“Only if you want to,” he replied.I nodded and closed the door behind me.I changed right in front of him; after all, he had seen me naked before, but he turned away out of respect.I left my wet clothes on the floor and rushed to him, wrapping my arms around him from behind.
I held on tightly, my eyes shut, feeling his solid frame beneath my fingertips.After a moment, I loosened my grip, and he turned to face me, his gaze steady.He placed his left hand on my waist while his right hand gently brushed my cheek.
In a sudden, tender motion, he cupped my head and pulled me deep into his chest, enveloping me completely.He inhaled deeply and pressed a soft kiss to my forehead.The familiar scent of peaches and fresh cotton surrounded me, and in that moment, I felt safe—he would protect me.
As we settled into our usual position on the bed, with my head resting comfortably on his chest, I opened up about my parents and how I was feeling.I shared updates about recent events, excluding a few details—not to deceive, but because some things were still too raw to discuss.He remained quiet, likely aware that I needed to voice my worries, yet he held me close, offering silent support.
“I should get going; it's getting late.Will I see you on the bus tomorrow?”I asked, my eyes shining with anticipation.
“Sure, I'll be there,” he responded, his tone suggesting he wanted to make me happy.
“Alright then, goodnight,” I said, reluctantly sitting up to gather my damp clothes from the floor.
“Just make sure to bring those back, or soon I will be walking around naked,” he joked, a playful glint in his eye, as I pulled a hoodie from his drawer.I couldn't help but smile, knowing I had borrowed more than a few of his T-shirts and hoodies.There was something comforting about carrying his scent with me, a thought that made me blush more than I intended.
The night had already settled in, casting a dark veil over everything, and a chill lingered in the air.The rain had ceased, leaving a serene stillness that enveloped the surroundings.
As I walked along the familiar path, the shadows appeared more profound and ominous than I remembered.My heart raced as I hurried home.
Upon entering, I found my dad lounging on the sofa, a glass of whiskey in hand, but he said no word.Mom was absent from sight.I managed a quiet “good night” before making my way upstairs, shutting the door softly behind me.The terrace door was ajar, and my room greeted me with a refreshing coolness.
I moved closer to close it, and I felt a sudden urgency to step outside.I surveyed the darkness that crept in, swallowing the faint glow from the mountains.The air was crisp, tinged with the scent of rain; it was going to rain off and on all night long.
I closed the terrace door and grabbed a book to dive into.I
removed the sweatpants but kept the hoodie on for warmth.Climbing into bed beneath the blanket, I shivered slightly from the dampness in the air.Finding a comfortable position, I opened the book to my last page and began to read, soon succumbing to the gentle pull of sleep.
Chapter 6
The following morning, I boarded the bus, which I had almost missed.To my relief, I spotted both of my friends already seated inside.I made my way to the back, alternating my gaze between them, both of us smiling in recognition.
“Do you mind if I sit with Marco?”I asked Emily, hoping for her support.
“Not at all!I need to finish my homework anyway.I was so tired yesterday that I fell asleep right after dinner,” she replied, rummaging through her backpack.I glanced at Marco, who slid into the window seat to make room for me.
“Hey,” I greeted him, settling in beside him.
“Hey there.Did you sleep well?”he asked softly.
“Yeah, I did—still in your clothes, though,” I admitted, feeling heat rise to my cheeks.It was strange; he was just my friend now, as I had wanted, but the unexpected physical attraction overwhelmed me.Was it because he was off-limits?I was more confused than I realized.Before I could think it through, I found my hand resting on his.He glanced at me for a split second before turning his gaze back to the window.Maybe he didn't want me anymore.
For the rest of the ride, I leaned my head against his shoulder, and we fell into a comfortable silence, as if everything that needed saying had already been spoken.
Our first class of the day was gym, and I absolutely hated the idea of running in the morning.
“Are you two back together?”Emily asked as we made our way to the gym.
“No, we're just friends,” I replied.
“Doesn't seem like it,” she teased with a knowing smile.
“What can I say?”I shrugged, trying to play it cool.
“Make a decision: do you want him or not?If you do, then just go for it.If not, let him find happiness with someone else.”Her tone was almost frustrated.
Someone else?The thought had never crossed my mind.I had always been so sure he was mine that the idea of him being with someone else left me feeling confused.
After a grueling gym session, I was nearly worn out for the day.Once I changed, we stepped outside, but the next class was already lined up to come in.My stomach dropped when I saw theVipers; their cheerful faces made me feel sick.
