All Chapters of Always into You: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Ethan's avoidance mastery lasted exactly one more week. The new routes became second nature: early morning rec center runs when the place was half empty, east door slips into lectures, third floor library carrels booked under fake study group names. He even switched his Bean There shifts to mornings only, claiming schedule conflicts to Carla. Sightings of Caleb dropped to zero, and the constant flinch in his chest eased into a dull ache.But the bonfire nod lingered. That slight acknowledgment across flames felt like a thread pulled, unraveling his careful plan.In class, focus sharpened. Professor Harlan's advanced psych elective dove into attachment theory, lectures hitting too close. Ethan took furious notes, journaling after: "Avoidant attachment? Me now. Because of him."Therapy helped reframe. "Space is self care," Dr. Ramirez reminded. "But notice if it turns to isolation."Friends noticed the changes. Alex cornered him one night over dorm pizza. "You've gone full ninja. New gy

Caleb shut the dorm door quietly behind him, the soft click echoing in the empty room. Dev was out at a late engineering lab, leaving him alone with the low hum of the mini fridge and muffled hallway voices filtering through the thin walls. He dropped his backpack by the desk with a heavy thud, the weight of another library meeting settling like a stone on his shoulders.Ethan's sharp reminder, "Project only," still rang fresh in his ears. The way Ethan had fled after that second accidental finger brush, cheeks flushed with a mix of anger and something else, something mutual. Caleb had seen it clearly: the spark, electric and undeniable. But pushing would shatter any fragile bridge. He couldn't risk it.He pulled the worn journal from its hiding spot under his mattress, flipping past pages filled with months of raw entries to a fresh one. Journaling had started as therapy homework from his counselor back home, but it continued here as nightly ritual, a way to process without imploding

Ethan finished closing Bean There in a complete daze, Caleb's coffee shop confession replaying like thunder that refused to fade. "Into you then. Denied it." The words struck deeper than expected, validating old pain while igniting dangerous new sparks. He locked the door, pocketed keys, and walked the dimly lit campus path, autumn leaves crunching beneath his shoes.Night air was crisp, yet his skin burned hot. He texted the group chat without thinking.Ethan: He came to the shop. Dropped bombs: into me back then, bi now, therapy because family fallout. Left when I asked. No pressure.Replies exploded immediately.Alex: ICE CREAM EMERGENCY. My room NOW.Mia: Wine en route. This is massive.Jordan: Coming with tea. Breathe deep.By the time Ethan reached the dorm, friends had assembled like a crisis team: Alex wielding two pints of chocolate fudge brownie, Mia clutching cheap red wine, Jordan brewing calming chamomile. They piled onto beds and floor, forming a tight supportive circle.

Ethan arrived at the alliance fall mixer with nerves already frayed. The student union ballroom pulsed with music, string lights twinkling overhead, rainbow flags draped across walls. Friends swarmed him immediately: Alex in dramatic eyeliner, Mia with a glittery top, Jordan carrying glow sticks. They formed a protective circle, scanning for Caleb."He's by the drinks," Alex murmured. "Looking like a lost puppy. Hasn't moved toward us."Ethan glanced across the crowded floor. Caleb stood alone, cup in hand, posture relaxed but eyes alert. When their gazes met, Caleb offered a small nod respectful, distant then turned back to watching the dance floor.Ethan exhaled. Safe. For now.The night unfolded in layers. Friends pulled him into dancing, laughter bubbling as Mia twirled dramatically. Music shifted from upbeat to slower rhythms. Couples paired off. Ethan stayed in the group, sipping punch, trying to lose himself in the moment.But every few songs, his eyes found Caleb. Not staring,

Ethan woke Sunday morning with the reflection paper deadline looming like a storm cloud. The individual progress report required honest assessment of group dynamics—strengths, challenges, collaboration. Private submission to Professor Harlan. No group discussion. No hiding.He stared at the blank document on his laptop for thirty minutes. Fingers hovered over keys. Words refused to form.Friends texted encouragement.Alex: Write the truth. Whatever it is. We'll read drafts if you want.Mia: Be kind to yourself first. Then honest.Jordan: It's academic. Focus on observable behavior.Ethan exhaled. Started typing.Group collaboration has been productive overall. Sarah brings strong communication skills. Malik excels in data organization. Caleb contributes thoughtfully, often deferring leadership and providing solid research support. He respects boundaries in meetings, maintains professionalism, and shows reliability in deadlines.He paused. Heart raced again.Challenges: Personal histor