Chapter 33: "The Web of Feelings"

The room had grown quiet, with my friends chatting and laughing in hushed tones as they settled in for a night of board games and snacks. Mina, however, seemed fixated on Oslo, her eyes sparkling with curiosity as she regarded him. "So, Osby," she said, her voice low and conspiratorial, "do you have a crush on Vesper?" I felt my face heat up, and I chimed in, "Minaaaa," my voice laced with a mix of amusement and warning. Oslo's presence seemed to pause, his darkness coalescing into a more defined shape as he considered Mina's question. I held my breath, waiting for his response, my heart pounding in my chest. The room seemed to hold its breath, my friends turning to watch the exchange with interest. Lena, the petite girl with pink hair, raised an eyebrow, her eyes darting between Oslo and me. Oslo's form seemed to shift, his darkness flowing like a liquid as he moved. "I am...connected to Vesper," he said finally, his voice low and smooth. "In ways that go beyond the physical." Mina's eyes lit up, her face alight with excitement. "Ooh, tell us more!" she exclaimed, her voice barely above a whisper. I shot her a look, trying to convey a sense of "drop it, Mina," but she just grinned at me, her eyes sparkling with mischief. Oslo's presence seemed to chuckle, a low, rumbling sound that seemed to vibrate through my entire body. "I'm afraid that's not something I can discuss," he said, his voice firm but polite. The room fell silent, my friends exchanging curious glances. I felt my face grow hotter, my heart pounding in my chest. What did Oslo mean by "connected"? And what exactly did he feel for me? Mina, however, seemed undeterred, her eyes still fixed on Oslo. "I think we're getting somewhere," she said, a sly smile spreading across her face. "Vesper, I think we need to have a talk." I groaned, feeling a sense of trepidation. This was not going to be a conversation I wanted to have. Not now. Not ever. But as I looked at Oslo, I saw something in his eyes, something that made my heart skip a beat. Something that made me wonder if maybe, just maybe, Mina was onto something.