A Benji Applebaum fanfiction!

Truth

A few days had passed since the chaotic gig, and Daisy found herself struggling to focus on anything other than Benji. Despite her best efforts to immerse herself in Bella rehearsals and her studies, his presence lingered in her mind like a persistent melody.She knew she had hurt him, and she couldn't shake the guilt that weighed heavily on her conscience. Seeing him at the gig, witnessing the turmoil unfold before them, had only heightened her sense of responsibility to set things right.With each passing day, Daisy's resolve to seek out Benji grew stronger. She knew she owed him an explanation, a chance to hear her side of the story, even if it meant going against Aubrey's wishes and defying her parents' expectations.As she made her way across campus, Daisy's heart raced with nervous anticipation. She didn't know what to expect, how Benji would react to seeing her after everything that had transpired between them. But she knew she had to try.Finally, she reached Benji's dorm building and paused outside his door, her hand trembling slightly as she raised it to knock. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for whatever lay ahead, and then she rapped gently on the door.Seconds stretched into minutes as Daisy waited anxiously for a response. When the door finally swung open, she found herself face to face with Benji, his expression a mix of surprise and uncertainty."Daisy?" he said, his voice tinged with disbelief.Daisy swallowed hard, her throat suddenly dry. "Hey, Benji," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "Can we talk?" Daisy took a deep breath, steeling herself for the conversation that was about to unfold. She knew she had to be honest with Benji, no matter how difficult it might be.

"Benji, I... I need to explain," Daisy began, her voice trembling with emotion. "I know I hurt you, and I'm so sorry for that. But there are things you don't know, things I haven't told you."

Benji's expression softened slightly, his eyes searching hers for answers. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice gentle yet guarded.

Daisy took a moment to gather her thoughts before she continued. "My parents... they made me promise to marry a boy named Tobias," she confessed, the weight of her words hanging heavy in the air. "His family has been really good to us, and they've helped us out a lot. In exchange for letting me come to Barden University, they made me promise to focus solely on the Bellas and my studies, and to marry Tobias when the time comes."

Benji's eyes widened in disbelief as he processed Daisy's revelation. "So... you're engaged?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Daisy nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. "I know it sounds crazy, but I felt like I had no choice," she admitted, her voice filled with regret. "I never wanted to hurt you, Benji. But I was afraid of losing everything I've worked so hard for."

Benji's heart ached as he listened to Daisy's confession. He had no idea of the pressures she had been under, the sacrifices she had made to pursue her dreams. And though he was hurt by her actions, he couldn't help but feel a surge of sympathy for her.

"I had no idea," Benji said softly, reaching out to gently brush away a tear from Daisy's cheek. "I'm sorry, Daisy. I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions."

Daisy's shoulders sagged with relief as she felt the weight of Benji's forgiveness wash over her. "Thank you, Benji," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "I know it's a lot to take in, but I needed you to know the truth."

Daisy pulled away from the embrace, her heart heavy with the weight of their shared pain. "I wish things were different, Benji," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "But we can't be together. Even if it wasn't for my parents and Tobias, there's still Aubrey... and everything else."

Benji's heart sank at Daisy's words, the reality of their situation crashing down upon him once more. He knew she was right, knew that their love was bound by circumstances beyond their control. But that didn't make it any easier to accept.

"I understand," Benji replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "I just wish..."

Daisy reached out to gently touch Benji's cheek, her eyes filled with sorrow. "I know," she said softly. "But sometimes, we don't get to choose how things turn out."

With a heavy heart, Daisy took a step back, knowing that she had to leave before things became even more complicated. "I should go," she said, her voice barely audible. "My parents track my phone, and they'll be wondering where I am."

Benji nodded, his eyes brimming with unshed tears. "I'm sorry, Daisy," he said, his voice choked with emotion.

Daisy forced a weak smile, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to spill over. "Me too," she whispered, before turning and walking away.

As she made her way back to her dorm, Daisy felt a sense of emptiness wash over her. She knew that saying goodbye to Benji was the right thing to do, but that didn't make it any easier. And as she reached her room, she allowed herself to collapse onto her bed, her heart heavy with regret and longing.

Jesse watched silently as Daisy disappeared around the corner, his heart heavy with concern for his friend. He knew that Benji was hurting, and he wished there was something he could do to ease his pain.

As he turned to face Benji, Jesse could see the depth of his emotions etched across his face. "Hey, man," he said softly, placing a comforting hand on Benji's shoulder. "Are you okay?"

Benji shook his head, his eyes filled with sadness. "I don't know, Jesse," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "Seeing Daisy... it's just... hard."

Jesse nodded sympathetically, understanding the weight of Benji's feelings for Daisy. "I get it, man," he said, his voice gentle yet firm. "But we can't let it end like this. We need to make a plan."

Benji looked up at Jesse, a glimmer of hope flickering in his eyes. "A plan?" he repeated, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Jesse nodded, his expression determined. "Yeah, a plan," he confirmed. "We can't let it happen that Daisy marries this Tobias guy. We have to find a way to stop it."

Benji's heart leaped at the prospect of taking action, of doing something to change their situation. "But how?" he asked, his voice filled with doubt.

Jesse thought for a moment, his brow furrowed in concentration. "I don't know yet," he admitted. "But we'll figure it out. Together."