Anthony – POV
after the breakup, the world felt… quieter. Not in a peaceful way—more like when the music cuts off and you're left standing in the echo of something unfinished.
That was how it felt without Camila.
I'd thrown myself into classes. Tried to focus on anything but the ache in my chest. It worked, for the most part—until today.
Kara was chosen to be my project partner in finance class . A brunette with wavy curls and bright, easy eyes. Not like Camila, not exactly. But something about her—her cadence, her soft humor—felt familiar. Not a replacement. Just… familiar.
She was a power house of jokes and a vibe in all the nice ways she was sweet and kind aswell she made sure I hadn't totally lost my self in the books and made me feel human again she forced me to slow down
We had moments of lingering stears and mutual understanding
I'd missed a class last week. For a culinary maditory class.The one where we were assigned the bulk of the research outline. "Deadline's tomorrow," Kara said with a teasing smirk. "You really know when to drop the ball don't you "
I smiled sheepishly. "Wanna pull an all-nighter?"
She laughed. "Sure. Your place or mine?"
"My dad's out of town," I offered. "We'll have space."
We stopped by a late-night market, picked up snacks and caffeine like we were college kids in a coming-of-age movie. She teased me for buying the fancy sparkling water. I teased her for picking the hot Cheetos.
On the way to my house I spotted two familiar figures Tyler and antwan they looked panicked I asked Kara for a moment and pulled over
Tyler explained that they couldn't find her and that she was missing my heart sank had something happened to Camila where was she
But it was quickly explained that it was Julia that was missing
That still sucked Julia was a nice girl and Camila friend I can't imagine how Camila must be feeling
Tyler suggested we split up and we did I explained to Kara that we're were looking for Julia and explained who she was I left out Camila tho I just told her Julia was a friend Kara joked if she was taht type of friend and I just laughed it off
After a while we met the guys again Tyler was clearly panicked and tired I knew how much she ment to him same went for antwan
Tyler phone buzzed and he let out the biggest sigh I had hured in a while and said Camila has her
Camila my Camila no not my Camila just Camila had Julia
I told them I was glad she was safe and burned my thoughts about Camila I told Kara to come on and drove home
By the time we pulled into the driveway, I was surprised how heavy I felt
I invited her in and prince was at the door he barked at Kara but after I calmed him he came around it reminded me of how he acted when I brought Camila over some things never change
We landed in the living room and got to it
We worked. Actually worked. For hours. Kara was sharp and focused, scribbling notes with pink highlighters and tapping my laptop like it was hers. But sometime after midnight, after we'd hit submit, her vibe changed.
Her laughter lingered longer. Her hand brushed mine and didn't move away. She shifted closer on the couch, her eyes a little softer, her voice a little slower.
"Hey," she said gently, "You know, I thought tonight might feel… different."
I hesitated.
She leaned over and bruised her lips against mine I gave in for a moment and she took her chance
She wasn't wrong to think something could happen. But when I looked at her, all I could see was someone trying to be a balm for a wound I hadn't even let scab yet.
Her lips were on mine and even as she kisses me my mind could only think of Camila
I hated my self even more for this
I eased her off
"I'm tired," I said quietly. "And not just in the sleep kind of way."
She blinked, nodded slowly. "Okay. No pressure."
She stuttered I knew I had hurt her feelings but I couldn't do this with her
I showed her to the guest room, offered her a hoodie, and stepped out quietly.
In my room, I sat on the edge of my bed, phone in hand.
Camila.
I hadn't let myself text her since we ended things. But seeing Tyler and Antwan earlier, panicked and scattered , had done something to me. Seeing Julia in trouble… It made everything else feel small.
I opened our last message thread. Typed.
Anthony: Is Julia okay?
…Waited.
Then typed again.
Anthony: Are you okay?
I didn't know what I was hoping for. A reply. A window. A sign that even if she wasn't mine anymore, she was still with in reach
Something