chapter 11 - conflict

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"It's a bit chilly today, I feel like drinking hot coffee," Amy said.

"Me too," Mia agreed.

A notification popped up on Mia's phone. She quickly took it out and started typing, a smile spreading across her face.

Amy was surprised. "Whoa, who are you texting? You look so happy."

Mia waved her hand dismissively. "No...it's nobody. Just a friend."

Amy smirked. "Oh really? Just a friend? But the smile on your face shows that you might be talking to your boyfriend..."

Mia's cheeks slightly heated up. "Amy, I don't have a boyfriend."

"Come on, you can tell me. Who is it?"

Mia thought for a moment, then replied, "Okay fine...it's Mark. I seem to have a crush on him...we're just talking though."

"Oh really! That's amazing, Mia! Good luck," Amy said excitedly.

"Hah, I don't know if he'll like me back. I'm not that special."

"It's okay! Don't be negative yet when you haven't even confessed! And you are amazing, Mia, you're kind and pretty," Amy said cheerfully.

Amy is only saying that to make me feel better... Mia thought. However, she smiled and said, "Right. Thanks, Amy."

---

Amy reached Zahn's home. She entered the password and stepped inside, carefully balancing a carry holder with two steaming cups of coffee. She had just returned from her classes and thought the coffee would be a nice gesture for Zahn.

Just as Amy was about to reach the coffee table, her foot caught on the edge of the rug. She stumbled forward, desperately trying to regain her balance. In a split second, the cups slipped from the holder.

The cups tumbled through the air, hot coffee splashing in all directions. One cup hit the coffee table with a crash, the other landed squarely on Zahn's laptop, sending a cascade of hot liquid over the keyboard and screen.

The loud noise echoed through the house. Zahn rushed out of the kitchen, alarmed. His eyes widened in horror as he saw the coffee-soaked laptop and the assignment he had been working on, now ruined.

"What is this, Amy!" Zahn shouted, anger flaring up. "You ruined all my work!"

"I'm so sorry, Zahn, it just happened-"

"Do you even know how long I was working on it?! You just ruined it like that, all my hard work!"

Amy felt a surge of anger and disbelief at his words. "I'm honestly sorry, but Zahn, it wasn't on purpose! Why are you talking like I did it on purpose? It was an accident!"

Zahn's eyes were blazing with frustration. "Okay, fine! I get that you didn't do it on purpose, but can you stop being careless? How can you drop coffee on my laptop? That's not the first time you've caused trouble for me!"

Hurt was visible in her eyes. "I never meant to ruin your hard work, but I guess my presence has made you too annoyed that you're lashing out at me like this."

Saying that, Amy stormed out of the house, fuming with anger.

Zahn called out her name, but Amy didn't listen. He stood still, feeling overwhelmed with guilt.

Meanwhile, Amy ran home, jumped onto her bed, and buried her face in the pillow, her brow furrowed in frustration.

How could he get so angry at me? He probably thinks I did it on purpose... I was so wrong to think that he had softened towards me!

Amy decided to ignore Zahn, at least for now. She didn't want to talk to him at all. She didn't message him or go to his house.

Zahn was growing more frustrated by the minute. He realized he had gone too far, scolding Amy harshly and hurting her feelings. She wasn't even responding to his texts, which only deepened his sense of loneliness-a loneliness he had never felt before.

Determined to make things right, Zahn decided he must talk to her. He spotted Amy on campus, laughing with her friends and appearing normal. It was a stark contrast to the turmoil he felt inside. He wanted to approach her, but uncertainty held him back.

When Amy was finally alone, he seized the opportunity and ran to her. "Amy... why didn't you reply to my texts?" he asked, grasping her arm.

Amy pulled her arm away, her voice cold. "Don't talk to me outside."

"Amy, please," Zahn pleaded. "I'm really sorry for shouting at you. I was just frustrated, and in the heat of the moment, I ended up lashing out. I didn't mean any of it."

Amy's voice was firm. "While I apologize for my careless mistake and accidentally ruining your work, I didn't like that you doubted my actions."

Zahn nodded, feeling the weight of his guilt. "You're right, Amy. I was wrong to doubt you..."

As Amy listened, she noticed Zahn's face was unusually flushed.. She stepped closer, her anger momentarily giving way to concern. "Zahn, are you feeling okay? You look... unwell."

Zahn swayed slightly, his hand going to his forehead. "My head is hurting badly, and I feel feverish..."

Amy's anger melted away, replaced by worry. She quickly reached out, feeling his forehead. "Zahn, you're burning up! What are you even doing outside? You should be resting at home!"

Zahn shrugged weakly. "I thought it would get better."

Amy's expression was a mix of worry and frustration. "Are you serious? Anyway, let me take you home..."

Without hesitation, Amy guided Zahn back to her place, supporting him as they walked. As they reached her home, Amy helped Zahn settle on the couch, her earlier anger completely forgotten.

She fetched a cold compress and some medicine, her movements quick and efficient. Seeing his face twisted with pain and discomfort, Amy frowned, her heart aching for him.

Zahn felt a sense of relief and comfort as Amy pressed the compress on his head. As he drifted off to sleep, Amy sat beside him, watching over him with a mix of worry and affection. He must have been working on the assignment all night...

When he woke up, he felt his head was lighter. He saw Amy coming into the room with a bowl of porridge. "Zahn, eat something."

"Hey, how are you feeling?" she asked softly, sitting down beside him.

"A bit better," Zahn replied, touched by her nurturing side, different from her usual playful and mischievous demeanor.

Amy smiled, handing him the bowl. "You need to eat something. This will help you feel better."

Zahn took the bowl, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over him. He ate a few spoonfuls, savoring the warmth and comfort it brought. "Did you make this?"

She laughed slightly. "I ordered it."

He smiled. "I knew that."

As Zahn finished the porridge, he set the bowl aside and looked at Amy. The care and concern she had shown him touched his heart deeply. Despite their earlier argument, Amy still cared for him.

Zahn suddenly pulled her closer and captured her lips in a kiss. It took Amy by surprise, her eyes widening before she melted into the kiss. Zahn's hands cupped her face, pulling her closer as the kiss deepened, their heart racing in the moment.

When they finally pulled apart, Zahn looked into her eyes, his voice filled with sincerity. "Amy, I'm so sorry for everything. I was wrong to doubt you."

Amy felt her heart soften at his sincerity. Her voice was gentle. "That's okay, Zahn. And I'm also sorry. You must have had to redo all your work. I should have been more careful."

He shook his head, a smile forming on his lips. "It's okay too, Amy."

She chuckled, caressing his face. "You sound so sweet now."

Zahn leaned into her touch, his eyes playful. "Is that so?"

Amy smiled, feeling a warm flutter in her chest. She cherishes moments like that.

____

Things got better between them. Amy continued making Zahn's house her living space. It didn't take long before she returned to her usual habits.

Zahn spotted her casually eating a burger, pizza, and a cold drink. "You ordered food?"

"Mhm, join me," she said, patting the space next to her on the couch, her eyes fixated on the TV show.

"I told you to cut down on that food. It's not good for your health," he nagged, as always.

She laughed. "It's not a big deal. I'll stop eating them when I'm older."

He sighed at her excuse. "Don't you like the food I cook for you?"

She chuckled. "How can it be? I love everything you make! But I love fast food too."

"Fine.."

During dinner time, Amy went to the dining table and saw the food laid out. Her eyes widened. "Zahn, why am I seeing only boiled vegetables here? I mean, there's nothing else?!"

He smirked. "You will only get this, Amy."

"...."

But the next time Amy got the same meal, she finally gave up. "Fine, fine! I will only eat fast food once a week, okay? Now, please give me something else."

He raised his eyebrow, doubting her. "Oh? I hope you're true to your words."

However, Amy still hadn't changed her ways. The next day, she came home drunk and late as always.

"Amy, do you know how late it is? Why do you always drink?" Zahn's voice was a mix of concern and frustration.

Amy, half-drunk, reeking from the alcohol, wrapped her arms around his neck without a care. She kissed his cheek softly, her words slurring slightly. "I will change. Seriously..."

Zahn sighed deeply, feeling a mix of worry and helplessness.

Amy let go of him and stumbled, letting out a small cry, clutching her leg.

"Amy, are you okay?" Zahn's worry spiked, his hands reaching out to steady her.

Amy giggled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Zahn, my leg just fell asleep." She gave him a playful smile, trying to shake off the numbness.

Zahn couldn't help but let out a small, exasperated laugh. "How dramatic, Amy."

The next day, Zahn decided it was time for Amy to get moving. He knew she had been lazy lately, and he wanted to help her build some healthy habits. "Come on, Amy. It's time to exercise," he said, pulling her from the bed.

Amy groaned, rubbing her eyes. "Do we have to? I'm so tired."

Zahn nodded firmly. "Yes, we do. It's good for you. Let's start with some simple stretches."

Reluctantly, Amy followed Zahn's lead, trying to mimic his movements. But as she stretched, she felt her muscles protesting. "Ouch, this hurts," she complained, wincing.

"Don't be lazy, Amy!" he scolded.

Amy tried to push through, but every movement felt like a struggle. Her muscles ached, and she could barely keep up with Zahn's pace. "I can't do this," she muttered, feeling frustrated.

Zahn stopped and turned to her, his expression a mix of concern and exasperation. "You need to take your health seriously, Amy. How are you not able to do simpler stretches?"

"Ahh, can I take a break? Please?" Without waiting for his reply, Amy went straight to the couch and laid on it as if she had done so much work.

Zahn sighed, shaking his head. Feeling a surge of protectiveness over her. How lazy can this girl be...? What will she even do? I need to take care of her...

He wants her to be healthy and happy, to see her flourish and thrive.

Despite his frustration, he couldn't help but be fond of her. He found himself content with how things were going. He realized his feelings for Amy were more than just attraction-they were feelings of genuine love.

Amy's presence brought a unique brightness into his life, making each day feel more fulfilling. Their daily routines, from playful banter to shared meals, created a comforting sense of togetherness. Even her quirks, like her mischiefs, her love for fast food and playful stubbornness, became endearing to him.

He cherished her laughter, her resilience, and the simple moments they shared. Zahn knew that having Amy in his life made everything feel more vibrant and meaningful.