Preparation

Nathan and Ava were on the balcony. Ava went on a date with Nathan as she had promised. They later went to Nathan's house together. Ava didn't say much the entire time. That bothered Nathan, but he said nothing.

"Ava," Nathan said softly. She didn't say anything to him and just stared at the starry sky.

"Ava!" He made a louder call. A startled Ava turned to face him. "Huh?"

"You appear to be... disoriented. "Has anything happened?" he inquired, concerned. Ava shook her head slowly.

Nathan exclaimed loudly. He stood up and stormed off the balcony, leaving the beer bottle behind. Ava returned her gaze to the starry sky. Nathan returned after a few minutes and saw Ava crying.

"Damn. Why are you so upset? Hey..... "Talk to me..." Nathan caressed her back as he wrapped his arms around her. She sniffed and turned to face him.

"I'm sorry, Nathan," Nathan sniffed, "but I don't love you," Ava exclaimed. Nathan was surprised by her admission. Nathan took a step back, but his expression was understandable.

************

Aaron was pacing around in his room. He was irritated and refused to leave the room. He didn't talk to anyone, especially Rachel. He groaned, running his hand through his hair.

"Damn! "Everything is messed up," he groaned. He sat on the edge of the bed, his face buried in his hands. Rachel's confession stunned him the night before.

<Flashback>

"Then listen..." Rachel inhaled deeply. "I didn't come here for a vacation, but for something else," she said, her fear fading. "I wanted to meet you because I needed to confess something."

"What is this?" Aaron inquired, perplexed. Rachel averted her gaze.

"I... I really like you... Aaron." She stumbled and closed her eyes in fear.

"You what?" exclaimed Aaron.

"I love you." Rachel burst into tears.

"Ugh..." Aaron yanked his hair in frustration. Rachel stood motionless, allowing her tears to flow.

"I've been thinking about confessing to you since you left London. I knew my chances were good because you never had any other friends. Then you told me about your new friend Ava. I was envious of your admiration for her. "I dashed here to get you," Rachel sniffed between sobs.

"You denied knowing her when I first saw her the other day. But, while you were sleeping, I went to your room to get your headphones. I discovered her picture on the table. Curiosity piqued my interest, and I attempted to learn more about you and her. So I went to see her today and listened to her conversation."

"She was on the phone, possibly talking to her friends. She was in tears. She expressed her love for you. And she thinks you ended your friendship with her because of her boyfriend. She believes she was never in love with that guy, but simply liked him as a friend, which she mistook for love." Rachel wiped her tears. "I'm not going to tell you to love me back. But I don't want to end our friendship because I know you like someone else. What you did was incorrect."

Aaron's feet thumped on the ground. "I never notice this. "How could I possibly hurt her?"

"I'm sorry, Aaron. I didn't want to tell you how I felt. But I blurted it out. I'm hoping you'll forgive me." Rachel wept.

Aaron drew her in for a hug. "It wasn't your fault. "Don't blame yourself," he said, breaking the hug and wiping her tear. "I sincerely apologize, Rachel. I might not like you. But you're my one and only friend, and I don't want to lose you," he explained.

"It's fine. "I comprehend." Rachel blinked confidently.

<Present time>

Knock, knock, knock!

Aaron's thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. He slowly opened the door and noticed Rachel standing outside. She had two coffee mugs in her hands.

"You didn't eat anything in the afternoon. So I decided to bring coffee. "May I come in?" She smiled and blinked her eyes.

Rachel entered the room as Aaron stepped aside. They took seats on the couches. Rachel handed Aaron the coffee mug, and he thanked her.

"Are you feeling sorry for me?" Aaron turned to listen to Rachel. "If you're feeling guilty, don't be. I adore you, but only as a friend. I had a crush on you. It doesn't matter if you don't love me back. Believe me, I'm not bothered."

"Thank you very much, Rachel. I appreciate you." Aaron smiled as Rachel hugged him on the side.

"Tell me how you're going to tell her," Rachel called out.

"But she's dating Nathan." I can't go around telling her that. "I ruined everything," Aaron stated.

Rachel slapped her across the face. "You can't change the future if you stick to the past," she stated flatly. She smacked his arm in frustration. Aaron rubbed his arm and looked her in the eyes.

"You think it's so simple. "But I'm afraid she'll hate me," he said.

"You're stupid," Rachel said as she walked out of the room. Aaron trailed behind her.

"Please don't get angry, Rachel," he said.

Rachel came to a halt and crossed her arms. "Either, you're telling her to go back to London," she threatened.

"You can't threaten me, you know." Aaron made a point.

Rachel locked her gaze on him. "I can. Tell her or I'll leave."

"Fine. I'll try to talk to her. Happy?" Aaron mocked her as Rachel rolled her eyes.

"Yes. Happy!" she shouted.

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