The apartment was quiet. The soft hum of the fan filled the room as Justin sat on the couch, absentmindedly scrolling through his phone.
His heart felt lighter than it had in weeks, not because everything was perfect, but because the weight of confusion had finally begun to lift.
John was in the kitchen when the knock came. Three firm taps on the door.
Justin looked up, knowing immediately.
He opened it to find Austin standing there,his hands in his pockets, his eyes steady.
"Hey," Justin said first, stepping aside. Austin walked in, nodding. "Hey."
No one rushed to speak. The silence was heavy, but not bitter. It was just... real. Two brothers who'd been through too much, finally facing it without pride in the way.
John lingered for a second, then quietly excused himself into his room, giving them space.
Justin finally sat back down, Austin settling opposite him. "I heard Bella saw you too," Justin began, voice even.
Austin nodded. "Yeah. She said her piece. I respected it." A pause.
Justin looked down. "I know we've already said some heavy things to each other... but I need to say it properly."
Austin leaned back, waiting.
"I was wrong to lash out the way I did," Justin admitted. "What I said about Bella using you... that was messed up. I let anger speak, and it wasn't fair. You were nothing but respectful to her, and to me ,even when everything got messy."
Austin's jaw clenched for a moment, but he didn't interrupt.
"I was still in love with her," Justin added. "And I was scared. But that's no excuse for the way I talked to you. You're my brother. That should've come first."
Austin looked at him long and hard. Then, finally, he spoke.
"I was angry too," he said. "Not just at you,but at the whole situation. I wanted to pretend like I wasn't hurt, like I didn't care that she still had feelings for you... but I did. I do."
Justin's eyes softened.
"But I never hated you," Austin added. "I was just disappointed. In all of it. I needed space. But I'm here now."
Justin stood up slowly. "So... are we good?"
Austin stood too. A beat passed, then he reached out. "We're brothers," Austin said.
Justin pulled him into a firm hug, both their eyes a little glassy but neither saying it.
From the hallway, John peeked in and smiled. "About time."
Laughter broke through the tension, and just like that,healing truly began.
****
Two weeks later, the air around Lifetime College had changed. The
intense buzz of exam stress was finally over, replaced by a fresh, lighter energy that seemed to ripple through the campus like a gentle breeze. The sun shone brighter than usual, casting warm golden rays that danced across the sprawling courtyards and leafy paths. Students flooded the ground, laughing, hugging, and celebrating the end of a challenging season. The once tense hallways echoed with chatter and plans for the weekend, the weight of textbooks and notes replaced by freedom and anticipation.
In the midst of this lively scene, Bella and Kathy sat tucked away in their favorite corner of the campus cafeteria. The hum of conversation and clinking of coffee cups surrounded them, but for the first time in what felt like ages, there was no tension in Bella's eyes. only calm. The exhaustion from sleepless nights and emotional storms had lifted. She took a slow sip of her iced coffee, smiling faintly as she watched students around her rejoice in their freedom.
Finally free from the drama and the exam stress that had consumed her life, Bella felt something she hadn't in a long time: peace.
She wasn't with either Austin or Justin anymore. There was no rivalry pulling her in different directions, no heartbreak weighing her down. She was alone, but for once, she was content with it.
Between journaling, she picked up books she had shelved for months, reading with renewed curiosity and joy.
The quiet moments felt like a balm, healing old wounds and planting seeds for a future that belonged to her alone.
Bella was choosing herself, and in that choice, she was beginning to breathe again.
Bella and Kathy sat comfortably in the cozy corner of the cafeteria, the soft murmur of other students around them creating a relaxed backdrop. Between sips of their drinks, their conversation shifted to something lighter, and exciting.
"Did you hear what Mr. Stephen said last night?" Kathy asked, eyes sparkling. "About the vacation? That we get to pick any country we want and he'll make it happen?"
Bella nodded, a smile tugging at her lips. "Yeah, I've been thinking about it nonstop. It feels like the perfect way to finally relax after everything."
Kathy tapped her fingers on the table thoughtfully. "So, where would you want to go?"
Bella shrugged. "I thought about Italy , Rome, Venice, all those beautiful streets and art. But then I remembered it's really crowded this time of year, and I'm not a fan of tourist chaos."
"True," Kathy agreed. "I was thinking Japan. The culture, the cherry blossoms, the food. But then I realized I'm not too keen on all the long flights and jet lag. Plus, I don't speak Japanese, so I might get lost!"
They laughed softly, considering other options.
"What about Greece?" Bella offered. "The islands look amazing, and the beaches are stunning."
"But it's kinda not popular" Kathy said, frowning slightly. "And I read the weather can be unpredictable in some parts during vacation season."
"Yeah," Bella sighed. "Maybe somewhere less touristy but still beautiful." They fell into a comfortable silence, both imagining the possibilities.
"Honestly," Bella said finally, "I just want somewhere peaceful, a place where we can forget all the stress and just breathe."
Kathy smiled warmly. "Same here. Wherever we end up, it'll be good. A fresh start, you know?"
Bella nodded, feeling lighter already just thinking about it.
After a few moments of quiet pondering, Kathy broke the silence. "How about Bali?" she suggested, eyes brightening. "It's peaceful, beautiful beaches, great weather, and not too crowded like some of the other places."
Bella's face lit up. "Yes! I love that idea. The vibe there is so chill, and we could explore nature, relax, and just get away from everything."
Kathy smiled. "Perfect. Bali it is then. Let's tell Mr. Stephen tomorrow!"
Bella nodded eagerly, feeling excited for the first time in a while. "A fresh start, a new adventure."
They clinked their coffee cups together, ready to leave the past behind and look forward to what was next.
"I loved them both, more than words could say. But sometimes, love isn't about choosing one person over another. It's about choosing yourself. Choosing peace instead of chaos, healing instead of heartbreak. In letting go of what was, I found the strength to embrace who I truly am. And in that quiet space, I finally began to live, for me."