INVISIBLE STRINGS ~ Scoups [C]

🎀17

There was a long pause as Y/N looked at him, her fingers absently tracing the edge of her coffee cup.

Finally, she spoke, her voice soft but steady. “You hurt me, Scoups. And I don’t know if I can let you back in. I’m scared. I don’t want to feel like I did before.”

Scoups’ chest tightened. He knew. He knew exactly how she felt.

“I’m sorry for all of that” he said, his voice breaking slightly. “And I understand why you’re scared. I never should’ve let you feel that way. But I swear to you, I’ll never hurt you again.”

Y/Ns gaze softened, just for a moment, before it hardened again. She stood up, gathering her things.

“I have to go” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I can’t keep doing this, Scoups. Not yet.”

She turned and walked away, leaving him sitting there, the words hanging heavy in the air between them.

Scoups sat still for a long time after she left. He had been so close—so close to getting through to her. But her walls were thick.. And rightfully so. He had hurt her more than anyone else ever could.

But he wasn’t going to give up. Not now. Not when he could finally see the tiniest crack in her armor.

He stood up and walked out of the cafe, determination burning in his chest. This was just another setback. He would keep fighting.

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Over the next few days, the tension between them grew unbearable.

Y/N was doing her best to keep her distance, but Scoups was always there—always just a few steps away. It was as if fate was playing a cruel joke on both of them. Every time they crossed paths, she couldn’t help but feel that pull. That ache in her chest that begged her to just talk to him.

But she couldn’t.

She couldn’t let herself go back to the way things were. Not until he proved he had truly changed. Not until he showed her that he wouldn’t leave her hanging again.

And so, she kept up the walls. But it was getting harder.

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I

t was another day in the library and Scoups was sitting across from her. He had taken a seat at the table where Y/N was working, trying not to seem too eager but still wanting to be close.

He noticed how she stiffened when he sat down but he didn’t let it stop him.

“I’m not going anywhere” he said softly, his voice low, just for her.

Y/N didn’t look up, but she knew he was there. The weight of his presence, the familiar warmth of his voice, made her heart race. She clenched her fist, trying to keep her composure.

“I didn’t ask you to stay” she muttered, keeping her eyes on her book.

Scoups leaned forward slightly, his tone pleading. “I’m not asking for anything, Y/N. I’m just… here. And I’m not going anywhere. Not unless you tell me to.”

The words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken emotions. Scoups knew this was a risk—he was baring his heart, putting himself out there. But he had to do it.

Y/N slowly looked up, meeting his gaze. For a brief moment, she saw something in his eyes that made her heart ache—a mix of regret, longing, and sincerity. Was it enough? Could she believe in it?

She opened her mouth, about to say something, but before she could, a loud voice interrupted them.

“Y/N! Scoups!” It was Dino, coming over with a wide grin.