The assembly was meant to address issues that could eventually be brought up during this time, but no one seemed to care.It was just an excuse to skip class.Most of the time, I chatted with Emily, and if she wasn't around, I lost myself in a book.
“I need to use the restroom.Want to come with me?”I asked as I stood up.
“Sure, a little walk sounds nice,” Emily said with a smile as she followed me to the door.The hallway was quiet as we made our way up three flights of stairs to our usual private bathroom, which was the cleanest.“Since you seem to have a memory lapse, I hope you haven't forgotten about the concert next week.”Emily teased.
“No, I remember that,” I chuckled.We had bought tickets months ago.It was my favorite band, and Emily loved them too; Jessica was tagging along just because we were going.The concert was in Rome, and Emily’s mom was supposed to drive us there—or at least that was what my mom believed.Emily had told her mom that Jessica’s dad would be driving us.
In reality, we were going with Marco and his friend.We had made that decision a while ago, and even though things had shifted, I didn't want to disrupt our plan.We used to all be friends, and we needed to find a way to make this work, even if it felt awkward.
The bathroom was occupied, so we waited while discussing all the details about the upcoming concert.The door swung open, and Zane emerged, locking eyes with me for the first time in a while.
“I'll go first,” Emily said, stepping inside as if to give us some privacy.His gaze quickly dropped, and he began to walk away.I snorted, catching his attention.My heart raced when he turned back and approached me, stopping just a breath away.
This was no fantasy; it was real.
His eyes seemed to create an invisible bond that compelled me to look at him.
“Thank you,” Zane said in a low, deep voice.
“For what?”I asked, genuinely puzzled.His smirk revealed those dimples that made my heart flutter.
“It's been a while, and I'm still here, which means you didn't report me to the principal after all.”His smile widened.My cheeks flushed.I needed a moment to gather my thoughts.
“I didn't see the need.No one asked any further questions, so there was no point,” I replied, trying to maintain my composure.
“Or maybe you did it to protect me?”he said with a hint of arrogance.
“Protect you?Why would I want to do that?”I shot back, feeling irritated.
“I don't know, perhaps…” he trailed off, waiting for me to finish his thought.
“There's no maybe.I told you, there was no point.”I rolled my eyes.Another smirk crossed his face as he leaned in closer, as if that invisible string was drawing him toward me.My heart pounded in the silence, praying he didn't notice.
“Are you okay?Is your heart thundering for me?”he whispered, glancing down at my chest.Oh no, he noticed.I pulled back angrily and started to walk away, leaving Emily behind—who was probably eavesdropping behind the door.“I'm flattered, truly.That's exactly what I wanted,” Zane said, following me.I stopped, frustration coursing through me as I struggled to find words.
“Why?Why would you want that?”I demanded, curious about his answer.
“You're really a dummy,” he said with a grin, tilting his head.
“Don't call me that.I don't like it,” I snapped.
“Well, it seems to have stuck with you.Sorry about that,” he said, stepping closer.
“You still haven't answered my question,” I insisted.
“I already did, didn't I?Do I need to repeat myself?”he challenged me, but I remained silent.“Because I like you, dummy,” he whispered, leaning closer to my ear.My anger flared, reflecting my inner turmoil.
“Oh yeah?So liking someone means ignoring them and refusing to look their way?”I retorted, trying to catch his gaze.
“Well, that's what you did, isn't it?I'm giving you space.Or
do you want me to pursue you the day after I broke up with your best friend?”He met my eyes so intensely that I felt as if his soul was intertwining with mine.
“I guess not,” I stammered.
“Good.Because once I decide to pursue you, you will bemine,” Zane whispered, leaning into my other ear, sending a shiver down my spine.My mind spun, and I felt as if I might faint, desperately needing something to lean against.“See you around, dummy,” he smirked, leaving me standing there in shock.Emily slowly opened the door and hurried toward me.
“Are you okay?What happened?I didn't hear anything, but I cracked the door open and saw he was… so close,” she said, concern etched on her face.
