Chapter 7 – The Abandoned Task
The next morning, the town council assigned the final holiday preparation task for Clara and Ethan. This time, it was different — they were to clean and organize an **abandoned antique shop** on the edge of town, preparing it for the holiday exhibition.
Clara sighed, glancing at Ethan as she adjusted her scarf. "Of course, of course… we get the worst place."
Ethan crossed his arms, his expression a mix of annoyance and resolve. "Let's get it done quickly so we can leave."
The shop was dimly lit, dusty, and smelled of old wood and forgotten memories. Cobwebs hung like fragile curtains from the ceiling, and shelves creaked ominously under the weight of forgotten relics.
"Is this really the place?" Clara asked, stepping cautiously.
"Yes," Ethan replied, scanning the room. "This is the address. Let's take a look and start."
They began tidying, dusting shelves, and moving old boxes. Suddenly, the **door slammed shut**, making them both jump.
"Stay calm," Ethan said firmly, his hand on Clara's shoulder. "It's just the wind."
Clara's heart raced as she nodded, but a sense of unease lingered.
While cleaning, Clara noticed a small **miniature statue on a rusty shelf** — two **foxes curled together**, tails entwined, eyes carved with gentle affection.
"Oh… look at this. Isn't it cute?" Ethan said, kneeling to examine it. "Look at how it's leaning on her, trusting her completely…"
Clara murmured distractedly while mopping, "Yeah… it is…" but then, without thinking, she muttered aloud, "Just like how you were on that girl having a good time that night…"
Ethan's head snapped up. "Excuse me?" he said sharply, his hands tightening on the statue before it slipped and clattered back onto the shelf.
Clara froze. "I… I didn't mean—"
Ethan stepped closer, eyes narrowing. "If you've got something to say, just say it. Are you upset with me?"
Clara's face hardened, her voice firm. "I… I don't just like being in the same space with a guy who forces himself on girls and can't control himself."
Ethan's eyes widened in shock, then darkened with hurt and anger. "I've told you before — I didn't do anything! I did nothing! Never have, never will!"
Clara raised an eyebrow, a small, bitter smirk forming. "Oh, you didn't? Then… please, if you didn't, how can you explain what I and everyone saw that night? Or was I… not seeing right?" She stared straight into his eyes, challenging him.
Ethan's jaw tightened, voice softening but carrying weight. "Sometimes… what you see isn't always the truth. I expected more from you, Clara. You've always been my best friend. I thought you'd know me better than anyone."
Clara's throat tightened as guilt and disbelief clashed inside her. "I… I thought I saw—"
Ethan stepped closer, his voice louder now, filled with passion. "I could never do such a thing to anyone! Not even you! Despite everything… I loved you, Clara!"
Clara froze, stunned. "W-What did you just say?"
"I loved you," Ethan repeated, softer now, yet steady. "I've always loved you, but I didn't say anything because I didn't want to ruin our friendship. That night… I had planned to confess everything to you. But then… it all got ruined."
Clara's breath hitched. Emotions she had buried for years surged forward — guilt, longing, and a flicker of hope.
Ethan's hands hovered near her shoulders, then gently held her face, his eyes locking onto hers. "I've always loved you, Clara."
But as quickly as he came close, he stepped back, his expression shifting to anger and frustration. "But tell me… what's there to love with that look on your face?"
Before Clara could respond, the **door creaked open**, startling them both. A traveler had entered, casting a shadow into the dusty room. Ethan's jaw tightened, and without another word, he stepped past Clara and left, leaving her frozen, heart pounding, and tears welling in her eyes.
Clara sank onto a nearby crate, the weight of his words, the confrontation, and her own feelings crashing down. *How could he have loved me all this time… and I never knew?* she whispered to herself, clutching her hands to her chest.
Outside, Ethan walked briskly, every step filled with a mix of frustration and lingering affection. The night had changed something between them — the **hatred, confusion, and heartbreak** now mingled with a powerful, undeniable spark neither could ignore.