The One Who Stayed, The One Who Left
"Not every love story ends in goodbye-but sometimes, it needs distance to realize what's real."
⸻
Julia stared at the untouched wine glass on the table between them.
Miles was distant again.
Present in body, but miles away in thought.
"Miles," Julia said, softly. "Do you ever think about her?"
Miles didn't flinch. That was answer enough.
"You're still in love with Arianna, aren't you?"
There was silence. The air between them was heavy.
Miles looked up. "I've been trying to forget her... using you to do it."
Julia forced a laugh. "Wow. You're brave for admitting that."
"I didn't mean to hurt you," Miles said, voice low, raw. "But every time I see her in my mind, it hurts more. And every time I try to replace her, I just feel... empty."
Julia stared at her for a moment, then stood up.
"I hope you find her again, Miles. And if you don't... I hope you at least stop running."
With that, Julia walked out. No drama. No scene. Just quiet acceptance.
⸻
Meanwhile...
Malia was the first to know.
Arianna had knocked on her door at 2 a.m., eyes swollen from crying, carrying nothing but a small suitcase and a plane ticket.
"Malia..." she whispered. "I can't do this anymore."
Malia pulled her into a hug without a word.
Later that morning, they sat on the couch in silence, sipping tea.
"I need space," Arianna finally said. "I need to breathe. I need to remember who I was before all of this."
"You're thinking of leaving?" Malia asked gently.
"I already booked the flight."
Arianna's voice cracked. "I didn't tell Miles. I don't want her to know where I am."
"Only us?"
Arianna nodded. "Just you, Rain, Jazz, Sierra, Gabrielle, and Charlie. Promise me... don't let her find me yet."
Malia swallowed the lump in her throat.
"I promise."
⸻
Two Weeks Later
Miles showed up at Jazz's apartment. Disheveled. Desperate.
"Where is she?" she demanded. "I know you know."
Jazz didn't blink. "You don't deserve to know."
Miles felt her knees go weak. "I made a mistake."
"Yeah," Jazz said, arms crossed. "Arianna gave you everything. You let a ghost ruin it."
Rain appeared from the hallway, arms crossed too. "She's safe. She's healing. That's all you need to know."
Miles stepped back, tears stinging her eyes.
She was too late.
The one she loved most had vanished without saying goodbye.
And maybe...
That was the loudest message of all.
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-to be continued ..
