Two hours of sitting close enough to feel his breath.
Two hours of almost-kisses and casual touches and endearments that felt too real.
And I didn’t think about Theo once.
Not once.
My phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out, expecting Aubrey.
THEO
Hey, Sensei. Weird question—are you actually dating O’Connor? Saw the photos last night. Just want to make sure you’re good
My stomach flips.
This is what I wanted. Theo noticing me. Theo checking in. Theo finally seeing me as more than just the quiet girl who helps with homework.
So why does my chest feel tight? Why do I keep thinking about the way Kieran looked at me on that couch, like I was the only person in the world?
I stare at Theo’s message, fingers hovering over the keyboard.
WREN
I’m good. Yeah, surprising, right?
The lie comes easier than it should. Three dots appear. Disappear. Appear again.
THEO
Just be careful, okay? O’Connor’s got a reputation
A sharp and cold wave washes over me.
WREN
I know what I’m doing
THEO
Okay. Just looking out for you. See you in class
I pocket my phone and keep walking, but Theo’s warning echoes in my head.
O’Connor’s got a reputation.
Of course he does. I knew that going in.
This was supposed to be about Theo noticing me, not about feeling like this.
Except somewhere between the library and his couch, between his lips on my cheek and the almost-kiss that still has my hands shaking, the line between fake and real started to blur.
And that’s a problem I don’t know how to solve.
My phone buzzes again.
KIERAN
Forgot to say—you looked good in my house. Like you belonged there
