Phoenix
Part 61: Unspoken Desire
At the edge of the camp, the first rays of the sun paint the treetops in gold.
Phoenix adjusts her bag, her fingers nervously fiddling with the zipper, her gaze darting back and forth.
Albatross steps up to her, his voice quiet but firm.
ALBATROSS:
“Phoenix… do you have a moment? I’d like to talk to you.”
Phoenix winces slightly, her face showing both embarrassment and playfulness.
PHOENIX:
“Uh… sure… let’s talk. What do you want to say?”
ALBATROSS:
“I just want to clear up what happened last night.”
Phoenix answers with a half-smile, embarrassed, speaking a little too fast.
PHOENIX:
“Yes… it was because of the drink. I really didn’t mean anything…
There must have been alcohol in it, because I… I don’t drink!
And if I do, I talk nonsense… like some kind of clown…”
Albatross steps a little closer, patient, with a faint smile.
ALBATROSS:
“Alcohol… is that really what you’re blaming it on?”
Phoenix blushes, her hands moving nervously, her voice trembling as she tries to sound lighthearted.
PHOENIX:
“No… I’m not trying to hide anything. That’s the truth!”
Albatross moves closer again, calmly, patiently.
ALBATROSS:
“You know I don’t believe that. I can see it on you —
when you’re near me, you blush, you tremble…”
Phoenix almost freezes, her gaze locking onto his — playful, afraid, and honest all at once.
PHOENIX:
“I don’t care what you think… just focus on Mina…”
ALBATROSS:
“We’re not together. And you know that only you matter to me…
and I can see that you feel the same.”
Phoenix takes a deep breath, a small smile appearing, still flustered.
PHOENIX:
“Albatross… I… I can only see you as a friend now.
If you want… let’s be friends.”
ALBATROSS:
“Friends? All right.”
Phoenix exhales, a small half-smile appearing on her face —
embarrassment and relief completely mixed together.
Albatross remains calm, steady in his presence.
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