When Dream Takes over

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The sky above the dorm street was painted in hues of soft orange and fading gold as the sun began to dip behind the cityscape. On a quiet bench under a flickering streetlamp, Ameya sat beside Rico, both wrapped in a silence that spoke volumes. A little distance away, Jenna stood watching them silently, then gave them space and slowly walked away with a knowing smile.

Ameya took a deep breath, her fingers nervously curling into her palms. "Rico… I need to tell you something important. It might sound unbelievable… but it's the truth."

Rico turned to her, his eyes filled with calm curiosity.

"Our souls… mine and Jenna's… were switched. It wasn't a dream or a prank. It was real. And now… we're finally back in our own bodies." Her voice trembled slightly. "I know it sounds crazy, but… if you want proof…"

She looked over her shoulder and waved at Jenna.

Jenna walked over, her smile soft and supportive. "She's telling the truth, Rico," she said gently. "It really happened."

Rico looked between the two girls, then turned his eyes back to Ameya. "I believe you, Ameya," he said. "You don't have to prove anything."

Ameya's eyes widened slightly. "But… you said you wanted to clarify something?"

Rico hesitated, stealing a glance at Jenna. Jenna chuckled lightly. "Alright, I'll go back to the dorm. Ameya, we'll talk there later."

Ameya nodded. Once Jenna was out of earshot, Rico finally asked, "Was that… really you… in Jenna's body… when I kissed you abroad?"

A blush bloomed across Ameya's cheeks. She looked down, then smiled. "Yes… it was me."

Rico let out a breath, then chuckled awkwardly. "I'm sorry."

Ameya blinked, confused. "Sorry? Why?"

"I just…" he sighed. "I kissed you without knowing it was really you. I was confused back then."

Ameya's heart skipped. "I can't believe you trust me… even after all this."

"I always trusted you, Ameya," he said, reaching out and holding her hand. "Do you know how I knew it was really you I loved?"

Ameya tilted her head.

"This ring," Rico said, pointing to the small green stone on her finger. "And more than that… when I confronted you at the hotel entrance, you said something to me: 'If we can't solve a problem, let time solve it.' That line… I remembered. That's what you told me before. That's when I knew. You weren't Jenna. You were you. The one I love."

Rico reached forward, gently brushing her hair from her forehead. Ameya's breath hitched. His face was so close now. His eyes, deep and full of unspoken affection, stared into hers.

"You still haven't answered me…" he whispered.

"Answered what?" she breathed.

Rico narrowed his eyes playfully. "Really? Are you kidding me?" His voice lowered, more tender. "Do you love me, Ameya?"

She could feel her heart pounding as she looked into his eyes. "Yes… Rico… I love you. I don't know when it started… but I do."

Before she could say more, Rico leaned in and kissed her deeply. One hand slipped around her waist, the other cradling the side of her face. The kiss was soft, then deeper, his lips shifting from one side of hers to the other with sweet desperation. Ameya melted into the moment. Rico's kiss was everything—passionate, warm, and full of meaning.

When they finally parted, he rested his forehead on hers. "Tell me… what did you say the first time you realized you liked me?"

Ameya smiled but stayed silent.

Rico grinned and whispered again, "Come on… what did you say?"

Still, no reply.

He repeated it again and again, but Ameya only giggled, her lips sealed in teasing silence.

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Next Morning – In the Dorm Room

Jenna leaned over Ameya's bed. "Yaaawn~ Wake up, sleepyhead! What happened last night? Why so late?"

Ameya sat up groggily, her cheeks flushing pink.

"Did something romantic happen?" Jenna teased, wiggling her eyebrows.

Ameya blushed harder. "Shh! Lower your voice!"

Jenna laughed. "I knew it! I'm happy for you. Finally, Rico understood you."

Ameya smiled softly. "And Michael understood you, too."

Jenna grinned and gave a proud little nod.

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Later – Dance Studio

After their morning practice, Ameya checked her phone. A message from Rico lit up her screen:

"Don't forget lunch with me today. I'll send the location 😊"

Ameya smiled, glowing with happiness.

Just then, Sofie peeked over her shoulder. "Oooh, is that from Michael?"

Ameya jumped. "What?! N-no—it's not!"

Sofie smirked. "I knew it~"

Ameya panicked internally. Oh no… they all think I like Michael! I can't even explain the truth…

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Afternoon – At the Restaurant

Ameya sat across from Rico in a cozy restaurant booth. He had ordered steak for her and was treating her like a queen.

"You slept well?" he asked with a grin.

Ameya giggled. "Yes. And you?"

Rico scratched his head, looking shy. "Not really… I kept thinking about last night…"

He leaned forward, eyes glowing. "You have to come with me next weekend."

"Where?"

"A real date. Just us. No interruptions."

Ameya blushed, nodding slowly. "Okay…"

Suddenly, Rico's phone rang. He answered it reluctantly. "Mom… I told you… no, I can't right now. Please, understand."

Before walking off to take the call, he turned to Ameya. "Give me a moment, okay?"

As Rico walked away, Michael entered the restaurant. He spotted Ameya immediately and walked over with a smile.

"What a surprise," he said, sliding into the seat beside her.

Ameya jumped. "Michael?! Why are you here?"

"I eat here often. Thought I'd stop by for lunch." He chuckled, then leaned in. "Did you come alone? Maybe next time, we come here together?"

Before Ameya could respond, Rico returned—and froze.

"Ameya?"

Her eyes widened. Oh no…

Michael turned and noticed him. "Rico? You too? Did you come with Ameya?"

Ameya quickly blurted, "No! I just saw him now—what a surprise, right, Rico?"

Rico blinked, clearly stunned. He looked at Ameya with a silent question in his eyes.

Ameya gave a small pleading signal. Please… just go with it…

Michael frowned. "Why are you two staring at each other like that…? What's going on?"

The air thickened with tension as all three sat at the same table—each carrying a different truth in their heart.

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To be continued…