'~'~'N€VER_KNOWN'~'~'

~6~ «Threads of Hope and Heartache»

"I just wanted to say... I'm really sorry about the other night. I shouldn't have lashed out at you," he began, his eyes sincere. "I was just... going through some stuff."

Danielle's eyes softened slightly. "It's okay, Kavin. We all have our moments."

Before they could continue, Alden called her, reminding her of their plans. She gave Kavin a small smile before heading off. Kavin watched her go, feeling a mix of relief and lingering regret.
He was happy that the tension between them was now no more.

_ ____ ___

That evening, Kavin met Alden at the same café where they had talked before. The atmosphere was a mix of familiarity and unease, but Kavin felt a sense of gratitude towards Alden for allowing Danielle to go on the trip.

"Thanks for agreeing to let her go, Alden," Kavin said, sincerity in his voice. "It means a lot to her."

Alden nodded, taking a sip of his coffee. "I just want her to be happy. And safe."

"I promise I'll look out for her," Kavin assured him. "I care about her a lot."

Alden studied him for a moment, then nodded. "I know you do, Kavin. That's why I'm trusting you with this."

Their conversation shifted to lighter topics, but the weight of their earlier discussion lingered in the background. Kavin felt a renewed sense of responsibility, determined to make the trip a memorable one for Danielle.

_ ____ ___

That night, the friends gathered to discuss about the trip. They were all buzzing with excitement, making plans and discussing what to pack. The group included almost everyone. Lucas, Jackson, Kavin, Kalex, Mia, Danielle, Stella, and Ethan. The camaraderie was palpable, and for a while, the tensions and misunderstandings seemed to fade into the background.

"This trip is going to be amazing!" Kalex declared. "I can't wait to explore Manali with all of you."

"We need to make a list of places to visit," Mia suggested. "I've heard the Rohtang Pass is a must-see."

As they discussed their plans, Kavin couldn't help but steal glances at Danielle. Her happiness was infectious, and it made him feel hopeful. Stella, sitting next to him, noticed his distraction and gently nudged him.

"Hey, you seem lost in thought," she teased.

Kavin smiled sheepishly. "Just thinking about the trip. It's going to be special."

Later that night, Kavin and Stella found themselves alone, talking about the upcoming adventure. The stars above seemed to mirror the dreams and hopes they shared.

"Stella, I need to tell you something," Kavin said, his voice serious. "I talked to Alden about the trip because... I wanted to propose to Danielle there."

Stella's eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly masked her reaction. "Wow, Kavin. That's... that's a big step."

"I know," Kavin replied, a hint of nervousness in his voice. "But I need to tell her how I feel. I've kept it inside for too long. For that I need your help"

Stella smiled awkwardly at the sentence which had just left his mouth, "M-Me...How can I help you with that??" She asked almost being a fragile.

Kavin left out a deep sigh which he didn't know he was holding on to," I don't have any female friends, so I don't even know how girls like to be treated neither I talk much with other girls. So I want you to guide me for my plans"

Stella forced a smile, which was the most fake one of all time, "sure why not" she said and turned to admire the dark sky while Kavin was happy and excited, "I hope my plan goes smoothly without any misunderstanding"

He gave a long pause and looked at Stella who was deep into her thoughts, "it will right?", these words make out with emotions filled with tension, love and a bit of sadness of the thought of being rejected.

Stella was taken a back from her thoughts, she smiled, though her heart ached with unspoken emotions. "It will for sure, you have my back, don't worry. I'm happy for you, Kavin. I really hope it works out."

_ ____ ___

Back at home, Alden helped Danielle pack for the trip. He fussed over her, making sure she had everything she needed. It reminded Danielle of when they were younger, and his protective nature always made her feel safe.

"Alden, I'm not a kid anymore," she laughed as he double-checked her bag.

"I know, but I still worry," he admitted. "I want you to have a great time, but also be safe."

"I will, I promise," Danielle said, hugging him tightly. "Thank you for letting me go."

He hummed while still checking her bag and instructing her "don't go anywhere alone, be with your friends and if you feel unsafe approch kalex, I'm sure he will be able to make you feel safe and enlight you, okey??"
She just hummed while nodding her like a kid,

"Just remember to call me if you need anything," Alden said, his voice softening. "And enjoy every moment."

As he finished packing, Danielle felt a wave of happiness wash over her. The anticipation of the trip, the chance to escape and create new memories, filled her with hope. Yet, underneath it all, there was a lingering sadness and uncertainty about her relationship with Kavin.

As the night settled, Danielle lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. She thought about Kavin, about the moments they had shared and the misunderstandings that had driven them apart. She hoped that the trip might be a chance to mend what was broken, to find a way back to the connection they once had.

«TO BE CONTINUED»

"In the silence of unspoken words,
hearts long for what they cannot express,
hoping that time and patience will mend the rifts of misunderstanding."