Chapter 30: Start Again

Yannie Ace Ruiz

I don't know how long I've been lost in thought because of everything that happened last night. My mind keeps replaying last night's events and Josh's words to me.

"So, leave her alone because this girl is mine."

I know Josh only said those words last night to ward off two foreign guys bothering me at the beach. But until now, I don't understand why my heart still races because of it. Especially when...

"I don't like seeing you with another guy. I don’t know why. I just… I just hate it."

"I don’t know why… I just… I just don't want you to think that I like someone else."

My heart feels like it's about to burst, and my cheeks burn. I don't want to overthink or get my hopes up. But because of what he said last night, I can't help but hope and let my heart fall for him even more.

"Yannie!" I jolt as Veron startles me. "Looks like you're deep in thought there. What's wrong? Any issues?"

"Huh? Uh, n-nothing. Nothing at all," I stammer in response to Veron. She sits b