CHIARA POV
"Fix yourselves first, I'm just in the living room," I said as I turned my back to both Alexa and Xander feeling embarrassed because of what I witnessed, intentionally closing the door behind me, seeking a moment alone. Seeking solace, I made my way to the living room, plopping down on the comforting embrace of the sofa.
In that moment, standing in the living room, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the chaos unfolding around me. The tension between Alexa and Xander was palpable, and I knew that I had unwittingly stumbled upon something I was never meant to see. My heart pounded in my chest, a mix of embarrassment and confusion washing over me like a tidal wave.

I needed a moment to gather my thoughts and attempt to process the messy situation that had unfolded right in front of my eyes.
Taking refuge in the reassuring embrace of the living room, I gracefully lowered myself onto the sofa, its plush cushions cradling me with a sense of solace. Amidst the overwhelming uncertainty that engulfed my surroundings, the gentle softness beneath provided a faint glimmer of comfort, reassuring me that even amidst the chaos, tranquility could still be found. Inhaling deeply, I instinctively shut my eyes, yearning for a temporary respite from the maelstrom of emotions that raged within me.
Alas, my mind was unwilling to grant me peace, relentlessly replaying the distressing sight of Alexa and Xander. As though possessed by a relentless haste, my thoughts raced, desperately attempting to unravel the enigma that had unceremoniously revealed itself before me.
As I stood there, a tidal wave of embarrassment crashed over me, threatening to drown out the fleeting solace I had just managed to find. I couldn't help but question the rationality of my decision to be here, especially at this inconvenient moment. It felt as though the universe was cruelly mocking me, adding yet another layer of complexity to an already chaotic situation.
Annoyance bubbled up inside me, and I released a heavy sigh, hastily running my fingers through my hair in a desperate attempt to alleviate the confusion and frustration. It was as if I believed that physically ridding myself of this overwhelming weight would somehow liberate me from its suffocating grip.
I am completely engrossed in my own thoughts when the sound of the door to Xander's room grabbed my attention. It creaked open, breaking the silence that had filled the space. And there they were, stepping out into the open. Relief instantly washed over me as I saw that both Xander and Alexa were fully dressed.

Xander chose to take a seat right beside me, while Alexa settled down on the other side. The three of us were now positioned in such a way that Alexa and Xander ended up facing each other, completely unaware of the underlying tension simmering between them. It was an uncanny mirror image of the unsaid emotions that had been growing between them.
The room was filled with an uncomfortable silence, as if it were a thick blanket suffocating the atmosphere. Unspoken emotions weighed heavily on the minds of those present, intensifying the sense of unease. Alexa, burdened with remorse, bowed her head in a subtle yet noticeable display of contrition. In contrast, Xander deliberately avoided making eye contact, directing his gaze elsewhere in a feeble attempt to escape the impending confrontation. All of us stood frozen, unable to summon the courage to shatter the stillness that hung in the air like an oppressive cloud.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Alexa's voice broke through the silence, strained with tears streaming down her face. "I'm sorry, Ara. I truly am," she articulated, her voice laced with genuine regret. As I turned towards her, my eyes bore witness to her anguish, her body hunched in pain. Wordlessly, I shook my head and gestured with my hands, offering solace and reassuring her that apologies were unnecessary.
"It's okay, Alexa. You don't need to apologize," I murmured softly, trying to convey understanding in my tone. "I'm just feeling really confused right now. Can you please explain to me what's happening?" I asked her, my gaze fixed on her. I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions swirling within me. Alexa seemed genuinely apologetic for something, though I couldn't quite grasp what exactly had transpired.

While engrossed in this conversation with Alexa, I couldn't help but notice Xander lurking in the background, evidently avoiding us. His presence only added to the enigmatic atmosphere, intensifying the mysteriousness of the situation
As Xander uttered the words "We're in a relationship," the sound of his voice caught my attention, causing me to turn my head towards him. Our eyes locked, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of curiosity wash over me. However, as my gaze fell upon his lips, adorned with a smile, I sensed something amiss. His smile somehow failed to reach his eyes, leaving behind an unsettling feeling within me.
Just as I was trying to decipher the hidden meaning behind his smile, Xander unexpectedly burst into laughter. The sound echoed in the air, leaving me even more bewildered and perplexed. Confusion wrinkled my brows, and I found myself searching desperately for answers.
"What? Why do you have that perplexed expression on your face?" Xander inquired, his smile widening further, as if he found my state of confusion amusing. Realizing that he was referencing my baffled countenance, I swiftly closed my previously agape mouth. My attention then shifted to Alexa, whose face mirrored the astonishment that consumed me. The surprise etched on her features confirmed that this revelation had taken her by surprise as well.
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. The shock hit me like a wave, causing me to question the reality of the situation. My eyebrows furrowed as I looked back and forth between Xander and Alexa, trying to make sense of it all.
"Really? I mean, it's not that I don't want you two to be in a relationship, but how did this happen?" I couldn't help but voice my confusion, my words laced with a mix of surprise and curiosity.
"Actually, we just made it official earlier, right?" Xander turned towards Alexa.
Alexa, on the other hand, seemed caught off guard by my question. Her face still held remnants of shock and confusion, but smile after.
"Hmm, y-yes, haha. Yes, we did just become official," Alexa stammered, her voice tinged with nervous laughter. Her eyes darted between Xander and me, and I could sense a slight awkwardness in her mannerisms, like she wasn't entirely comfortable with being the center of attention.
As I took in their responses, a mix of emotions flooded through me. I felt happiness for Xander, knowing that he had found someone. But at the same time, I couldn't shake off my own surprise at how quickly this had all unfolded.
As I glanced at Alexa, my curiosity piqued, my mind couldn't help but wander deeper into the reasons behind her earlier apology. Trying to make sense of it all, I posed the question, a nagging desire to uncover the truth burning within me.
Confusion flickered across her face as she met my gaze. With a chuckle that seemed strangely unnatural, she retorted, her voice laced with a peculiar undertone. "Why am I sorry? Well, it was because you caught us in that moment, that's the reason behind my apology. Ha ha."
Intrigue coursed through my veins as her response left me with a growing sense of intrigue. What was she hiding behind that nervous laughter? Was there a deeper meaning concealed within her words? I couldn't help but wonder if her apology was merely a surface-level explanation or if there lay a more profound motive behind her utterance.
With every passing second, my curiosity intensified, yearning for a comprehensive understanding of the situation.
Xander, a comforting smile adorning his face, reassured me with soothing words. "Chimmi, I know you came here to check on me, I appreciate your concern, but there's no need to worry. I assure you, I'm perfectly fine. As you can see, I'm here with Alexa, and that alone should put your mind at ease."
Perplexed by Alexa's odd laughter and Xander's overly reassuring words, I found myself darting my gaze between them, desperately searching for answers. Their smiles appeared artificial, lacking sincerity, and it left me uneasy, wondering what they were keeping from me.
Just as I was about to express my worries, the heavy silence surrounding us was abruptly shattered by the sudden, shrill ringing of my phone. It jolted me out of my thoughts, and I quickly excused myself to both of them, signaling my need to answer the call. I made my way to the nearby kitchen, where I could have some privacy to attend the incoming call. As I glanced at the screen, I noticed that it was none other than Luis calling me.
"Yes?" I inquired as I picked up the phone.
"Are you not headed home yet?" Luis's familiar voice floated through the phone line. I turned my attention towards Alexa and Xander, noticing that they were engrossed in conversation.
"I am leaving now, but I'll bid farewell to Alexa and Xander first," I assured Luis.
"I'll wait for you. Take care. I love you," Luis expressed affectionately. It melted my heart as he ended his sentence with a sincere declaration of love.
"I love you too. Goodbye," I reciprocated before ending the call.
Turning my attention back to Alexa and Xander, I made my way towards them. "I'll go now," I informed the two as I approached them.
"I'll give you a ride," Xander offered, standing up from his seat. Without hesitation, I shook my head.
"No need, Xander," I replied, gratitude filling my voice. "I brought my car, so there's no need to worry. I'll leave first. Take care!" I declared, bidding them goodbye before swiftly departing from Xander's condo.