Thirty four

Andrey.

I never meant to come down hard on Hazel. But she never seems to grasp it, even if I try to be subtle. My intentions are to shield both her and myself. Yes, her rejection last night stung, hurt more than I care to admit. Yet, in some corner of my heart, I held onto a flicker of hope that she'd finally embrace our relationship.

I know she cares for me, but something holds her back, something I can't quite grasp. I'm doing my utmost to earn her complete trust, to erase any doubts she may have.

Yet, it feels like Hazel sees us as nothing more than friends with benefits. If I viewed her as just another girl, our connection would falter within days, and she'd flee from my darker side. But I've shielded her from that part of me, ensuring she never sees the depths of my toxicity. I pray she never has to face that side of me.

Hazel brings out the best in me effortlessly. Just seeing her fills me with a drive to improve and strive harder in life. She's taught me invaluable lessons,