This chapter has some very sensitive, mature and triggering themes. Read at own risk and be advised. It is not for all ages. Please reach out to emergency services if you are in crisis.

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That night, I messaged Will, feeling bad for ditching him again.

_TEXT MESSAGES_

Nico: Hey. Can we talk?

Will: Hey, of course. Are you okay?

Nico: I'm sorry I left like that. I got overwhelmed and didn't know what to do.

Will: It's okay. Are you better now?

Nico: Yeah, Mama made some cookies and I thought about it.
Nico: I need to tell you something.

Will: What is it? ♡

Nico: I want to tell you why I've been so skiddish.

Will: You don't have to do that, you just said you've been overwhelmed.

Nico: I know but if I tell you then it makes me feel better that you know why now and I also think it might.... bring us closer together?
Nico: Which terrifies me but I can't escape fate

Will: If you're sure, I'm here to listen

Nico: Thank you.
Nico: The reason why I'm struggling is because two of my hearts already faded.

Will: That's understandable.

Nico: My first love died. He killed himself in front of me.
Nico: Sorry to trauma dump, I just want to ne vulnerable with you, and you can be vulnerable with me too
Nico: He loved me, but he couldn't hold on any longer.
Nico: And then I fell in love with this girl. Well, I think I did, at least. Maybe it was more platonic, I don't know. But I loved her somehow.
Nico: She cheated on me. I felt like I was cheating with her because it was so soon after my boyfriend who had died, and I felt guilty.
Nico: But then she actually cheated. It was long distance, so I had no idea until I came across the other girl's Instagram profile and saw a story of them kissing
Nico: I haven't been the same, or even okay, for a while now. I just wanted you to know
Nico: Because I'm a lot. And you need patience to be around me
Nico: And if you don't want to be with me right now, I understand. Maybe we'll come across each other later on in life

Will: Whoa, hey
Will: That doesn't scare me
Will: I want to be around you still
Will: Thank you so much for sharing all of that with me, really. It means a lot that you've trusted me with that
Will: I understand. I had a heartbreak too, just one, but I've gone through a lot with my family
Will: I really admire you, Nico

Nico: You shouldn't. I'm a mess 😂

Will: Everyone's a mess. You just survive it elegantly

Nico: Elegantly?

Will: Or graceful. Both work, in your case

Nico: 😂 I'm flattered you think that.
Nico: And thank you for listening

Will: I will listen to you any time
Will: ♡

Nico: You too. ♡