Thank you guys for 4+K ❤️ I'm really sorry for taking a while to write,I've been so stuck with work.
This is kind of rushed as well.

However,you guys deserve some Stepril scenes so I decided to write an exclusive chapter.

     I hope you guys enjoy and as always comment down your opinions and whatsoever :)

April's POV

   "April..what are you doing here?" Sterling said and I let out a small smile,taking a seat.

   "I thought I saw a sad squirrel and wanted to pop by to check up on her." I said,concern.She looks terrible,her eyes puffy red and snot all over,it reminds me of how...I was.

     "How many people did Luke talked to?" She whined,and immediately looked away from me.

     "What's wrong?" I said,looking right at her.I didn't care if she's covered in snot or whether she looks terrible,I still care deeply for Sterling.

"Nothing much,just your regular Friday afternoon."
She let out,wiping her eyes.

  "Sterling..." I muttered and she looks at me,and all I can see is that her eyes were shrouded with sadness and pain.It's not something that you can see in Sterling on a daily basis.

    "This reminds me.Here we are again in a bench while I'm crying over a girl." She spits out,almost angry.

     "Sterl,I know you're in a lot of pain but I don't know what's going on.What did Rachel do?"

      "She kissed Jessica.That's what she did." She said sternly.

       "Jessica from fifth grade?" I questioned and Sterl nodded.

       "Wow...I didn't know that she was...right that's not the point." I was almost excited for a second there but I had to focus on Sterl.

     "You don't deserve this,Sterl but you can't really blame her,can you? Everyone is bound to fall back to their first love again sometimes."

   "So that gives her a reason to make out with Jessica and why are you siding her?"

   "Because I understand how she feels.Torn between two people.If I was put in the same situation,a new girlfriend/boyfriend and you,I would've gone right  back to you."

   "You would..?" She trailed,looking up this time.Her voice now soft and timid.

   "I would,Sterl." I said,taking her hand,giving it a little squeeze.She snakily wraps her arms around my shoulders,pulling me to a hug.

    I was caught off guard since Sterl and I haven't been intimate since the fundraiser and the last few years.I mean we don't have the definition of a stable and healthy friendship.

    I embraced her and wrapped my arms around her waist,taking in the familiar scent.Her smooth hair,her warmth,I miss that.

       We stayed like that for awhile,enjoying the moment and warmth between our bodies.I reluctantly pulled away and both of us kind of blushed.Now Sterling was back to being a nervous wreck.

      I looked at the time and decide to bring it up.

     "I think we should get going.You wouldn't want to be late for the last day of community work."

     "Right." She mumbled and clear her tears,tidying herself in whatever way she could even though her eyes told a different story.

    We walked side by side,our hands itching to intertwine but the tension was enough.

     "Sterl..I think.." I wanted to confess but I stopped myself.

      I don't think it's the right time.Not with people,not with community work.

      "Yeah?" She asked,intrigued but I brushed it off.

      "Nothing." I forced a smile and she nodded,as we continue to make our way there.

       Jack was waiting outside with a smile on his face,looking at the both of us.

       "Sterl,you don't know how much I will miss you."
Jack greeted and Sterling laughs.

      "Aww,you're too sweet,Jack."

     I didn't know their conversations were so nice.

     I always think that Jack doesn't likes me,he speaks to me differently.

          "With today being your last day,you get to say goodbyes and hang out with your fellow friends here.
Card games,Truth or Dare or whatever,you name it."

        "That's great." Sterling said although I don't think she's in the mood for it.

         "However you will be having a meeting with me in the office while your friends work on the assignments given today in the meanwhile." Jack added,and I looked at Sterl.

       "You go ahead,April.I'll see you later." Sterl said in a low soft voice and I went on,looking back at Sterl one more time.

         I just don't want to lose her.
   

Sterling's POV

   April went on,looking back at me one more time and I could feel her eyes just wandering over me.Like she was protective.

     It was kind of sweet of her,to comfort me in the little ways she could ; by talking to me.

     The tension between us was rising again,but am I overreacting? We're both pretty depressed.
 
     She's broken up with Luke and I need space from Rachel.Our minds,well my mind is everywhere else.

     My heart and my thoughts,they're not connected.
My heart wants my Rachel  but do I really want to be in it again?

       What if she do me the same? Will I ever break up
from something that could potentially be toxic?

        "Sterling,you alright?" Jack gently reach out for my arm and I nodded,forcing a smile.

         "Yeah..never better.Should we start our debrief?" I changed the subject and he agrees.

          "Definitely,follow me." He leads me to the far corner where the office area was.

          Mostly he asked questions about everything that's related to community work and how I've progressed.I did a reflection worksheet as well,and we had small talk before he lets me off.

             "I just wish you all the best,Sterling.Don't get into any more trouble,I believe you're not like the rest." He added lastly and I smiled genuinely,taking in the rest of the advice and reflections I've done today.

       
         "Hey,wanna go for a round of card game?" Eric asks and I couldn't help but let him pull to the side of the table.

          Everyone was there even April.She stares at me and I couldn't help but smile a little.The whole entire game was filled with sexual tension between April and I as we exchange glances across the table.

   By the end of the day,everyone started strolling out and sending their goodbyes to me.To the end,April was the last and both of us walked out together.

       We slowly come to a stop,turning to each other,in sync.

      "I guess we should head off as well." April lets out,and I didn't want the day to end just yet.Not like this.

     "Do you want to go to the beach?" I suggested,and April hesitated for a moment before agreeing with the idea.

~~

     We strolled down the beach,as the sound of waves crashes against another and the seagulls soaring above.The soft,dampy sand just beneath our feet.

       "I came here with Luke the other time."  I pointed out and April just stares at the ocean,mesmerised.

      There was a bench nearby so we sat there,taking in the scenery and everything we're feeling.I was feeling pretty shitty but this moment with April,I wouldn't want it any other way.

Few minutes in and I just ranted to April.

     "I just feel like Rachel and I...we're something special and I don't want to lose that.I'm proud to call her mine that I even told Luke about it."

     "Wow...you're really into it,huh?" April mumbled.

     "But...I don't know.I don't want to lose her but at the same time,her actions hurt me and I could never forget that."

    April looks up,and she wanted to say something.I could feel it,it's like at the tips of her tongue but she's afraid to say it.

     Afraid that this might be life-changing.Her posture and her eyes worries me,about this statement that she's about to make.

    "I..." She couldn't help it and leans in,where our lips touches again after so long.

So was that the answer Sterling was waiting for and does this mean that Sterling and April are getting back together? Find out in the next chapter :)