Operation: Threads of Connection

Rain

"Honestly, that explains a lot... " Damian said chuckling, "No wonder you act so childish," he smirked. I smacked his arm playfully before looking down at my feet.

"Yeah yeah, anyways, when I got accepted into Eden Academy, I had one job. Befriend Damian Desmond... Papa needed me to get close to your family. He believes your father is the key to preventing a major conflict. That's why I've been trying so hard to be friends with you."

Damian's expression shifted from amusement to something more serious. "So, all this time, you were just doing your job?"

I shook my head quickly, trying to convey the sincerity of my feelings. "At first, yes. But then I got to know you, Damian. You're more than just a mission to me. You're my friend. That's why I had to tell you the truth. I don't want our friendship to be based on lies."

Damian was silent for a moment, processing everything. He removed his hand from mine and stood up, turning his back away from me. Oh god he's mad at me. I couldn't help but feel anxiety at the thought of him being upset with me. I felt tears begin to form, I tried to hold them back, but at last they began flowing down.

"I'm sorry Damian..." I choked out. I felt a warm fabric on my shoulders.

I looked up to see Damian had taken off his jacket and draped it over my shoulders. He turned back around, his eyes softening as he saw my tears.

"Hey, don't cry," he said gently, wiping a tear from my cheek with his thumb. "I'm not mad, Anya. I'm just trying to process everything. It's a lot to take in."

I nodded, feeling a mixture of relief and lingering guilt. "I know. It's a big secret, and I should have told you sooner. I was just scared."

Damian sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I get it. It's not easy to trust people, especially with something this big. He sat back down beside me, and I could see the resolve in his eyes. "We'll figure this out together, okay? No more secrets." I nodded, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders.

"Can I ask you something?" he asked suddenly. I nodded giving him a small encouraging smile. He suddenly looked down and interlocked his hands together, he seems nervous?

"Is it true Alina bullied you? Were you upset with the fact that we're in the same group?" His question took me by surprise, and I could see the genuine concern in his eyes. I took a deep breath, trying to find the right words.

"Yes, it's true," I admitted softly. "Alina did bully me, and it was hard. But it wasn't your fault, Damian. I never blamed you for it. I'm over it now, I just thought about our camping trip together, how fun it was, and I started thinking... I don't want you and Alina to have that experience together because... it meant a lot to me..." I couldn't help but blush as I looked down at my feet. Damian's eyes widened slightly, and I could see a mixture of surprise and something else in his expression. He reached out and gently lifted my chin, making me look up at him.

"Anya," he said softly, his voice filled with warmth, "that camping trip meant a lot to me too. More than you know."

I felt my heart skip a beat, and my cheeks grew even warmer. "Really?"

"Really," he confirmed, a small smile playing on his lips. "I've been meaning to tell you-" Before Damian could finish, a huge rumble went off, suddenly rain poured down from the sky, drenching us instantly. We both jumped up, startled by the sudden downpour. I grabbed Damian's hand, I pulled him towards my house, it was only 5 minutes away from the park. As we ran I could feel my clothes begin to stick to my body and that was with me wearing Damian's jacket! I couldn't even imagine how his clothes might be.

We made it to my apartment, I quickly got my keys and opened the door. As we stepped inside, the warmth of the apartment enveloped us, a stark contrast to the chilly rain outside.