The school day felt like it would never end. Mikey had barely made it through the morning classes, his thoughts racing the whole time. Each time he glanced at Lila, her gaze would meet his, and she'd give him that small, reassuring smile. But despite her efforts to stay understanding, Mikey couldn't shake the feeling that his secret was slowly crushing him.
He had made a promise to her the night before—he would tell her everything, eventually. But the more time passed, the harder it seemed. His life wasn't just complicated; it was dangerous. And if Lila found out, she would be dragged into that danger, no matter how much Mikey tried to protect her. That thought alone made his chest tighten.
Lunchtime came, and Mikey found himself standing at the edge of the cafeteria, not really feeling hungry. He wasn't in the mood to sit with his friends, not when he was so lost in his own mind. It was easier to stand by the vending machines, away from everyone, hoping the quiet would give him some peace.
"Hey, Mikey," a voice called out.
Mikey turned, his heart skipping a beat when he saw Lila walking toward him. She looked casual, as if nothing was wrong, but he could see the small crease in her forehead—the same one she always had when she was worried.
"Hey, Lila," he said, forcing a smile. "What's up?"
She gave him a curious look. "I was wondering if you wanted to eat with us. Everyone's asking where you've been."
Mikey hesitated, glancing back toward his friends who were laughing and talking at their usual table. He could feel the pull, the comfort of being with them. But it didn't feel right. Not today.
"I think I'll pass," he said softly, rubbing the back of his neck. "I've got some things to think about."
Lila's expression softened, but she didn't push. "Alright, but if you change your mind, you know where we'll be."
"Thanks," Mikey said, and she gave him one last lingering look before walking back to her group.
Mikey watched her go, a wave of guilt washing over him. She was waiting for him to open up, but he had no idea how to do that without risking everything. He leaned against the vending machine, taking a deep breath and trying to calm his racing thoughts.
The truth was, he was running out of time. His mission was becoming more dangerous by the day, and he couldn't keep hiding things from Lila forever. Every time he saw her face, the weight of his secrets grew heavier.
---
The rest of the day passed in a blur. Mikey moved through his classes on autopilot, unable to focus on anything other than the storm brewing in his mind. He was trying to keep everything together, but cracks were starting to show. His thoughts drifted back to the conversation he'd had with Lila the night before. She had asked him to trust her, but Mikey wasn't sure he could. She was in enough danger just being close to him. What if telling her the truth made things worse?
As the final bell rang, Mikey quickly gathered his things, eager to get out of the building and clear his head. His friends were waiting for him outside, chatting and laughing like they always did. But today, Mikey didn't feel like joining them.
He needed time to think. Time to decide whether he could keep living this double life.
---
Mikey walked through the school gates, the cool air of the afternoon hitting him as he made his way down the street. He could still feel the pressure of the day weighing on him, each step feeling heavier than the last. The sound of his sneakers hitting the pavement was the only noise in the quiet afternoon, and Mikey let himself focus on that. The rhythm was soothing, in a way.
His phone buzzed in his pocket, pulling him out of his thoughts. He pulled it out, his stomach flipping when he saw the message from Lila.
Mikey's heart clenched at her words. She was so patient, so understanding. But the guilt inside him flared up again. If he didn't tell her soon, would he lose her? Or would the truth destroy everything they had?
He didn't have an answer. He just stared at her message for a long moment before typing out a quick response.
He hesitated before sending it, but the words felt true enough. He was thinking, constantly thinking, but he wasn't ready to share it with her. Not yet.
With a sigh, Mikey slipped his phone back into his pocket and continued walking. He needed a break from everything.
---
When Mikey arrived at the park, it was empty. The swings creaked in the wind, and the bench where he usually met Lila was deserted. He sat down, his mind running in circles as he tried to make sense of everything. The mission, Lila, his friends, the danger lurking just out of sight—it all seemed like too much.
He had to make a choice. A dangerous choice.
His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a voice behind him.
"Mikey?"
He turned around, his heart skipping a beat when he saw Gregor walking toward him. Gregor had been with him through thick and thin, and Mikey could see the concern in his friend's eyes.
"What's up?" Mikey asked, trying to sound casual.
Gregor sat down beside him on the bench, his gaze steady. "I know something's bothering you," he said quietly. "You've been off lately. What's going on?"
Mikey ran a hand through his hair, the familiar weight of his secret pressing down on him. He couldn't tell Gregor the truth, not completely. But maybe… maybe he could give him a little more.
"It's complicated," Mikey said slowly, his voice low. "There's a lot going on that I can't talk about."
Gregor raised an eyebrow. "So you're still keeping things from me, huh?"
Mikey glanced at his friend, noticing the frustration in his eyes. Gregor wasn't used to being kept in the dark, and Mikey knew he was beginning to question him.
"I can't risk anyone getting hurt," Mikey muttered, staring at the ground. "If I tell you, it puts you at risk too."
Gregor didn't say anything for a long moment, and Mikey could feel the tension growing between them. Finally, Gregor let out a frustrated breath.
"Look, Mikey. I get it. You're trying to protect us. But we're your friends. We've always had your back. Don't shut us out."
Mikey's chest tightened at Gregor's words. It was hard to argue with the truth. But he had no choice. If he didn't keep his distance, everything he cared about would be destroyed.
"I'll tell you when I'm ready," Mikey said, his voice quiet. "I just need more time."
Gregor nodded, but Mikey could tell he wasn't satisfied. "Alright, man. But don't make us wait too long. We're your team, and we're in this together."
Mikey didn't respond. He couldn't. Gregor didn't know the half of it.
---
The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur. Mikey didn't know what he was supposed to do anymore. He was torn between the truth and the lies he'd been telling for so long. He didn't want to lose Lila, but he couldn't bring her into the mess he was tangled up in. And then there were his friends, who didn't deserve to be kept in the dark.
He kept walking, lost in thought, until the evening shadows grew long, and the streets started to empty. Mikey stopped at the edge of a quiet street, his mind still racing. He was running out of time.
His phone buzzed again.
Let me know when you're ready to talk, Mikey. I'm here for you. I always will be.
Mikey stared at the message, his heart aching. How much longer could he keep pushing her away? How much longer could he keep pretending everything was fine?
For the first time in a long while, Mikey didn't have an answer.