I take in a breath, ready to ask further, but see her attention avoiding mine at all costs. I’m getting the feeling it’s a sensitive topic for her, so I mentally note to myself to ask again when the time is right. Clearing my throat, I pick up my pencil, refocus on my homework, and change the subject. “Any hobbies?”
The nervous air that was surrounding her seconds ago vanquishes. A smile dawns on her lips, sucking the air right out of me.
Her smile is making me melt into a puddle.
Serena unlocks her phone. After tapping on it for a few seconds, she shows me her screen. She’s showing me a multitude of Spotify playlists. Playlists range from a wide genre of music–pop, R&B, rock, rap, EDM, Korean pop and so much more.
“Your hobby is Spotify?”
Serena chuckles at my answer, “No, silly, I like making Spotify playlists.”
My brows snap together. “Doesn’t everyone do that with songs they like?”
Serena sighs at my straightforward response. She taps on one playlist as an example, “See?”
I grab her phone to look further into said hobby. The playlist is calledgirl boss. Curated with songs from Style by Taylor Swift, just like magic by Ariana Grande, good 4 u by Olivia Rodrigo,and Need to Know by Doja Cat are some of the songs I recognize with a short stroll.
Serena leans in to peek, her body looming over me. Her scent is becoming way too familiar and my favorite. “I made that one with Alli.”
I check out her other playlists, mindlessly scrolling through the hundred playlists she’s made. There’s one that catches my eye and tap it to check out what’s been added. Serena peeks over again, her body tenses as she snatches her phone away from me before I can read the title completely. Quickly, Serena locks her phone and sets it screen down. The brown-eyed beauty lets out a nervous chuckle and looks away from me.
“Can you share that one with me for educational purposes?”
She just licks her lips and puts her phone away.
I turn back to my homework, but before I resume on it, I can’t help but think that making her blush is turning intomynew favorite hobby. “So, yes or no?” I ask with a grin, enjoying the playful banter.
Serena covers her face with both hands, but I can see a hint of a smile peeking through. “Shut up and finish your damn homework.”
I chuckle. “I have to admit, I was dreading this session, but you make it exciting.”
Chapter 15
Serena
The weekend rolls around, bringing in a new surge of energy for me. A perfect distraction if I do say so myself. I’ve been looking forward to working all day. Work allows me to not think about Tyler and our recent conversations. I don’t even want to think about the recurring dreams about him. Dreams that include us going on dates, talking until the sunrises and so much more that makes butterflies flutter inside every minute.
He’s texted me a few times since our last session about a few questions about schoolwork and not get-to-know-me-questions. And I’m glad it’s been that way. I need to remind myself that we’ll only ever be friends. I already locked the gate to my heart and threw the key out in the trash so there’s no going back on my word.
Tyler:i can’t get this one right idk what i’m doing wrong. (Attachment Image)
Serena:i’ll take a look, give me a few minutes
Tyler:wait no, come back. i like it better when you’re around
Serena:shut up
Serena:i figured it out, here! (Attachment Image)
Tyler:thanks
Tyler:craving a thai green tea
Serena:you can never go wrong with it
Tyler:we should grab some, or maybe i can stop by if you’re working :)
I let out a sigh, watching as my bangs sway with the exhale. I put my phone down and immediately take a sip of water from the glass that had probably been there too long. He’s getting too close and too comfortable, and I’m not ready for it.
