7th Wrld

Desperation Versus Solace

Christian sat at his desk, his mind consumed with thoughts of Stephanie. Over the past few months, their friendship had blossomed into something deeper, at least from his perspective. He couldn't help but feel drawn to her in a way that surpassed mere friendship. However, he lacked the courage to confess his feelings.

Meanwhile, Cypher had noticed the subtle changes in Christian's demeanor and appearance. He watched as his brother became increasingly preoccupied with his looks, a stark departure from his usual laid-back attitude. Sensing something was amiss, Cypher decided to confront him about it.

Cypher: raising an eyebrow What's with the sudden interest in your appearance, Chris? You've been spending a lot of time in front of the mirror lately.

Christian: feigning nonchalance Oh, it's nothing. Just felt like switching things up a bit, you know?

Cypher: skeptical Right, because suddenly caring about how you look has nothing to do with a lady, huh?

Christian: stammering What? No, that's false .

Christian sat at his usual spot in the lecture hall, diligently taking notes as the professor lectured on. His attention, however, was divided between the lecture and the persistent presence of Brianna, the girl who seemed to have taken a keen interest in him.

Brianna had been trying to strike up a conversation with him for weeks now, always finding a way to sit next to him in class. She admired Christian's brilliance and was drawn to his intellect, but Christian, preoccupied with thoughts of Stephanie, paid her no heed

Brianna: leaning over Hey, Christian, do you understand this concept? I could use some help

Christian: forcing a smile Oh, uh, sure. I guess I can help you with that

Brianna: smiling brightly Thanks, Christian. You're always so good at this stuff.As they discussed the lecture material, Christian couldn't shake the feeling of discomfort. He found Brianna to be too clingy and desperate for his liking, and her persistent attempts to befriend him only served to exacerbate his unease

Christian: internal monologue Why does she keep bothering me? Doesn't she get the hint that I'm not interested?

Despite his efforts to focus on the lecture, Christian couldn't ignore Brianna's presence beside him. Her constant chatter and attempts at conversation grated on his nerves, making it difficult for him to concentrate

After what felt like an eternity, the lecture finally came to an end, and Christian wasted no time in gathering his belongings to leave. However, Brianna intercepted him before he could make his escape

Brianna: eagerly Hey, Christian, do you want to grab lunch together? I know this great café nearby

Christian: politely Thanks, Brianna, but I've got plans already. Maybe some other time

Brianna's face fell, disappointment evident in her eyes, but Christian was already walking away, eager to put some distance between them. As he made his way out of the lecture hall, he couldn't shake the feeling of relief at finally being free from Brianna's persistent presence

Later that day, as Christian sat in the library studying, he couldn't help but reflect on the encounter with Brianna. He couldn't understand why she was so insistent on befriending him, especially when he had made it clear that he wasn't interested.

Lost in thought, he barely noticed as Stephanie approached him

Stephanie: smiling warmly Hey, Christian, mind if I join you?

Christian: snapping out of his reverie Oh, uh, sure, Stephanie. Please, have a seat

As Stephanie sat down beside him, Christian couldn't help but feel a sense of relief at her presence. Unlike Brianna, Stephanie was someone he felt comfortable around, someone who understood him without him having to say a word

Stephanie: noticing his distracted expression Is everything okay, Christian? You seem a bit out of it

Christian: forcing a smile Yeah, I'm fine, just had a long day. Thanks for asking, though.As they settled into their study session, Christian couldn't help but feel grateful for Stephanie's friendship. In her presence, he felt at ease, free from the constant pressure of Brianna's unwanted advances.

As the professor left the lecture hall, Brianna once again interrupted Christian who was lost in his thoughts

Brianna: leaning over Christian, do you like this professor? I never really understand his lectures .

Christian: frustrated Brianna, can you please give it a rest? I'm trying to focus here

Brianna recoiled slightly, hurt evident in her eyes as she withdrew from his sharp tone.

Just then, Cypher, Christian's brother and close friend, entered the class with a playful grin

Cypher: Hey there, I'm Cypher, Christian's brother. And you must be Brianna, the girl who's been keeping my brother on his toes

Brianna: forcing a smile Yes, that's me. Nice to meet you, Cypher

Cypher:  Ah, I see. No wonder Christian's been putting in extra effort with his appearance lately. Trying to impress someone special, are we?

Christian shot Cypher a warning glance, silently pleading for him to drop the subject.

Brianna, sensing the tension between the brothers, excused herself and left them alone.As they walked home from campus later that day, Cypher couldn't resist teasing Christian about his encounter with Brianna

Cypher: So, spill it, bro. What's going on between you and Brianna? Are you finally ready to admit that you're smitten with her?

Christian: sighing Cypher, you know that's not true. Brianna's just been... persistent, that's all. I had to tell her to back off because she's been bothering me non-stop

Cypher: raising an eyebrow Hmm, I see. Well, if you say so, bro. But I must say, it's not every day I see you getting so worked up over a girl

Christian: It's nothing, really. I just don't see her that way

Cypher: nodding Fair enough, bro. But hey, if you ever need some advice on how to win her over, you know where to find me

Christian hesitated for a moment, unsure if he should confide in Cypher about his true feelings for Stephanie, their mutual friend. But seeing the genuine offer of help in Cypher's eyes, he decided to take a chance and open up to him

Christian: Actually, Cypher, there's someone else I have my eye on. It's not Brianna. It's... someone else

Cypher: Do tell, bro. Who's the lucky lady?

Christian: hesitating Well, I want to keep that anonymous . I've known her for a while now, and... I think I might have feelings for her

Cypher: is it someone I  know?

Christian: no, you don't know her- he lied

Cypher- Well, you've come to the right place for advice, bro. Let's figure out a plan to win her heart together.