The Secrets We Keep

Louis walked through the campus hallways, gripping a bouquet of flowers tightly in his hand. A knot of reluctance twisted in his chest. He hated the idea of this gesture feeling forced, but he knew he needed to make amends with Kensleigh. After their argument and his distant behavior, he figured this was the least he could do, even if his heart wasn't entirely in it.

He spotted Kensleigh standing near the lockers, laughing loudly with her friends. Her voice echoed down the hall as Louis took a deep breath, his steps growing heavier with every stride. Clutching the bouquet, he approached her, his nerves amplifying with each step.

Kensleigh turned, her expression shifting from surprise to a mix of curiosity and smugness. "Louis?" she asked cautiously.

He stopped in front of her, running a hand through his hair awkwardly before extending the flowers. "These are for you," he said quietly, avoiding her gaze. "I just... I wanted to say I'm sorry. For everything. The argument, my behavior... all of it."

Kensleigh's eyes widened as she accepted the flowers. For a moment, her sharp demeanor softened. "Louis... thank you," she said, her voice uncharacteristically gentle. "I wasn't expecting this."

Her friends exchanged glances but gave them some space. Louis shifted uncomfortably; his hands shoved into his pockets. "I know I've been distant and... difficult," he admitted, his voice low. "I don't want us to keep fighting."

Kensleigh studied him for a moment before smiling faintly. "This is a good start," she said, clutching the flowers. "I appreciate it."

Despite her kind words, Louis couldn't shake the ache in his chest. He nodded and muttered, "Glad you like them," before turning to leave.

"Hey," Kensleigh called after him. "Maybe we can talk later? I think we need to."

He nodded again, not looking back, walking away with a mixture of relief and discomfort. He had done what he thought was right, but deep down, he knew the flowers were only a bandage over something much deeper.

Later that day, Louis and Kensleigh stepped outside the bustling cafeteria. The hum of student chatter and clinking trays faded as they found a quiet spot near an outdoor bench. Kensleigh held the bouquet Louis had given her, her fingers brushing over the petals as she leaned against the brick wall. Her expression wavered between curiosity and frustration.

Louis shoved his hands into his hoodie pockets, staring at the ground before meeting her gaze. "Alright, Kensleigh," he began, his tone serious but calm. "Let's talk. I know I've been distant and... not my best."

Kensleigh crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. "You think? Louis, I've been trying to figure out what's going on with you for weeks. You've been so cold, and it feels like I'm the last person you want to be around."

He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's not that. It's just... I've got a lot on my mind, stuff I haven't figured out how to deal with."

Her gaze softened slightly, though frustration lingered. "Louis, I'm your girlfriend—or at least I thought I was. If you're dealing with something, talk to me. Instead, you just shut me out."

"I know," Louis said quietly, his eyes dropping. "And I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you feel like you weren't important. I just... I didn't know how to let you in without making things worse."

Kensleigh stepped closer, her voice softening. "Louis, I care about you, but it feels like I'm fighting for something you're not sure you even want. Do you still want to be with me?"

His stomach twisted. He hesitated, his throat tightening. "I... I don't know, Kensleigh," he admitted, barely above a whisper.

Her face fell, and she took a step back, clutching the bouquet tighter. "You don't know? After everything, that's all you can say?"

Louis looked at her, guilt written across his face. "I don't want to hurt you, but I can't pretend everything's fine when it's not."

Silence stretched between them before Kensleigh nodded slowly. "I appreciate your honesty, but... I don't know if I can keep doing this, Louis. I need to know you're in this with me, not halfway out the door."

"I understand," Louis said, his voice sincere. "I don't want to lead you on or make you feel like you're not enough. I just need time to figure myself out."

Kensleigh held his gaze for a long moment before sighing. "Fine. Take your time, but don't expect me to wait forever."

She turned and walked away, leaving Louis standing there, the weight of their conversation pressing down on him harder than before.