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Chapter 39 - Chapter 39 – “You Can’t Love Two People The Same”

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[Scene: School Courtyard – Morning]

Lila sits on a bench with her sketchbook.

Theo walks up with a bright smile.

Theo:

"Morning, sunshine."

Lila (smiling):

"Hey."

Just as he sits down, Kai arrives — holding her favorite drink.

Kai:

"You left this in my bag last night."

Theo's smile fades.

Lila looks between them nervously.

Theo (cold):

"Oh, you guys were hanging out? Again?"

Kai (defensive):

"What, you've had more solo time this week."

Lila (trying to laugh it off):

"Okay, don't make me assign turns like a group project."

They both don't laugh.

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[Scene: Classroom – Midday]

Lila overhears some girls whispering behind her.

Girl 1:

"She's dating both of them? Isn't that… weird?"

Girl 2:

"I'd never be able to do that. Someone's heart is gonna break."

Lila's stomach knots.

Lila (thinking):

Why does it feel like they're right?

She turns around and catches Theo watching her.

His smile is softer. But something about it feels sad.

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[Scene: Rooftop – Lunch Break]

Lila skips lunch with the boys and sits alone.

She texts both:

"I just need a little space today, okay?"

Theo (text):

"Did I do something wrong?"

Kai (text):

"Is this about what they said in class? Ignore them."

She puts her phone down and stares at the sky.

Lila (thinking):

What if I can't do this? What if loving both of them… means I'll lose them both?

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[Scene: After School – Theo's POV]

Theo walks home with his hands in his pockets.

Theo (thinking):

She's pulling away. I can feel it.

And if she starts choosing him more… what am I even doing?

He clenches his jaw.

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[Scene: Evening – Kai's POV]

Kai looks through his phone gallery — pictures of Lila laughing, smiling, moments only they shared.

But his expression darkens when he sees a selfie of her and Theo.

Kai (thinking):

He can't love her like I do.

His hand tightens around his phone.

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[Scene: Lila's Room – Night]

Lila lies in bed, hugging her pillow.

She opens the group chat.

Theo:

"Hey, still want to do the weekend movie plan?"

Kai:

"Yeah, let's watch that horror one. I'll sit next to you so you don't get scared."

She locks her phone.

Lila (whispers):

"…I think I'm the one who's scared now."

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