alone on a bench, her hair catching the golden rays of the setting sun and her hazel eyes…they had caught his attention so much that even thinking about them was making his heartbeat faster.

From that moment, this park had become more than just a place; it held the essence of his growing affection for her—a sanctuary where he found solace in her presence.

The sound of footsteps approaching pulled Tian from his reverie. He turned to see Cynthia walking toward him, her silhouette bathed in the warm glow of the sun dipping below the horizon. His heart quickened, a mixture of excitement and nervousness swirling within him.

"Hey," she greeted him, a tentative smile playing on her lips. Tian returned the smile, though a flicker of uncertainty danced in his eyes.

"Hey, Cynthia. Sorry for the trouble."

"No trouble at all," she replied, trying to sound casual. "What's up? You mentioned something about the Literature assignment?"

Tian took a deep breath, his usual confident demeanor slightly shaken. 'This is it.'

He rubbed the back of his neck, glancing around before meeting her gaze. "Yeah, about that… I kind of lied. I needed to talk to you about something else."

Cynthia's heart skipped a beat, her mind racing with possibilities. She fought to keep her composure, reminding herself of her new resolve. "Oh? What is it then?"

Tian took another deep breath, his eyes searching hers for any sign of understanding. "Cynthia, we've known each other for some time now, and I… I've been grappling with something that I need to share."

Cynthia's breath caught in her throat. She had always feared this moment, the moment when their friendship might be reshaped by deeper feelings. "Tian, you don't have to—"

"Please, let me finish," Tian interjected gently, his voice steady yet tinged with vulnerability. "I don't know where you stand, and maybe this isn't the best timing, but I can't keep it inside any longer. Cynthia, you mean more to me than just a friend. I've tried to suppress these feelings, but they've only grown stronger. I like you, Cynthia, more than just a friend."

Cynthia's heart pounded in her chest, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. She had resolved to bury her feelings, to safeguard their friendship. Yet, Tian's confession stirred a tumultuous mix of happiness, security, and apprehension within her.

As she looked into his earnest eyes, she saw the vulnerability of someone who had laid bare their heart. Her own heart swelled with conflicting emotions. She was thrilled to know he reciprocated her feelings, yet fearful of the implications for their future.

"Tian, I… I'm not sure about this," she admitted softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Tian's heart sank at her words, a pang of fear gripping his chest. He took a deep breath, willing himself to remain composed. "I understand, Cynthia. I didn't mean to pressure you. I just needed you to know how I feel. Whatever happens, I cherish our friendship deeply."

Cynthia felt a wave of relief at his words, but her mind remained in turmoil. She had only just resolved to bury her feelings, to shield herself from potential heartache. Yet, his confession had awakened something within her—a complex mix of happiness, security, and fear.

"Tian, your friendship means the world to me," she murmured, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "I don't want to risk losing what we have."

"You won't," Tian assured her with a gentle smile, his eyes holding a hopeful glint. "Let's take things slow. If you're not ready, that's perfectly fine. I just needed you to know."

Cynthia nodded, finding solace in his words. "Thank you for being honest with me, Tian. I'm glad you told me."

Tian's face brightened, a glimmer of hope lighting up his features. He hadn't received a rejection outright, and that alone gave him reason to hope. "I'm glad too. Whatever happens, I'm here for you, Cynthia."

They spent the remainder of the evening in deep conversation, their dialogue flowing effortlessly as they navigated this new phase of their relationship. Cynthia's inner struggle persisted, but Tian's reassuring presence and understanding demeanor helped assuage her fears.

As the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, they settled on the swings, gently swaying back and forth. The world around them faded into the background, leaving just the two of them enveloped in a cocoon of shared emotions. Tian looked at her with such intensity that it took her breath away.

Cynthia finally grasped the depth of his growing affection, and the realization filled her with elation and anticipation. For the first time, she felt secure in her feelings, knowing they were reciprocated. She couldn't help but smile, her eyes sparkling with newfound joy and hope.

Tian, witnessing her smile, felt a surge of optimism. Cynthia hadn't rejected him outright; in fact, she seemed genuinely content. They still had a journey ahead, but this moment felt like the dawn of something beautiful.

As they bid each other goodnight, a sense of lightness and possibility lingered in the air. Beneath the canopy of stars, they understood that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would confront them together. And for now, that was enough.

Dear Diary,

Tonight was one of those moments that I wish I could freeze in time, replay over and over again in my mind. Tian confessed to me at the park, under the gentle glow of the setting sun. His words were so heartfelt, so vulnerable. I could see it in his eyes, the sincerity, the nervousness. He likes me. Me. The first person I've ever really liked, and he likes me back.

When he told me how he felt, part of me wanted to say yes right then and there. I wanted to tell him that I feel the same way, that I've been waiting for him to say those words. But another part of me hesitated. I'm scared.

Scared of what it means to be in a relationship, scared of the changes it might bring to our friendship.

So, I told him I wasn't sure. It wasn't a no, but it wasn't a yes either. Tian was so understanding, so gentle with his response. He didn't push me, didn't make me feel guilty for my uncertainty. Instead, he reassured me that our friendship means everything to him, no matter what happens.

Now, as I sit here in my room, replaying every word, and every moment in my head, I can't help but smile. I'm happy. Truly happy.

Knowing that Tian feels the same way about me fills me with a warmth I can't quite describe. But there's also a part of me that's scared, unsure of what the future holds. Can we really navigate this new territory without losing what we already have?

I guess time will tell. For now, I'm grateful for tonight, for Tian's honesty, and for the bond we share. I'll cherish this feeling, this moment of knowing that someone sees me in a way I've never been seen before. 

I think tonight I'll fall asleep with a smile on my face, replaying Tian's words in my mind and wondering what the future holds for us.

Until next time,

Yours,

Cynthia