𝙄𝙨𝙖𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙖 𝙋𝙊𝙑 :
The rain pattered softly against the window, a rhythmic lullaby that usually helped me drift off to sleep. Tonight, however, I found myself wide awake, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought. Will had gone to bed early, leaving the apartment unusually quiet. My mind wandered to Mikey, his easy smile and the way his eyes seemed to light up when he laughed. We'd been talking more lately, and I couldn't deny the flutter of excitement that accompanied each of our conversations.

Just as I was about to give up on sleep and reach for a book, a soft knock echoed through the hallway. I sat up, puzzled. It was nearly midnight—who could that be? I slipped out of bed, pulling my robe tightly around me as I padded to the door.

When I opened it, there stood Mikey, drenched from the rain, his hair plastered to his forehead. "Isabella I'm sorry to show up like this," he said, his voice tinged with urgency. "Can I come in?"

"Of course," I replied, stepping aside to let him in. "What happened?"

Mikey ran a hand through his wet hair, looking slightly embarrassed. "I had a bit of a disagreement with my roommate. I just need a place to crash for the night."

"You're always welcome here," I assured him, offering a small smile. "Let me get you a towel."

As I fetched a towel from the bathroom, I couldn't help but wonder how Will would react to Mikey staying over. I knew Will's feelings for me and mikey being together made things complicated. Still, I liked mikey, and I couldn't turn him away.

When I returned, Mikey had taken off his soaked jacket and was standing awkwardly in the middle of the living room. I handed him the towel, and he gratefully dried off before turning to me with a sheepish grin. "Thanks, You're a lifesaver."

"It's nothing," I said, trying to ignore the warmth spreading through my chest. "You can sleep in my room. I'll take the couch."

"No, I couldn't—" he started to protest, but I cut him off.

"I insist. Besides, the couch isn't that comfortable. will isn't the best at picking couches"

After a moment's hesitation, he nodded. "Alright, but only if you're sure."

I led him to my room, feeling a strange mix of nervousness and excitement. As he settled onto the bed, I lingered by the door, unsure of what to say next. The silence stretched between us, filled with unspoken words and possibilities.

Finally, Mikey broke the silence. "Isabella, there's something I've been meaning to tell you."

My heart skipped a beat. "What is it?"

He hesitated, his gaze meeting mine with an intensity that made my breath catch. "I really like you, Iz. I have for a while now."

The confession hung in the air, electrifying the space between us. I took a step closer, my heart pounding. "I like you too, Mikey."

In that moment, everything else faded away. He reached for my hand, gently pulling me towards him. I leaned in, and our lips met in a soft kiss that quickly deepened, fueled by the emotions we'd both kept hidden for too long.

Just then, the door swung open, and Will stood there, his expression a mix of shock and frustration. My heart dropped as I pulled away from Mikey, guilt washing over me.

"Will, I—" I started, he interrupted, his voice sharp.

"Iz, I can't believe this," he said, shaking his head. "I've warned you about him. Mikey's not who you think he is."

I felt a pang of defensiveness rise within me. "Will, you don't even know him like I do."

Will's eyes flashed with a mix of hurt and anger. "I've seen how he lives , Iz. He works for me, remember? I just don't want you to get hurt."

"I'm not a child, Will. I can make my own decisions," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.

Mikey stood up. "Look, Will, I know you don't trust me, but I care about Isabella I wouldn't do anything to hurt her."

Will crossed his arms, his gaze unwavering. "That's not the point, Mikey. It's about being honest and upfront. Iz deserves that."

I stepped forward, placing a hand on Will's arm. "Will, I appreciate you looking out for me, but I need to figure this out on my own."

He sighed, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "I just wish you'd been honest with me, Iz."

"I know," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "I never wanted to hurt you."

Will nodded, his expression softening. "I just need some time to process this."

I watched as he walked away, feeling the weight of the night's events settle over me. Returning to my room, I found Mikey waiting, concern etched on his face.

"Is everything okay?" he asked softly.

I nodded, though I wasn't entirely sure. "It will be," I replied, hoping it was true.