Old Dreams No Return (Serena) novel Chapter 20

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20

The news of Liam leaving UCLA hit campus like a shockwave. The ripples spread much faster than anyone could’ve imagined.

In just a day or two, it was the hottest topic on all the campus forums, and naturally, it reached my dance department too.

During break time, a small group of girls huddled together, their hushed tones buzzing with barely contained excitement and curiosity.

“No way, he’s actually gone? The super hot guy who was always chasing Serena?”

The list is public, why would it be fake? I heard he’s off to some prestigious European university.”

“Whoa… that’s so sudden! I thought he was still…”

“Shh! Don’t say another word…”

The chatter stopped dead the moment I stepped into the classroom. A few pairs of eyes carefully flicked my way, a mix of curiosity and a hint of almost imperceptible pity.

My steps hitched, just for a beat, but I kept my expression neutral as I walked to my spot and sat down.

My fingers tightened, just a little, the edge of the book page crinkling under my grip.

My daily routine hadn’t changed a bit.

Except sometimes, when I walked past the sycamore avenue, my eyes would subconsciously drift to a familiar corner. But it was always empty.

Another joint club rehearsal wrapped up, and everyone started packing up, slowly trickling out.

I hung back a little.

The Dance Studio slowly grew quiet, leaving just me and Mark, who was still checking the doors and windows.

“Let’s go, we’re all set.”

Mark locked the last window and turned around.

We walked side-by-side down the campus path. A brief silence hung between us before Mark spoke. His voice was calm, but there was an unusual seriousness I hadn’t heard before.

“Serena.”

“Huh?”

I instinctively answered, turning my head to look at him.

He stopped.

“There’s something I think I should tell you.”

He paused, as if choosing his words carefully. “I have feelings for you that go beyond friendship.”

My heart skipped a beat. My hand, clutching my backpack strap, tightened just a little.

I opened my mouth, but for a moment, I didn’t know what to say.

But before I could even gather my thoughts, Mark continued.

“I’m telling you this not for an immediate answer, and certainly not to pressure you.

I just think that honestly, expressing how I feel is a basic form of respect. For you, and for me.”

He looked at my slightly dazed eyes, his tone growing softer yet firm. “I know you’ve been through some stuff, and it might take you a while to get ready and adjust.

That’s totally fine..

I’m just telling you this because I don’t want to hide anything from you.

No matter what your answer is, or how long it takes you to figure it out, we can still be just friends, exactly like we are now.

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Nothing has to change. You don’t need to feel any pressure.”

He didn’t push. He didn’t probe. He wasn’t pushy or aggressive at all.

He just laid his genuine, restrained feelings right out there. And then, he put the ball entirely in my court, no strings attached.

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All the potential awkwardness, pressure, even resistance I’d anticipated, just dissolved into thin air with his clear and considerate words.

Looking at this guy in front of me – who always showed up at just the right moment, bailed me out time and again, quietly looked out for me, and now was completely handing the decision over to me – a complex mix of feeling touched, surprised, and totally relieved quietly bubbled op inside me.

I was silent for a beat. When I spoke again, my voice was a little rough, but just as sincere. “Mark, thank you… Thank you for being so upfront, and even more, thank you for your respect.

L.. I really do need some more time.”

7 get it,” Mark said.

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