"You should keep up with your academics—maybe even more now that you're in college," my mother advised as she drove, her tone carrying both encouragement and expectation.
She had insisted on dropping me off at school herself, a rare gesture considering how busy she usually was.
"By your second year," she continued, "your dad and I will have found a house off-campus for you. Something comfortable enough for your studies. You know how freshers are mandated to stay in dormitories to adjust to the school environment."
I nodded absentmindedly, swiping through my phone without much interest. I wasn't even looking for anything in particular—just pretending to be engaged with something else.
My mother noticed.
Through the rearview mirror, I caught her watching me.
"You know," she said after a pause, "everything is changing so fast. With you in college, your brothers finishing and moving out… even Larry told me the other night that he'd be moving to his own place soon."
My heart stopped for a second.
I raised my eyes immediately, the words striking something deep inside me.
Larry? Moving out?
But I caught myself before I could react too obviously. Keeping my tone casual, I asked, "Did he say why?"
My mother reached for a pack of Pringles, popping one into her mouth as she chewed thoughtfully. "Oh, nothing in particular. Maybe he just wants some space—especially after his recent breakup."
Breakup?
I hesitated.
I wanted to ask more, but I held back. I couldn't make it obvious that I was invested in Larry's personal life.
Luckily, my mother kept talking.
"You know, Larry hasn't been very lucky with love. I knew at least three girls he dated… he was even almost married once, before this recent one."
I stiffened.
"Married?" I asked, my voice betraying my surprise.
I never knew Larry had been that close to settling down. Sure, I knew he should have been married by now, maybe even with kids, but the thought of him almost making it to the altar…
It unsettled me.
I wanted to know more. I wanted to ask what happened, why it didn't work out, if he ever talked about it… if it still haunted him.
But before I could push further, we drove into the campus, and my mother got caught up in the sight of college students bustling around, their laughter and chatter filling the air.
For now, the conversation was over.
But in my heart, a storm was brewing.
And I wasn't sure if I was ready for what it would bring.
That night, as I settled into my dorm room, my mind refused to rest.
My mother had arranged for two girls she trusted to be my roommates—daughters of her friends, people she believed would look out for me. But as I watched them giggling and whispering about the college boys they had already noticed on campus, I felt a strange sense of detachment.
I should have been excited. College was a new beginning, a fresh chapter.
Yet, my thoughts were elsewhere.
I couldn't stop replaying my conversation with my mother in the car. Larry—moving out. Larry—his past relationships. Larry—almost getting married.
The idea of him with someone else left an unfamiliar ache in my chest.
Was I concerned? Or was it something else?
I shook the thought away. There was no point in dwelling on it. It wasn't like I would ask him about it—not directly, at least.
Still, my fingers hovered over my phone.
I texted my family, letting them know I had settled in well. My brothers sent quick replies, teasing me about surviving my first night in the dorms. My mother sent a checklist of things I should remember.
But Larry hadn't texted.
Not even a simple Hope you're settling in well.
I shouldn't have expected him to. But I did.
With a sigh, I put my phone aside and busied myself unpacking the last of my belongings. My roommates were still chatting away, lost in their own world.
Tomorrow was a new day.
A new beginning.
And maybe, just maybe, a chance to figure out why my heart felt so restless.Here's a refined version of your passage with improved clarity, pacing, and emotional depth:
Larry's POV: The Realization and the Forbidden Line
The past few days had been a whirlwind for Larry. His recent breakup, the pressure of standing on his own, and—most troubling of all—the feelings he was beginning to acknowledge toward Uriel.
He had deliberately avoided taking her to school, using flimsy excuses. He even skipped her matriculation day, hoping that distance would dull the emotions stirring inside him. But instead, the need to know how she was doing only grew stronger.
On the day of her matriculation, despite not being formally invited by Uriel, Larry found himself at the event. Her entire family was there, watching expectantly as she carried herself with surprising confidence. Unlike what they had all assumed, she wasn't overwhelmed or homesick—she seemed to be adjusting well.
But what caught Larry's attention most was the boy by her side. Neatly dressed, well-mannered, clearly from a privileged background. Uriel's parents waited for an introduction, expecting something significant, but she merely introduced him as a "friend."
Larry kept his expression neutral, but inside, something twisted. He had no right to feel this way, but the way the boy lingered near Uriel, making sure she was comfortable, set him on edge.
When Uriel's father easily granted permission for her to attend the boy's private party later that evening, Larry felt his stomach drop. He wanted to stop her, but he had no reason—no excuse—until an idea struck him.
"I actually planned a surprise celebration for Uriel's matriculation," he announced suddenly, before he could second-guess himself.
Uriel's family turned to him, pleasantly surprised.
"You did?" her mother asked.
"Of course," Larry said smoothly, though even he hadn't planned this. "It's almost ready. Just needed to keep it a surprise."
With that, Uriel's plans changed. The boy left without her, and Larry couldn't ignore the strange relief washing over him. But why did it matter to him so much? Why was he so desperate to keep her here?
That question haunted him throughout the evening.
When they finally had a quiet moment at the party, Larry seized the opportunity.
"So," he asked, watching her carefully. "Who was that boy?"
Uriel, sipping from her drink, raised an amused brow. "My friend," she said simply. Then, after a pause, she smirked. "Are you jealous?"
Larry tensed. "Jealous? No. I was just looking out for you."
She chuckled, not entirely convinced, and popped a chip into her mouth. "Sure."
He exhaled, shaking his head, but deep down, he knew the truth. It wasn't just concern. It wasn't just protection. He felt something.
The realization settled in his chest, heavy and undeniable.
"I know this party was rushed," Uriel admitted softly. "But... thank you. It means a lot."
Larry hesitated, then reached for her hand. "I don't know what this is, but... being with you feels right."
Uriel's breath hitched. Her eyes met his, glistening under the soft lights.
"Same," she whispered, voice trembling. A single tear escaped down her cheek. "Larry, you finally see me."
A flicker of warmth spread through him—followed by dread. This was real. This was happening.
"What do we tell my parents?" she asked.
Larry inhaled sharply, reality crashing back.
"For now? Nothing," he murmured. "Not until we figure this out."
Before either of them could say more, a voice called out.
"Uriel!"
Her younger brother.
They sprang apart, hands slipping away like a secret too fragile to hold.