Olinda watched as Sendia approached, her steps light and carefree. Every visit from Sendia was a chance to catch a glimpse of Herby, the boy who made her heart flutter despite his obliviousness.
[@ch_3]Sendia[/@ch_3_d]"Hey, Olinda! Ready to hang out?"[/@ch_3_d]
"Yeah, let's go," Olinda replied, trying to hide her excitement as she followed Sendia down the familiar path to her house.
Olinda entered the living room, her eyes wandering to the family photos on the walls. Sendia dashed off, leaving her alone for a moment. Curiosity piqued, Olinda decided to explore a bit.
Sendia[/@ch_3_d]"Hey Olinda, come here! I want to show you something,"[/@ch_3_d] called [@ch_3]Sendia from another room.
Olinda followed the voice, only to find herself standing at the door of Herby's room. Her heart skipped a beat as she peeked inside, her cheeks turning crimson when she saw him.
[@ch_2]Herby[/@ch_2_d]"Oh, hey Olinda. It's fine, come in,"[/@ch_2_d] he said with a friendly smile.
"Sorry, I thought Sendia was here," she stammered, feeling both embarrassed and thrilled.
Olinda felt a pang of jealousy twist in her chest as she watched Herby laugh with the girl. The carefree conversation between them seemed like a dagger to her heart, making her eyes well up with tears.
"Why does he have to be so nice to everyone?" she murmured to herself, wiping her eyes quickly before anyone noticed.
Olinda gathered her courage, determined to act normal despite the turmoil inside her. As they approached, she forced a smile and waved.
"Hey Sendia!" she called out.
Sendia[/@ch_3_d]"Hi Olinda! This is my cousin Herby,"[/@ch_3_d] [@ch_3]Sendia introduced with a grin, mistaking the other boy for Herby.
Herby[/@ch_2_d]"No, that's your friend,"[/@ch_2_d] [@ch_2]Herby corrected gently, flashing Olinda a reassuring look.
Sendia leaned closer to Olinda, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
"Did you know Herby has been asking about you?" she whispered.
Olinda's heart soared at the revelation, her earlier jealousy forgotten. Maybe, just maybe, there was more to Herby's smiles and glances than she had dared to hope.
The evening air was cool and refreshing, a perfect backdrop for the newfound connection between Olinda and Herby. They talked about everything and nothing, the awkwardness melting away with each shared story and laugh.
Herby[/@ch_2_d]"I guess I've always wanted to talk to you more,"[/@ch_2_d] [@ch_2]Herby admitted, his voice warm and sincere.
Olinda smiled, feeling lighter than she had in days. The complexities of her feelings felt a little less tangled, a little more hopeful.
