THE MAN WHOM I LOVED

g that Coco would not be happy about him spending ti

in and said, "You know, I'm really glad we can talk art and la

"Thanks. You'

shared his passion for art. He didn't think twice a

and she was determined to get closer to him. She started to find excuses

artwork online and was immediately drawn to his talent and creativity. As she l

same studio as her, she couldn't believe her luck. She had

n love with Austin. She loved the way he laughed, the way he t

erself becoming bolder, trying to get his attentio

e Sophia more often. She was working on a project in the sam

eat her as just a friend. He didn't notice the flirtatiou

saying she wanted to get his opinion on her work. Au

he took Austin's hand, saying she wanted to show him something. Au

ss Austin"..

es on display. As they stopped in front of a particularly striking insta

a, and Sophia's heart skipped a beat as she

it felt to be close to Austin. She felt a spark of electricity between the

in continued to explore the exhibition,

d to Austin and said, "Thanks for the pho

nd replied, Yo

t his phone to FaceTime Coco. As soon as she answered, he co

id, feeling a warmth in his

estions and making supportive noises. But as they talked, Austin co

side, telling himself he

He knew he had to be honest with her, to tell her about So

sked, noticing the distraction in h

what to say. "I'm just tired

nod

Austin said, smiling

replied, her eyes sparkling

"You too, Coco.

nd the connection they had shared at the art exhibiti

hat to do or all he knew was that he needed to be ho

ow, looking out at the city skylin

to meet me on the rooftop? I need to check on our

d also left some of his own

"... as he made hi

here, inspecting their art pieces. She smiled as Aus

ieces, he couldn't help but notice how the morning light danced across the colors and text

admired Austin's artwork. as she offe

arkling with creativity. "I wanted to make su

be honest with him.She had to tell him how she felt, eve

len for you," Sophia said, her voice trembling. "I

s he took few step back away from Sophia, looking uncomfortable.

ttered, but I'm

ll in disappoint

relationship?"

how to answer. He didn't want anyone in

ionship," Austin said,

y? Then

ngs, Sophia, but I'm not interested.

ted. She knew she had taken a risk by confes

as palpable. Austin was distant and cold, clearly trying to a

ded to work on his project. Sophia nodded, feeling tears prick at the corners

er what she had been thinking. She had risked her friendship with Austin , and

els for her. She wanted him to see beyond the

a's phone rang.

hat's up?" t

much,

p breath and be

, you know the art guy

rned sympathetic. "Aw

y thought i had a con

eserve better Sophia. Ethan said, And I'l

you,

g up th

________

and keyboard clacking. Ethan and Coco were working together