"What the hell are you thinking?" Isabella immediately retorted without a second thought. "Jojo has someone he likes. Don't make up nonsense.""He likes you," Nick casually spilled the beans, thinking nothing of it. "Are you really unaware about it?"Isabella cast a disdainful look at him, clearly showing her disbelief. "I'm leaving."With those words, she grabbed her car keys and drove away.Jojo could not possibly like her. Back in the summer after their junior year, she had asked if he had anyone he liked, and he had said yes. He described her personality and appearance, and it was nothing like her.Nick could really spin a tale! Nevertheless, Isabella did not let this matter bother her and headed straight to find Cynthia after leaving. She spent two days with Cynthia and Matthew before returning to her and Isaiah's place.Time passed quickly, and before she knew it, it was already Saturday. Isabella was packing her bags in her room in preparation for Jiverton. Isaiah s
Jojo was still somewhat hesitant. He knew that even if she did not completely cut ties, confessing his feelings would definitely change their relationship. They would not be as close as they used to be, and she would not confide in him as she once did.Amidst various thoughts, Jojo pursed his lips and replied, [Maybe I should just forget about it.][Isaiah: ?][Jojo: I already know the outcome, so there's no need to confirm it. The way things are now is good enough.]Isabella had always liked Luther. Even after all these years of his absence, her feelings had not changed. Jojo knew too well the place Luther held in her heart, much like Isabella in Jojo's.Isaiah did not respond further.Isaiah did not understand matters of the heart, and he had no personal experience in this area. He had informed Jojo of the potential outcomes of confessing, but as for Jojo's decision, he would not interfere.However, if it were him, he would be willing to give it a try, even if the result wer
Nick was confused, asking, "Who?""Isabella," Isaiah blurted out."She's just really oblivious, but anyone could tell that Jojo likes her," Nick responded without much thought.Isaiah's eyes darkened, and Nick's confidence began to wane. "W-What's wrong?""She sees Jojo as a brother. Isn't it normal if she didn't notice it?" Isaiah was coming to his sister's defense.Nick gulped. "Well, they're not blood-related."Isaiah glared at Nick and could not be bothered to respond further. He knew exactly what Isabella was thinking. They had been close friends since childhood, and Isabella had always considered Jojo as a brother. Plus, Jojo had told her himself that he had feelings for a girl who also happened to be from his school. With all these facts, it was difficult for Isabella to suspect Jojo's feelings for her."Alright, alright. I was wrong. They have such great chemistry, but they're not together. Isn't it natural for me to be worried?" Nick was quite intimidated by Isaiah'
In the fifth round, Nick did not hold back. Among the people playing these games, he was by far the most skilled. Jojo and Isaiah struggled not because they could not win but because they were just not interested. If they wanted to win, they would be able to outwit their opponents easily. No surprise, Nick won the fifth round.His gaze locked onto Jojo, and he spontaneously challenged him, "Confess your feelings to Isabella with the most passionate words.""Are you looking for trouble?" Isabella responded, a little irritated. After all, she still believed that Jojo had a crush on someone else, and Nick purposely made it difficult for Jojo.Nick did not let up. He was worried that if Jojo did not confess now, he would never have the chance anymore. "Can't handle it, huh? If you don't want to do it, think about how the people who lost in the previous rounds would feel. Besides, when I lost games as a kid, I did whatever was asked of me."Isabella sighed.Wanting to use this game
Those words felt like a spell swirling in Jojo's mind. Even though he knew it was just a game, his heart found a moment of satisfaction.Isabella went straight to Isaiah after. "Isaiah, help me win the next game and dare Nick as I requested just now."Isaiah, accustomed to indulging her in these matters, agreed readily. "Alright."Nick protested, "What? You're cheating!"Isabella countered, "How am I cheating? In the game, when choosing a member for truth or dare, others can provide advice."Nick wanted to argue but realized her point was valid. He had no choice but to whisper to Isaiah, "I'm doing this for Isabella's happiness. You can't help her trick me, right?"Isaiah replied firmly, "She's my sister."Nick tried another approach. "Can't you go easy on me? Or is it that you'd rather see her with Luther than Jojo?" Of course not. Isaiah did not want that.Isaiah did not think Luther, who had disappeared for years without providing any response, could make Isabella happy. I
Isabella had it all figured out. If Nick really dared to have her and Jojo be a couple for an entire evening, she would call Nick's parents later. After all, in his parents' eyes, she was the perfect, obedient girl, and they would trust her more than Nick himself."I won't ask you guys to do any dares," Nick reassured them. He shifted his gaze to Jojo and asked, "Jojo, answer this: when you confessed to Isabella earlier, were those your most genuine feelings?"Jojo frowned.Isabella could not help but chime in, "That's a silly question, of course not.""I didn't ask you. I'm asking Jojo," Nick said, fixing his gaze on Jojo and hoping he would be brave.Isabella did not think there was anything worth asking about. Even though she did question the genuineness of Jojo's confessions as it was so sincere and moving, she had probed the matter earlier, and Nick's inquiry seemed unnecessary."Is that so?" Nick inquired once more.Jojo lied with a straight face, "It's not.""This has to
Isabella was stunned by Jojo's sudden confession, unable to find the words to reply to him. "Jojo..."Isabella had never considered that Jojo would have a crush on her. After all, their bond had always resembled that of close siblings."Would you consider giving us a chance to date?" Jojo continued to advocate for his cause, his eyes filled with earnest hope. "If, after trying, you still don't have feelings for me, I won't interfere with your future decisions.""I'm sorry," Isabella responded bluntly, not wanting to beat around the bushes. Jojo was not expecting her answer, and his heart stung ever so slightly. He forced a smile and spoke casually, "Is it because of Luther?""Mmhmm." Isabella nodded.Jojo asked, genuinely wanting to understand, "I've known you longer than he has and spent more time with you. Why did you choose him over me?" They said the one who came later in a relationship would be at a disadvantage. Yet, Jojo had met Isabella much earlier."Maybe it's a m
If it were anyone else confessing to Isabella, she would usually provide a straightforward but gentle rejection, expressing gratitude for their affection. After that, she would not feel much of a psychological burden. However, Jojo had been exceptionally kind to her since they were young, and rejecting him would weigh on her as well."Calling you a silly girl isn't too far off," Jojo teased and lightly pinched her nose. His tone remained affectionate as he said, "You took the joke seriously."With this statement, Isabella finally understood."Okay, I won't tease you anymore. One last question." Jojo managed to suppress his emotions, maintaining their gentle and sensitive demeanor, typical of an older brother.Isabella also steadied her emotions, saying, "Go ahead.""Can our relationship go back to how it used to be?" Jojo nervously asked.Isabella nodded, sharing her perspective as she said, "Of course, but I hope you can set aside your feelings for me. There are so many talent