Sofia didn't overthink it this time. Not like before. She made a decision— and followed through. They agreed to meet in the same café. The one where memories seemed to linger longer than they should.
When she arrived— Lucas was already there. Sitting quietly. Waiting.
He stood when he saw her. "Hey."
Sofia gave a small nod. "Hi."
There was no awkward tension. No lingering emotion. Just something… unfinished. They sat down. Across from each other.
"So," Sofia said gently, "What did you want to talk about?"
Lucas exhaled slowly. Then looked at her. "I wanted to say something I didn't get to before." Sofia stayed quiet. Letting him speak. "I liked you," he admitted.
She didn't react. Not surprised. Not confused. Just… listening.
"And I think… if things had been different," he continued, "I would've tried harder." A pause. "But you chose someone else."
Sofia's chest tightened slightly. Not because it hurt— but because it was true.
"And I respected that," Lucas added.
Silence settled for a moment. "Then why now?" Sofia asked softly.
Lucas looked down briefly. Then back at her. "Because I wanted to know if I still had a chance."
That— was direct. Clear. And it changed the air completely. Sofia didn't answer immediately. Because this— this was the moment. Not confusion. Not uncertainty. A choice.
She took a breath. Then looked at him. "You don't."
Lucas blinked. Not shocked— just… processing. "Is it because of him?" he asked quietly.
Sofia shook her head gently. "It's because of me." A pause. "I already know where I want to be."
That answer— was firm. Not defensive. Not emotional. Certain.
Lucas leaned back slightly. Then gave a small nod. "Yeah… I kind of expected that."
Sofia softened slightly. "I'm sorry."
He shook his head. "Don't be." A small smile. "I just needed to hear it clearly."
And just like that— the past stopped pulling. No loose ends. No lingering "what ifs." Just closure. They didn't stay long after that. No reason to.
Sofia stood up. "Take care, Lucas."
He nodded. "You too."
And that was it. Not dramatic. Not painful. Just… done.
When Sofia stepped outside— the air felt lighter. Like something she didn't realize she was carrying— had finally been set down.
Later that evening— she found Kenzo. He looked at her immediately. Not anxious. But waiting.
"How did it go?" he asked.
Sofia walked closer. Then stopped in front of him. "It's over," she said.
Kenzo frowned slightly. "…Over?"
She nodded. "Whatever that was." A pause. "He just needed closure."
Kenzo studied her face. Looking for hesitation. For doubt. But there was none. "Are you okay?" he asked.
Sofia gave a small smile. "I am."
And she meant it. Because for the first time— there was nothing unfinished behind her. Only what was in front of her.
Kenzo exhaled slowly. Relief settling in. But he didn't move closer yet. Didn't assume. "I trust you," he said quietly.
Sofia looked at him. "And I chose you," she replied.
That— was everything. Not because it was dramatic. But because it was clear. And clarity— was something they had fought hard to find.
Kenzo stepped closer this time. Slowly. Carefully. And Sofia didn't step back. Because now— there was nothing pulling her away.
✨ End of Chapter 38