The days after James's big confession about his future felt different — lighter, somehow. The three of us were inseparable, like a little team against the world, but inside me, something was quietly shifting. My feelings for James were growing stronger, deeper, and I wasn't quite sure how to handle it.
We spent almost every free moment together — late-night study sessions, coffee runs, impromptu jam sessions where James would hum tunes and I'd hum along, Sophie dancing around us like she was the queen of our little world.
One afternoon, we were sitting on the campus lawn, the spring air warm and sweet with the scent of blooming flowers. James was telling a story about one of his family dinners, and Sophie and I were laughing so hard I thought my ribs might crack.
But even as I smiled, my heart raced every time James glanced my way, his eyes soft and warm.
Valentine's Day was exactly a week away. The campus was buzzing with excitement — hearts everywhere, posters advertising dance socials, and couples stealing shy kisses in the hallways.
That evening, I found myself sitting on my bed, phone in hand, texting Sophie.
Me: "Sophie, I think… I'm finally ready."
Sophie: "Ready for what?"
Me: "To tell James how I feel."
The reply came instantly, like a burst of sunshine.
Sophie: "YES!!! Girl, that's amazing!! You've got this! I'm so proud of you."
The next day, Sophie came over to my room, carrying a giant cup of bubble tea and wearing that contagious grin of hers.
"You look nervous," she teased, sitting down next to me on my bed.
I laughed, but my heart felt heavy with anticipation.
"I am. What if I mess up? What if he doesn't feel the same?"
Sophie shook her head, serious now. "Charlotte, James likes you. I see it. The way he looks at you — it's different."
I wanted to believe her, really. Sophie was usually right about people.
"But what if it's just friendship?" I whispered.
"Then it's still a start," Sophie said. "You're brave for even trying. And whatever happens, I'll be right here."
Over the next few days, I caught myself stealing glances at James whenever I could, heart fluttering with every smile, every laugh we shared.
I kept replaying Sophie's words, holding onto the hope that maybe, just maybe, James liked me too.