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Chapter 16 - Chapter 16: "Is it okay to cross the line?"

"We are hiring a therapist. We can't take any more chances," Elizabeth said firmly as she paced back and forth across the room, her voice tight with worry. Her arms were crossed, her brows furrowed in frustration and fear.

Elsa's father exhaled a heavy sigh and walked toward her with measured steps.

"Can you just calm down for a second? Don't you think hiring a therapist is a bit extreme? At least let's talk to her first," he said, his voice calm but concerned.

Elizabeth halted abruptly and turned to face him, her expression sharp.

"No… I can't calm down!" she snapped, her voice rising. "You saw what happened last night. Her condition seems even worse than it was before. I was terrified! What if we hadn't found her in time? What if..., it was someone else who did?"

Her husband rubbed a hand down his face and sighed again.

"Look, I get it. I'm scared too. She's my daughter as much as yours. But all I'm saying is, let's talk to her about it first. We can't just book a therapy session behind her back and drag her there without any warning. You know she won't take it well."

"My daughter isn't mentally ill," he added, his voice dropping as if the words pained him. "Seeing a therapist feels like too much."

Elizabeth dragged both hands through her hair, frustration pulsing in every movement.

"Oh, come on, hun! You and I both know that if we ask her, she's going to say no a thousand times. That's exactly why we have to do this our way. I promise, if we see improvement, we'll stop the sessions."

She moved closer, her voice softer now, filled with an aching plea.

"Lately, I've had this gnawing feeling that something deeper is wrong. This relapse...something triggered it. I suspect it's connected to the death of her classmate. And she won't even let me bring it up."

She gripped his hand tightly.

"Please. Let's do this for her. She's strong, I know she is. But even strong people need help sometimes."

Her words settled into the silence like a heavy weight. After a long moment, her husband exhaled slowly, nodding.

"Fine… okay. Leave it to me. I know someone, a good therapist. But the moment we notice any sign of improvement, she stops."

Elizabeth nodded quickly.

"Of course. My daughter isn't sick. A few sessions, and she'll be back to herself."

It was settled. They would register Elsa for therapy, quietly. Deep down, Elizabeth knew that involving Elsa in the decision would only trigger resistance. She would reject the idea outright. So the only way forward was to book the sessions and later ease her into it, gently but firmly.

The morning sun spilled through Elsa's window, its golden rays brushing softly against her cheeks. She stirred with a groggy groan, blinking as the light forced her eyes open. Her head throbbed lightly as she slowly sat upright, one hand pressing against her temple.

"Mom…?" she murmured into the quiet room.

She recalled the soothing sensation of her mother's hands patting her to sleep last night, how safe it had felt, even in her broken state. She tossed the blanket off and swung her legs off the bed. But the moment her feet touched the floor, it hit her, flashes from last night surged like lightning through her mind.

She couldn't remember exactly how she had left the house… but everything after her parents found her was crystal clear.

At first, she'd thought it was just the usual nightmare that hunted her daily in the first timeline, then it twisted into a full-blown illusion. Her mind had conjured a horrifying vision, tricking her senses into believing she was living it all over again.

The memory churned in her chest like acid.

It was only now she realized: her sleepwalking, something she hadn't experienced since coming back to the past had returned. All this time, she'd thought it was gone. But now, with the weight of secrets, guilt, and emotional chaos bearing down on her, she wasn't stable anymore.

She'd relapsed.

Or maybe it was the shock, the deaths, the buried truths, the fear.

Elsa took a shaky breath and pushed herself to her feet. She wandered into the parlor where her parents were deep in quiet conversation. Her dad, unusually home from work, looked visibly worn with worry.

The moment they noticed her, their conversation died on their lips.

Elizabeth stood instantly and hurried over, gently guiding her to the couch.

"How do you feel this morning, sweetheart?" her father asked gently, his eyes scanning her face with quiet concern. Her mother sat across from her, watching every movement like a hawk.

Elsa nodded slowly. "I'm fine," she whispered.

Her mother's voice trembled as she spoke next.

"Elsa… you remember what happened last night, don't you?"

Elsa looked down at her palms, shame creeping into her silence, and nodded.

"You haven't had an episode in years. Please… what's going on with you? Just talk to us," her father said softly, almost pleading.

Elsa's fingers tangled nervously in her lap. She couldn't meet their eyes.

How could she begin to explain what was really going on? That she wasn't from this timeline. That she came back to save a life. That reality was slipping between her fingers like sand.

She took a deep breath and forced a small, rehearsed smile.

"I'm sorry for making you both worry. Last night… I was just really tired. That's all. I promise, my condition isn't back. I'm totally fine."

Her father frowned, unconvinced.

"No, Elsa. This was different. This was worse. We're genuinely worried about you. Please… is it connected to the death of your classmate?"

"You said you weren't close," her mother added. "And I know it must be shocking to lose someone so suddenly, but I don't believe that's the whole story."

Elsa exhaled sharply, her silence thick and aching. She didn't know what to say. She couldn't lie, but she also couldn't tell them the truth, not yet.

Then her mother spoke, her voice firmer this time.

"Your father and I have decided. We're signing you up with a therapist."

Elsa's head shot up, stunned.

"What?" she whispered in disbelief.

"Yes, baby," her father said softly. "We've talked it through. This is the best step forward. You'll still see your doctor, but regular sessions with a therapist will help more."

Elsa let out a dry, anxious laugh, her voice cracking.

"Are you doing this just because I've been a little distant lately? Okay, I'm sorry. I promise I'll do better. You don't have to worry about me. Please."

Tears brimmed in her mother's eyes as she watched her daughter tremble behind her words. She stood up, walked over, and sat beside Elsa. Then she took her hands gently.

"Elsa… we love you," she said, her voice low but powerful. "We're doing this because we care. Just a few weeks, okay? Your school is on break anyway. You can use this time to heal. When classes resume, everything will be easier."

Her father nodded in agreement.

Elsa looked between the two of them, saw the raw emotion in their eyes. They weren't being cruel. They were scared. And they just wanted her to be okay.

Fighting them would only cause more pain.

She nodded slowly as tears rolled down her cheeks. Her mom wiped them away with her thumb and gave a faint, reassuring smile.

"It's okay, baby… you'll be fine."

Elsa nodded again, silently swallowing her emotions.

After breakfast, she returned to her room. The moment the door closed behind her, she slumped against it and released a heavy, shaking sigh.

She walked slowly to her mirror and stared at herself.

What she saw made her heart ache.

She looked fragile. Pale. Her eyes were dull and tired, her cheeks hollow. She looked like someone barely hanging on.

She was crumbling. And if she didn't do something, she would lose herself.

But that won't happen.

She stood up straighter, breathing hard.

No more falling apart. No more letting her mind consume her. She didn't come back in time just to break down and let everything spiral. If she wanted to save Mira… if she truly wanted to change things… she had to be strong. Ruthlessly strong.

And she had work to do.

First: talk to Mirabel. Let her speak, no more guessing.

Second: take the therapy sessions seriously. Maybe, just maybe, they'd help her unlock whatever memories she needed.

Third: find out how she even traveled back in time.

And lastly: find out who killed Mira. Someone had murdered her. And someone had also killed Brittany. She was sure Mira didn't do it.

These were her missions. And she was going to follow through.

Just then, her phone buzzed. She looked down at her phone on the table, it was a call.

From Liam.

Her heart skipped.

So much had happened that she'd almost forgotten about him. The kiss. The way she had bolted at the funeral.

She hesitantly answered the call.

"Hey…" his voice came low, unsure.

Elsa swallowed, trying to steady herself.

"Hey, Liam."

"You just… ran off that day. At the funeral. Are you okay?"

Elsa pressed her lips together.

"I'm really sorry about that. Something urgent came up."

A short silence.

"Okay then… I hope you're fine?"

Elsa hesitated.

She trusted Liam. Something about him felt grounded. Safe.

"Hey… do you wanna meet up later today?" she blurted.

He went silent, caught off guard.

"No?" Elsa asked nervously.

"No! No, of course yes," he said quickly. "It was just sudden, that's all. Where should we meet?"

"Your house. I'll come over. Drop the address," Elsa said firmly.

"Oh… okay. I'll send my driver—"

"That won't be necessary. Just text me the address. I'll find my way," she cut in, her tone decisive.

"Right… yeah. I'll text it to you."

"Alright then. See you soon." She ended the call before she could lose her nerve.

She clutched her chest and exhaled sharply.

"Elsa, you're insane. What are you doing?"

But she knew what she was doing. She didn't want awkward tension or lingering confusion. She had kissed him. And then ran. She needed to clear the air. Needed closure.

That's what she told herself.

Without wasting time, she marched into the bathroom. The shower felt like a reset. She emerged and stood before her closet, staring.

She chose a short wine-red silk dress, snug at the waist, soft straps that framed her shoulders, the hem barely brushing her mid-thighs. It was both subtle and enchanting, clinging like a whispered promise. She told herself she wasn't trying to impress him. But the dress said otherwise.

She applied light makeup to mask her dark circles, brushed out her hair, and let it fall in soft waves. For the first time in a while, she looked alive.

She stepped out. Her parents were stunned, this was a transformation. Their daughter who had just been ghostly plain, had now become cheerful all of a sudden.

She hugged them, said her goodbyes, and stormed out

Elsa took a cab and finally got to the front of the house. The moment the vehicle stopped, she leaned forward, her mouth slightly parted in awe.

The gate towered before her, tall and black with shiny silver lines. Beyond it, the mansion stood like something out of a luxury magazine, modern and massive, with sleek white walls and large tinted windows. The compound stretched far, decorated with trimmed hedges, tall palm trees, and a central fountain that sprayed water in elegant arcs.

She stepped out of the cab slowly, adjusting her dress as she made her way to the gate. Her shoes clicked softly against the concrete.

She pressed the doorbell a few times before a voice crackled from the intercom.

"Who is it?"

Elsa cleared her throat nervously.

"Um... I'm here to see Liam."

"Your name, please?" the voice asked.

"Elsa William. I'm his friend," she said, brushing her hair back as her heart thudded a little harder in her chest.

There was a short pause.

"Alright, just a minute."

Elsa stood there quietly, her eyes scanning the environment. The sheer size of the place made her feel small. Then CLICK, the gate lock buzzed and opened. She flinched a little in surprise.

She pushed the gate gently and stepped inside.

As she walked through the compound, the sound of birds chirping blended with the distant sound of water splashing from the fountain. Everything looked expensive and spotless, like the kind of place where silence echoed.

She didn't get far before she saw Liam jogging toward her, his steps quick and light.

Elsa stopped and waited, adjusting her dress lightly.

"Hey," he said as he reached her.

Elsa smiled a bit and waved. "Hi."

They smiled at each other, a quiet pause hanging between them for a few seconds.

"Come in, come in," Liam said quickly, gesturing toward the house.

Elsa followed him inside. The house was even more impressive on the inside. The front door opened wide, the floors were shiny marble, the walls painted soft cream, and beautiful paintings hung in gold frames. A crystal chandelier sparkled from the ceiling above, casting a soft glow. The furniture looked expensive, clean, polished, and perfectly arranged. Everything smelled like lemon polish and fresh flowers.

She couldn't hide the surprise in her expression.

As they stood there, a woman in an apron walked over. She looked like she was in her late forties, with gentle eyes and a soft, polite smile.

"Hello, miss," she greeted kindly.

Elsa bowed her head slightly. "Hello, ma'am."

"This is my housekeeper, Miss Ginny," Liam said, smiling. "She's like a mom to me. Been here since I was a toddler."

Elsa smiled politely. "Oh, hello Miss Ginny. I'm Elsa."

Miss Ginny gave her a warm nod. "It's lovely to meet you, dear."

After a brief chat, Miss Ginny excused herself and went back to her duties.

"Welcome to my home," Liam said, turning to Elsa.

Elsa smiled nervously, still taking it all in. "It's… beautiful."

Liam shrugged. "Yeah. It's just my dad and I here. Apart from Miss Ginny and a few others. He's not home till evening."

Elsa nodded. "Oh."

They walked further in, and Liam led her to the living room. It was spacious but cozy, with a big cream couch, a glass coffee table, and a huge flat-screen TV mounted on the wall. She sat down and dropped her bag beside her, and Liam sat opposite her.

The silence that followed was thick.

Elsa's fingers played with the edge of her dress.

"So… would you like something to drink? Or eat?" Liam asked.

Elsa nodded quickly. "Uh, yeah… anything warm would be fine."

She was annoyed at herself. She had felt so confident earlier. Now she was a ball of nerves again. 

A short while later, Miss Ginny returned with a cup of hot coffee.

Elsa took it with a small smile. "Thank you."

She sipped carefully and placed the cup down on the table.

Then, out of nowhere, she blurted out

"How are you so good mannered even with all this"

Liam laughed softly. "Well, let's just say my dad made sure I didn't turn out like that."

Elsa chuckled and nodded. "He did a good job."

Again, the silence settled between them, but this time it felt heavier. The unspoken kiss still lingered in the air.

Elsa looked around awkwardly, pretending to notice something interesting in the room.

Then Liam spoke, his voice low.

"It's funny how the silence between two people can be so loud."

Elsa glanced at him and let out a small, nervous laugh.

"I know, right."

She reached for her coffee again, but this time the heat caught her off guard. It burned her tongue and spilled slightly on her dress.

"Oww," she gasped quietly, quickly placing the cup down.

"You okay?" Liam asked as he handed her a tissue from beside him.

"Yeah… I'm fine. Thanks." She dabbed her lips and her dress gently, trying to act like it didn't sting. But inside, her nerves were all over the place.

Liam kept watching her. The way she nervously cleaned her dress, how she avoided eye contact. As she wiped herself off, Liam's gaze lingered, not inappropriately, but thoughtfully. He could see how jittery she was, how the nervous energy practically shimmered off her.

Suddenly, he reached out and gently took her hand.

Elsa froze. Her eyes widened. Then she slowly looked away.

"Elsa… look at me."

She hesitated for a moment, then turned her face to meet his eyes.

His gaze was calm, warm, and steady.

"You don't have to be nervous around me," he said softly. "Whatever it is that's making you nervous… just breathe. I've got you."

Elsa blinked a few times. Then she slowly pulled her hand away and cleared her throat.

"I'm not nervous," she said, trying to sound normal.

She crossed her arms and leaned back.

"This is me at my calmest, obviously," she added with a dry chuckle.

A moment passed. Then she glanced sideways at him again, her voice teasing but quiet.

"Relax, Liam. I'm not that fragile."

He tilted his head slightly, smiling.

"Didn't say you were."

They sat in a quiet that didn't feel so heavy anymore.

Then Liam stood up suddenly, his eyes lighting up.

"Anyway… want to do something fun?"

Elsa raised an eyebrow. "Fun? What's that?"

He grinned. "Come on, I'll show you."

Elsa smiled, standing up with a little bounce. For the first time that day, she felt… lighter, because maybe, just maybe, she wasn't alone in this.

And right now, that was enough.

They walked around the house, passing several sleek wooden doors, each one more elegant than the last, until they finally stopped in front of one. Liam turned to Elsa and smiled.

Then, with a small dramatic flourish, he flung the door open and stretched his arm toward the inside, still smiling.

Elsa gasped, jaw dropped slightly, eyes lighting up in astonishment.

The room lit up in soft neon colors, glowing in purples, blues, and greens. It was like stepping into a mini Magic Land arcade, but inside a house. Bright LED strips lined the ceiling and floors, casting a playful glow across the room.

Rows of game machines stood tall along the walls: car racing simulators with leather seats and steering wheels, shooting games that buzzed with sound effects, and a fast-paced basketball shoot-out machine blinking with scores. In one corner was an air hockey table, and beside it, a claw machine packed with plush toys and blinking lights.

There was even a VR station with a headset hanging beside a clear mat, and two gaming chairs in front of a giant curved screen, complete with wireless controllers, a headset dock, and shelves lined with game discs and collectibles.

In the center, a small snack bar setup stood stocked with mini fridges, colorful candy jars, and a popcorn machine. A couple of bright red and green bean bags were tossed around casually, like the perfect spots to crash between rounds.

It wasn't just a game room, it felt alive. The faint hum of machines, soft background music, and blinking lights gave it that fun, electric vibe. It was like Magic Land had been packed into four walls.

"Wanna come in?" Liam asked with a soft laugh.

Elsa nodded eagerly, her smile bright. He stepped aside, and she walked in like a kid in a candy store, her eyes darting around, soaking in everything.

"Wow... you practically have an arcade in your house," she exclaimed, spinning slowly as she took it all in.

Liam walked in behind her and shrugged. "Well... what can I say? I get bored sometimes. My dad set this up when I was ten."

Elsa turned toward him, eyes still wide with admiration. "Your dad sounds like an incredible person."

Liam's smile softened, a flicker of something sad in his eyes. "He is. Ever since my mom left us, he never once made me feel like she wasn't there."

Elsa's heart ached at the mention of his mom. Her smile faded slightly as she glanced away, brushing her fingers lightly over the edge of the air hockey table.

"Wanna play?" Liam asked gently.

Elsa turned, and her excitement reignited instantly. "Yes!"

They began playing together. Elsa tried nearly every game, her competitiveness growing with each round. She lost to Liam over and over but didn't care. She laughed each time, teasing him back when she managed to win a round. Liam lost a few games on purpose just to see her light up.

The room was filled with laughter and occasional shrieks of excitement. They high-fived after every round, sometimes slapping hands too hard and laughing at the sting. For a while, Elsa forgot everything, her pain, her confusion, her fears. In that room, it was just her and Liam, connected through joy and fun, like old friends rediscovering each other.

After hours of nonstop playing, they both collapsed onto a couch, breathless and grinning.

Elsa laughed softly, struggling to catch her breath. Liam joined in, shaking his head.

Then the room finally fell silent.

"That night," Liam said suddenly.

Elsa turned to him quickly, her eyes widening slightly.

"I'm talking about how you were crying alone," he clarified.

Elsa exhaled in relief and sat upright slowly.

Liam also sat up, facing her.

After a long pause, Elsa finally said, "I had a huge fight with Mirabel that day."

Liam's brows creased. "How bad was it? You looked completely shattered that night."

Elsa hesitated. She didn't want to spill everything, not about Brittany, not about the suspicion. It was all too tangled.

"She told a big lie... and I found out," Elsa said, forcing a smile.

Liam nodded slowly. "I hope you guys are okay now?"

Elsa nodded too quickly. "Yeah, sure. We'll talk it out."

Liam studied her quietly. "Anyway... I'm guessing you're here because you wanted to talk about something, right?"

Elsa fell silent. She had come here to clear the air about the kiss, to talk about everything that had been suffocating her. But now, sitting here, she didn't even know where to start.

She laughed nervously and held her stomach. "I'm hungry. Let's eat first, then we can talk."

Liam frowned a little, clearly not buying it.

Elsa stood up quickly. "Let's go back outside."

But just as she turned, Liam's voice stopped her.

"Do you just kiss people randomly and act like it never happened?"

Elsa froze.

She turned back slowly, her heart hammering.

Liam walked toward her. His tone wasn't playful anymore.

"Why are you acting like nothing happened that night?"

Elsa swallowed hard. She couldn't meet his eyes.

"Well... that day… I'm sorry," she muttered, forcing a weak smile.

Liam scoffed. "Why are you apologizing?"

"I just kissed you out of the blue. I was out of line. I shouldn't have done that."

"You're sorry for kissing me?"

Elsa sighed, still avoiding his gaze. "It was a mistake, okay? I was consumed by my emotions. It's not that deep."

Liam went quiet for a long moment. Then he stepped closer. Closer than before.

Elsa's breath caught in her throat. Her heart started racing.

He leaned in, so close she could feel the warmth of his breath.

"Elsa... breathe," he whispered, his voice a steady murmur.

She couldn't say a word. Her entire body had gone rigid, her eyes locked on his.

The air between them became unbearably thick with tension. Liam's gaze dropped to her lips slowly, deliberately, and lingered there. The way he looked at her sent chills crawling up her spine. His expression was unreadable, hungry, hesitant, electric.

He leaned in more, their lips just inches apart now.

Elsa's chest rose and fell rapidly. Her thoughts screamed at her to move back, but her feet stayed glued.

Liam tilted his head like he was about to kiss her...

Then stopped.

He smirked and pulled away slowly.

Elsa blinked, stunned. She turned away in embarrassment.

"I guess there's nothing more to say," Liam said with a soft, teasing smile before he walked off.

Elsa let out a loud breath, placing a hand over her chest.

"Oh God… I almost died" she muttered to herself.

She walked to the parlor after composing herself. The dining table was being set by Miss Ginny, with Liam assisting her. Elsa walked toward them quickly to help, trying to hide her flushed cheeks.

Liam kept smiling to himself, which only made her feel more embarrassed.

As she helped place the cutlery, her phone pinged. She pulled it out of her back pocket.

A message from her mom: Mirabel is here. She seems quite serious. I told her to wait for you but she said it was urgent. Did you guys perhaps fight?

Elsa's smile faded slowly. Her chest tightened.

Liam noticed the change in her expression and walked up to her.

"Hey, what's wrong?"

Elsa quickly slipped her phone back in her pocket and forced a smile. "It's nothing… let's eat."

He didn't press her.

They ate together, but Elsa's mind wasn't there. She was already spiraling with the thought of facing Mirabel.

After dinner, Elsa stood up and walked toward her bag.

Liam looked up. "Leaving already?"

Elsa nodded. "Yeah… I have something to attend to at home."

Liam looked disappointed but smiled anyway. "Alright then. I hope you had fun today."

Elsa returned the smile. "I did. I had so much fun."

Liam chuckled softly. "You can always come over when you feel bored. Next time you might even beat me. And if you ever need someone to talk to… you can lean on me."

Elsa felt the warmth in his words.

"Sure… I will."

"I'm glad we bonded today, Elsa. I'm happy you came."

She looked at him for a moment, then hung her bag over her shoulder.

"Bye..." she whispered, turning to leave.

Liam waved. "Bye."

She left the house and grabbed a cab home.

When she arrived, she walked straight into the kitchen.

"Hi, mama," she said softly.

Her mom dropped the napkin she was holding and walked toward her.

"You look tired. How was your outing?"

Elsa nodded gently. "It was okay."

"Mirabel is in your room. It's been a while now. She's probably asleep. I'm making dinner. Have you eaten yet?"

"Yes, mama. I have."

"Alright then. Go on upstairs."

Elsa smiled faintly and walked to her room. She sighed deeply before opening the door.

Mirabel was lying on the bed, fast asleep.

Elsa shut the door gently and stared at her for a moment. Then she set her bag down and quietly brought out her nightwear.

She was about to change when Mira stirred and slowly sat up.

"Hey," Mira said softly.

Elsa paused.

Now that they were face to face, she suddenly felt anxious, unsure what to say.

"I didn't want to wake you," Elsa said.

"No, it's fine. You didn't," Mira replied.

Elsa forced a smile and turned back to her wardrobe.

After a few seconds of silence, Mira stood up and walked toward her.

"What's this I'm hearing about a therapist? What's going on with you?" she asked, concerned.

Elsa's eyes widened. "How did you find out?"

"Your mom told me when I came. I asked how you've been, and she told me about last night. I thought you were already better… it's been years since you sleepwalked."

Elsa scoffed bitterly. "Mom sure doesn't know when to keep things to herself. I should've told her not to tell you."

Mira's face fell. "So I wasn't supposed to know about this?"

Elsa snapped. "Why are you acting like nothing happened? You just walked in here like everything's fine."

Mira looked down. "What do you want me to say? I'm fucking anxious right now. I don't even know what to say."

"Say anything, Mira! Tell me it's not true. Tell me you didn't do it. Tell me there was a reason for lying to me! Anything!" Elsa shouted, her voice cracking.

Mira bit her lip. "Are you also going to ask if I killed Brittany?"

Elsa stared at her.

"Yes! Did you? Did you do it?!"

Tears slipped down Mira's cheeks. "I guess I'm the villain here. I thought you, of all people, wouldn't think that way."

Elsa walked toward her, pain in her eyes. "Believe you? How, Mira? I keep telling myself it can't be true. But a part of me doubts. The way you acted that night… the lies. Nothing adds up."

Mira stood there, sobbing silently.

Then she turned like she was going to leave.

"Running away?" Elsa said sharply, making Mira freeze. "Too scared to explain? What are you hiding, Mirabel? What are you so afraid of me finding out?"

Mira clenched her fists and turned back.

"If I tell you, can you handle it?"

"Say it! What are you hiding, Mira? Why didn't you tell me about Brittany and Adrian? Why are you acting like this?"

Mira's lips trembled. Her hands shook.

Elsa stepped forward. "Why aren't you saying anything? Say something, Mira! I know this isn't you! Something is wrong, so just say it!"

"You!" Mira shouted. "You're the problem."

Elsa's face dropped. "What are you talking about?"

Mira sniffled, tears streaming.

"I like you."

Elsa blinked. "Of course you do. I like you too. You're my best friend—"

"No!" Mira cut in. "I mean I have feelings for you. I like you, Elsa."

Elsa froze.

Did she hear right?

She let out a nervous laugh. "Of course I'm your best friend. You like me as a—"

"Fuck it..." Mira whispered, as she suddenly grabbed Elsa by the waist, pulled her closer and kissed her.

Elsa's eyes widened.

She didn't move. Didn't speak. She was frozen with shock.

Her mind spun wildly. When did this start? How long had Mira felt this way?

She could feel how real it was. Mira wasn't joking. This wasn't confusion. This was real.

Elsa stood there, lips still parted, eyes wide in disbelief, utterly shaken.

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