Hugo stood awkwardly in the middle of his room, his hands shoved deep into his pockets.
His heart thumped so hard it felt like it was trying to escape his chest. His expression? Cold and unreadable. But inside? Inside, he was absolutely losing it.
’What is she going to say to ?’ he thought, glancing at Lily, who was fidgeting by the door.
Her hands twisted nervously, and her gaze darted to the floor like it was the most fascinating thing she’d ever seen.
She had gone on two dates with him since they knew each other. They’ve had a bike ride, a dinner date, evening walks—everything.
But during Truth or Dare? Every ti sothing about him ca up, she just kept drinking! It stung, honestly. He thought she wasn’t interested.
’So why did she stop from leaving earlier? What does she even want to say now? Is she finally going to tell she has a boyfriend or—oh no.’
A new wave of fear hit him. His brain spun out of control.
’What if she’s about to friendzone ? What if she says I’m like a "brother" to her? Oh god, no. That’s the worst.’
"Lily," he said, trying to sound calm, though his voice cracked a little. "If you’ve got sothing to say, just say it."
Lily flinched, and Hugo instantly regretted his tone. ’Good job, idiot. Now you’ve scared her.’
She took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling dramatically, before eting his eyes. "Hugo," she began, her voice shaky but determined. "I’ve realized sothing."
Hugo’s stomach dropped. ’Oh oh. Here it cos. The brother speech. The "you’re so sweet, but" speech. I should’ve just left when I had the chance.’
But then she said sothing completely unexpected.
"I... I love you."
Hugo froze. His brain felt like soone had yanked the plug. The words hung in the air, and for a solid ten seconds, he just stared at her, unblinking.
"Wait. Wait, wait, wait. What?" he finally croaked.
"I love you," Lily repeated, a little louder this ti, her cheeks flushing.
Hugo tilted his head, squinting at her. "I think I misheard you. My ears have been acting weird lately. Say it again. And slower. Maybe add subtitles, too."
Lily glared at him. "I SAID I LOVE YOU!"
Hugo flinched, staggering back as if her words had physically shoved him. "Whoa, okay, no need to shout! I heard you this ti. Geez."
His legs gave way, and he collapsed onto his bed. His mind spiraled into chaos.
’She loves ? Lily loves ?! Is this a prank? Did she hit her head? Did I fall into another dinsion? Maybe the System hacked reality?!’
He stared at her, still not entirely convinced. "You’re serious, right? Like, this isn’t so elaborate joke to embarrass ?"
Lily folded her arms, offended. "Do I look like I’m joking, Hugo?"
His thoughts spiraled out of control. ’This makes no sense. She’s beautiful. And smart. And she could have any guy she wants. How did THIS happen? What did I even do to deserve this? Smile weirdly at her? Accidentally charm her with my awkwardness? We’re talking about Love here!’
But one thing still didn’t sit right. "Okay, but if you love ," he said, leaning forward, "then why didn’t you do anything with during Truth or Dare? You just kept drinking like I was poison!"
Lily looked embarrassed, biting her lip. "Because... I was nervous."
Hugo blinked. "Nervous?"
"Yes!" she said, throwing her hands up. "I’ve never liked anyone this much before. I was scared of ssing up or making things weird between us. I was scared I wouldn’t be good enough for you..."
The relief that washed over him felt like a bucket of cold water on a sweltering day. ’Oh thank god, she doesn’t have a secret boyfriend. For a second there, I thought I was about to beco the side character in my own love story.’
But his relief was short-lived. Lisa was still staring at him, her expression expectant. Hugo’s eyes widened. ’Oh no. She’s waiting for to say sothing back. What do I say? What do I DO?!’
He searched his feelings. Did he love her? He closed his eyes, diving deep into his emotions.
’She’s amazing. Gorgeous. Kind. I really like her. But love? Nope. Absolutely not. Wait—did I just think that?! Damn, that was cold. What’s wrong with ? I LIKE her, but love? Not there yet. Wow, I’m kind of heartless.’
He groaned internally, racking his brain for an escape route. Then Sanchez’s voice echoed in his mind: "Unless you’re a professional at this, don’t lie about love. Won can sll insincerity."
Hugo was NOT a professional!
He took a deep breath and activated his Aura of Persuasion for extra backup. "Lily," he said, his voice soft but firm. "This is a lot to take in. I didn’t see it coming, and I’m still trying to process it."
Her face fell slightly, but he pressed on. "But I can tell you this—I like you. A lot. You’re incredible. Smart, funny, beautiful. You’ve made my life... better, just by being in it."
Experience more on empire
’Ugh, that sounded so cheesy.’ Hugo cringed inwardly, but he forced himself to keep going. "I might not be at the ’love’ stage yet, but I care about you more than I can put into words."
Lily’s eyes widened, and before Hugo could react, she threw her arms around him, pulling him into a tight hug.
"Hugo!" she whispered, her voice full of emotion. Then, before he could blink, she kissed him—hard.
Hugo froze, his brain screaming. ’Holy crap. She’s kissing . THIS IS NOT A DRILL. She’s ACTUALLY kissing !’
Instinctively, his Emotion Highlight skill activated, glowing text appeared above her head:
OBSESSED(100%)
Hugo’s eyes widened. ’Obsessed?! One hundred percent?! Oh no. This is bad. This is VERY bad.’
But as Lily deepened the kiss, all he could think was, ’Screw it. If this is my life now, I might as well enjoy the ride.’
_____
Wow... Sobody actually loves Hugo?!
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Power stone Goal!
50 PS - 1 Bonus chapter
100 PS - 2 Bonus chapter
200 PS (Quite an achievent as of now) - 3 Bonus chapters.
Castle - 20 Bonus Chapters!
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