"A Change of Heart"

Kenzy's smile faltered as she looked into Alex's eyes, her mind racing with the implications of what they had just discussed. She had been so caught up in the moment, so swept up in the excitement of potentially being honest about their feelings, but now that it was actually on the table, she couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled in her stomach. "Actually, no," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, as if she was afraid to say the words out loud. "Let's just keep it a secret. I don't want drama." Alex's expression changed, his eyes narrowing slightly as he searched her face. "What? Why?" he asked, his voice low and confused. Kenzy shrugged, feeling a wave of uncertainty wash over her. She had been so sure that she wanted to be honest about their feelings, but now that it was time to actually do it, she wasn't so sure. "I just don't want to deal with the gossip and rumors," she said, her voice hesitant. "I don't want people to think we're weird or whatever. I like things the way they are, I guess." Alex's eyes locked onto hers, his gaze burning with intensity. "You don't really mean that, do you?" he asked, his voice low and husky. Kenzy felt a pang of guilt, knowing that she was essentially taking back what she had just said. But she couldn't shake the feeling that being honest about their feelings would only lead to more problems. "Yeah, I do," she said, trying to sound convincing. Alex's expression turned thoughtful, his eyes clouding over with concern. "Okay, if that's what you really want," he said, his voice measured. Kenzy felt a wave of relief wash over her, but it was mixed with a sense of disappointment. She knew that she was essentially pushing Alex away, back into the friend zone, but she couldn't bring herself to care. "Good," she said, trying to sound casual. "I'm glad we agree." The silence that fell between them was palpable, and Kenzy couldn't help but feel like she had just made a mistake. She looked away, trying to break the tension, and that's when she saw it - a text message on Alex's phone, from an unknown number. Her curiosity was piqued, and she felt a pang of jealousy. Who was he talking to? And what did they want?