* 3 weeks later*
Back in school, I would say I was doing a lot better. The crisp autumn air filled my lungs as I made my way through the school grounds. Julius has learned to respect me, and Linda's friendship, and the tension around us seems to have lifted. It was nice. Having the people I loved by myself. Though it wasn't complete. The absence of Julie, Charles, and Bliss left an intangible void in my days. I still haven't forgotten them yet.

Last week was a sad one. The heavy rain pelted against the windows of the classroom, matching the weight in my heart. Linda confessed her feelings for me, but I ended up rejecting her. What pained me wasn't that I rejected her. I loved her, yes. That wasn't a lie. But I still felt I still had this feeling for Bliss. I didn't hide anything from Linda. I told her everything. It was really surprising that she understood my plight. As she embraced me in a hug, I could feel the warmth of her understanding enveloping me, her words offering solace against the storm outside. "Don't worry, take your time. I will always wait for you," she said, her breath mingling with mine in the stillness of the place.

I can't forget the emotions that overwhelmed me that day. I couldn't hold back my tears - it was impossible to pretend everything was fine. "Why am I putting myself through this? Why am I torturing myself?" These questions echoed in my mind. Despite the inner turmoil, the school buzzed with excitement. The inter-school sports competition was just around the corner, and this week was all about gearing up for it. Engaging in sports was nothing new to me; back in Beckford, it was a regular part of my life. So, I did what I knew best - I joined the school's football team, Young City, and dedicated myself to practice every chance I got. My goal was clear: lead my team to victory.

During one of our sports days, I was in the middle of a practice session when I noticed Linda standing on the podium, her eyes filled with affection as she watched me. I flashed her a thumbs-up, and in response, a shy yet endearing smile spread across her face. Her smile was all the motivation I needed to push myself harder and help my team secure a win. After finishing my training, I made my way over to the podium to talk to her.

As I approached her, she averted her gaze, appearing too bashful to meet my eyes. "Hey, Linda. Why are you giving me that seductive look?" I inquired, turning to follow her line of sight. To my surprise, I couldn't help but notice how stunning she looked. Something was alluring about her as she sat at the podium. She looked incredibly attractive, and I found it hard to tear my eyes away from her. Her figure was accentuated by the snug sports shorts she was wearing, and I couldn't help but feel a strong desire to kiss her. I had to remind myself to maintain control as giving in to my impulses and getting expelled would not bode well for either of us, especially her.

Linda gazed at me with a tender smile, brushing off my question. "Hey, it wasn't you that I was admiring. I was watching that young, handsome junior with the impressive physique," she fibbed. I followed her line of sight and indeed, there was a dashing junior on the field. A pang of disappointment washed over me. "No, I shouldn't let myself be affected by this. I won't fall for this ploy," I resolved silently. But it was too late; she had already noticed the change in my expression. "Did that hurt?" she inquired, her voice reminiscent of Janet's, but I quickly dispelled the comparison from my mind.

"Don't worry; why would I have an eye for anyone else if not you?" she asked, embracing me in a hug. I looked at her with a smile on my face. I didn't let go of the hug. It was Bliss. Her cold hands sent this feeling of security and love I was used to. I wanted it to last. I wanted to stay in that moment forever, feeling her embrace and the warmth of her love enveloping me, the scent of her perfume filling my senses.

I immediately recovered myself. "Hey, Sammy. What's it?" Linda asked as she pulled herself from my embrace. "Sorry, I was lost," I said and immediately ran out. Linda smiled knowingly to herself. "It wouldn't be long before you admit your feelings for me, Sam. I know you love me. I don't get why you're still convincing yourself that you don't," she thought. It was as if she could see right through me.

I went back to the hostel, panting like someone chased by a mad dog. No doubt, I was running. Running away from myself. Immediately, I lay down on my bed, facing the wall. "Why was this happening? Why did I still have these feelings for Bliss? It's been a month since I left her, and yet she hasn't left my mind. No doubt, this was getting me crazy. "I'm now feeling Bliss instead of Linda; this is strange," I said to myself as I shut my eyes, tears dripping down. I sobbed silently. "Bliss why are you doing this? I love Linda. I do, but you're not letting me," I cried the more. It felt like my heart was being torn in two different directions, and I couldn't bear the thought of hurting either of them. I wished I could rewind time and make everything right, but life doesn't work that way. As I lay there, struggling with my emotions, I realized that love can be both a beautiful and agonizing thing.