Chapter 78: More Than Meets the Link
The empty classroom fell silent after Link’s words. Coleen stared at the young man’s conflicted face, then let out a sigh.
"Stop doing that."
Link flinched after Coleen removed his hand from the door. He bit his lower lip as he held Coleen’s arm. "I’m sorry, for telling you things I didn’t mean. You know you’re the only one for me, Coco."
Coleen rubbed her face, exhaling slowly. "I know what you’re trying to do, Link," she said, her gaze steady on his. "I’m not falling for it anymore... because I know... I know the truth, about us... about you."
Link blinked rapidly, his eyes wide. "W-What do you mean? I-I’m not doing anything that you’ll hate."
Coleen scanned the classroom, then walked to the far door at the upper end of and locked it. She returned and locked the second door near the bottom of the room.
The young girl took a calming breath, then reached out and held both of Link’s hands. "I like you just the way you are, Link. What you said might have stung, but we’ve been friends since we were children. Even after my romantic feelings for you faded, I’d still love you with my whole heart."
Link stared, his expression uncomprehending. "You don’t like me anymore?"
The question made Coleen chuckle. "Yes, it’s been that way since I realized you’d never like me... and you know I already like someone else, don’t you? So why do you keep acting like that?"
Link stared at their holding hands. "You knew my secret? Since when?"
Coleen laughed. "Since forever. How long do you think we’ve been friends? I knew it before you even realized it yourself."