We walked down the hallway in silence. At first, it was fine, but after a while, the quiet became unbearable. I started turning my face in random directions, hoping to shake the awkwardness. I think he noticed.
"Are you okay?" he asked gently.
I simply nodded. But let's be honest—no, I wasn't okay. I had just been bullied in front of the whole class, and now I was walking with the guy who dragged me out without explanation, only to give me the silent treatment.
"Listen, I'm sorry I pulled you out of there," he said finally, his voice breaking the tension. "It's just... the whole bullying thing is getting out of hand. And Nikki and I—" he paused, "we're having problems."
So that was it. I was a distraction. A convenient escape from his petty drama with Nikki. Still, if I was going to be used, I deserved to at least know what I was getting dragged into.
"What happened?" I asked, turning to look at him.
He met my gaze, a little surprised. I added quickly, "I mean, I deserve to know. You brought me out here, right? I'm guessing it was to talk."
I fiddled with my fingers, nervous. He laughed softly and reached out to touch my hair.
"You're so adorable," he said.
I felt like fainting.
Adorable? No one had ever called me that before. Ever. I could barely hold eye contact, but I forced myself to try. Believe me, it's way harder than it sounds.
"I'll tell you what happened," he said, his tone shifting. "I caught Nikki making out with another guy at a party. Like, does she think I don't have urges too? But because of her, I've been trying to stay loyal."
Wow. He was really venting.
"So... what are you going to do?" I asked softly.
"I don't know. I'll probably break up with her and be with you," he said playfully.
I choked on air and coughed loudly.
"I was joking! Are you okay?" he asked, concerned.
I nodded, trying not to choke again—on either my breath or my emotions.
"Okay, let's head back in," I said, taking a few steps toward the classroom.
But he grabbed my hand.
"Why don't we just skip it? It's just one period. Maybe we could spend the day at your place?"
That was tempting. Especially since Nikki would probably chew me up and spit me out the moment I walked back in. But... my dad. He'd kill me. I needed a plan—some kind of excuse for why I was bringing a guy home in the middle of a school day.
"So... what would be your reason for coming over?" I asked.
He grinned. "Ohhh, your parents are strict, huh? Okay, how about this: we have an art assignment. I haven't drawn anything yet, and I figured you could help me."
Now that sounded perfect. We could just hang out in the garden. Still, I needed my stuff.
"You need to go get my bag," I told him.
He laughed, like it was the most amusing thing in the world, but then actually went to get it. And within minutes, he was back—with my bag—and we were in his car, driving to my house.
We didn't talk much during the drive. My brain was too busy trying to make sense of everything.
When we pulled up, he looked around and said, "Your house is fire."
I assumed that was a compliment.
"Come in," I said, unlocking the door. I walked in and started calling out, "Dad? You home?"
No response.
"I don't think he's home," Steve said, making himself comfortable on the couch.
"Well, I'll go get changed," I replied, rushing upstairs.
As I changed into something more comfortable, reality hit me. What am I doing? This is crazy.
Still, I took a quick shower and came back down.
"So, let's do the art homework," he said, sitting up. "Let me see yours."
Thank God he wasn't joking about the assignment. I honestly didn't want to imagine what else we might've done if he was.
I sat beside him and pulled out my art book, flipping through the pages.
"You're so good," he said, his eyes wide. "Like—really good."
I smiled shyly, heart racing.
Then I got an idea. "Wanna see something?" I asked.
"Sure," he said. "But first, can I ask you something?"
My heart skipped a beat.
Oh my God. Is he going to ask me to be his girlfriend?
No, I'm overthinking. Nikki would probably kill me—or worse, get me expelled.
"What is it?" I asked, trying to sound casual, though my brain was running a marathon of possibilities.