#Chapter 72: Unspoken Desires and Pancake Nostalgia

Olivia My heart pounded in my chest as I scanned the multitude of outfits hanging in my wardrobe. Settling on a lavender dress, I reminded myself that it was only Nathan, just Nathan, my lifelong friend. But everything had changed last night. The memory of our unexpected kiss intermingled with the sight of him in an intimate act of self-pleasure sent a flush across my cheeks. We'd stumbled across a boundary we'd never crossed before, leaving me a disoriented mess. I didn’t know why I was doing it, but I felt the need to look attractive around Nathan. It felt silly and pointless, but I couldn’t seem to stop myself. As I meticulously curled my hair, I fought the nerves threatening to consume me. Looking into the mirror, I took a deep breath, my reflection showing a woman trying to piece herself together. Walking down the stairs, I found Nathan waiting by the door. As I approached, his cheeks tinted themselves a shade of pink upon seeing me. “I’m ready,” I mumb