Operation: Threads of Connection

I'm Sorry

"Is everything okay?" Alina  asked, breaking the silence. "You seem... distracted."

I looked into her eyes, trying to find the right words. "Yeah, just a lot on my mind," I replied, avoiding any details about my feelings for Anya.

She tilted her head, her eyes softening with concern. "Do you want to talk about it? Sometimes it helps to get things off your chest."

I hesitated. Alina was being kind, but she wasn't the person I wanted to confide in. Still, I decided to share a bit. "It's just... group dynamics for the camping trip. Trying to figure out how to make everything work smoothly."

"Ah, the joys of team-building," she said with a small smile. "It can be tough, but you're a natural leader, Damian. You'll figure it out."

I forced a smile in return. "Thanks, Alina ."

We spent the next few minutes in silence, focusing on our studies. I couldn't shake the feeling of restlessness. My thoughts kept drifting back to Anya and what Becky had said earlier. Was I really being so blind to Anya's feelings? And was I leading her on unintentionally?

After what felt like an eternity, Alina spoke again. "Damian, you know, I've noticed something."

I looked up, curious. "What is it?"

She hesitated, as if choosing her words carefully. "You seem to care a lot about Anya. More than just as a friend..."

My heart skipped a beat. "What do you mean?"

She gave me a knowing look. "I see the way you look at her, the way you get protective. It's clear you have feelings for her."

I opened my mouth to deny it, but the words wouldn't come out. I didn't know what to say. Suddenly the bell ringed. It was time for us to go home. Today was Tuesday thought, it was the first day of cooking club. I don't know if I could face Anya right now.

"Hey Damian doesn't club start today? I joined cooking club,! I should start heading out," Alina announced gathering her things.

I blinked in surprise. "You're in cooking club too?"

Alina  nodded, smiling. "Yeah, I thought it would be a nice way to unwind after classes. Plus, who doesn't love good food, right?"

I managed a weak smile. "Right, well let's head there together,"

We walked together to the cooking club, my mind still reeling from our conversation. Alina's words echoed in my head, and I couldn't shake the uneasy feeling. As we approached the clubroom, I saw Anya already inside, chatting animatedly with Mrs. Allgeier and some other students. The sight of her brought a mix of emotions—nervousness, guilt, and an undeniable warmth.

"Let's go over here Damian!" Alina announced leading me towards an empty counter with sink and stove. We quickly put our belongings in the space provided. I grabbed one of the aprons hanging next to the counter. Alina grabbed the one right next to mine, I tied mine in place ready to begin the lesson.

"Damian! Can you help me tie this," Alina asked as she tried to reach for the straps,I nodded, stepping behind Alina to help tie her apron. My fingers fumbled with the straps for a moment, my mind still preoccupied. Once I had it tied, I stepped back. "There you go."

"Thanks," she said with a smile. "Ready to get started?"

"Yeah, let's do this," I replied, trying to sound enthusiastic.

Mrs. Allgeier clapped her hands to get our attention. "Alright, everyone! Today, we're going to be making chocolate éclairs. We'll start by preparing the choux pastry and then move on to the filling and glaze."