Joseph sat in the library, his head buried in his hands.
He thought avoiding Pharita would help.
That if he kept his distance, the feelings would fade.
But it only made things worse.
He missed her.
He wanted to be near her.
But what if he let himself get close—only to lose her later?
He couldn't handle that.
He couldn't risk it.
"Running away again?"
Joseph's head snapped up.
Felix stood in front of him, arms crossed, an amused smirk on his face.
Joseph scowled. "What do you want?"
Felix chuckled. "To see just how long you plan to be a coward."
Joseph tensed. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Felix rolled his eyes. "Sure you don't."
Then he leaned in, lowering his voice.
"Pharita is waiting for you. But if you don't step up soon… someone else will."
Joseph's hands clenched into fists.
He didn't like that idea.
Not one bit.
Felix smirked. "Ah, so you do care."
Joseph exhaled sharply. "Just leave me alone, Felix."
Felix tilted his head.
"Fine. But don't regret it when she moves on."
Then he walked away, leaving Joseph alone with his thoughts.
The next day, Pharita decided she was done waiting.
She found Joseph after school, standing by his locker.
This time, she wasn't letting him escape.
"We need to talk," she said firmly.
Joseph tensed.
He knew this was coming.
"Pharita, I—"
"No," she cut him off. "You don't get to run away again."
Joseph swallowed hard.
Pharita took a deep breath.
"I like you, Joseph. And I know you like me too."
Joseph's heart pounded.
"But I'm not going to chase after you forever," she continued. "So tell me now—are you going to keep running, or are you going to fight for this?"
Joseph felt his walls cracking.
His heart screamed at him to say yes.
But his fears held him back.
He looked at her—beautiful, strong, determined.
She was worth it.
He knew that.
But could he take that risk?
Pharita's eyes searched his.
"Say something, Joseph."
Silence.
Then…
"I… I don't know."
Pharita's heart dropped.
She had been prepared for many things.
But not that.
Not indecision.
She clenched her fists.
"Fine," she said, stepping back.
"Then figure it out. But don't expect me to wait forever."
Then she turned and walked away, leaving Joseph frozen in place.
For the first time, he realized…
He might have just lost her.
That night, Joseph sat on the rooftop, staring at the sky.
Felix found him there.
"She's not going to wait forever, you know," Felix said.
Joseph didn't respond.
Felix sighed.
"You think pushing her away will protect you? It won't. It'll just leave you alone."
Joseph's chest tightened.
He knew Felix was right.
But fear still held him back.
Felix shook his head.
"You need to decide, Joseph. Before it's too late."
Then he left Joseph alone with his thoughts.
And for the first time…
Joseph realized he had to stop running.
Before he lost Pharita for good.