It's weird. Every time he's close, I can feel my heart thumping like a drum in my chest—like it's the only thing my body knows how to do. Why does it betray me like this? I cannot let this happen every day. Can I?
I need to face him.
Boldly.
Even if I don't like him.
Even if all I feel is irritation.
My words should mean something.
They should weigh.
He's been around since the first day he joined our college. A shadow I can't shake. A wasp buzzing relentlessly in my ear. I only wish I could disappear every time he's near. And now—what does he mean by that question?
Something I've never told anyone?
What haven't I told?
What does he know?
Why all of this now?
Arghhh… so frustrating. I feel like ripping my hair out—right here, in front of everyone in the library. Please don't let anyone notice.
Please.
WHAT DO I DO!?
He said he'd come to my house to pick me up, "so I won't get lost." But why? Why is he so eager to take me to his house? Is there… something there?
Something I'm not supposed to see?
Or—oh god—something that will haunt me forever?
STOP.
Stop imagining the worst. Maybe I'm overthinking. Maybe it's nothing. Maybe he just genuinely wants to be friends. After all, he's new, and I'm the only person he knows… right?
Balagskjdjwdj… NO.
I can't ignore this gut feeling. No matter how hard I try to convince myself that everything is normal, that everything is innocent, it feels… off.
Strange.
Wrong.
Tonight, I'll find out. And if it's weird, if it's terrifying, if it's… anything—well....
I'll face it.
I have to.
…
It's 6 pm already, and I'm still not ready. What do I even wear? Something casual? Something that says, I don't care—but maybe I do? He's probably on his way already, and knowing him, he'll jump-scare me any second now.
Ding-dong!
That must be him.
I hurriedly swiped on my lip gloss, grabbed my scarf, and dashed downstairs—only to be met by a devil grinning back at me.
The corners of his lips were already curling into that smirk that made my stomach do somersaults.
"I see you've got a boyfriend now, sissy!" he teased, voice smooth, eyes glinting mischief.
You've got to be kidding me.
"He's not my boyfriend, Addy. Just a friend from college," I overexplained, the words tumbling out before I could stop them.
Why do I always do that?
"Okay, then… what's your friend doing here? Taking you on a long drive?"
His tone was mocking, playful, but there was a sharp edge underneath that made my pulse spike.
"Enough, Addy. Just drop it. I have a group study—at his place. So, stop daydreaming,"
I shot back, trying to sound nonchalant, but my cheeks were heating up.
"Oli, you don't have to explain or shout at everything I say. You're a college student now—lol," he said, laughing softly, that infuriating laugh that made my teeth clench… and something else flutter in my chest.
Cold sweat prickled down my back. I was nervous, flustered, and for some dumb reason, lying made my stomach twist in knots.
"Olivia. Shall we go now?" William's voice cut in.
I caught the faintest flicker of a smile from him behind my brother's back—a another devilish little spark.
"Yeah… I think we should. I have to come back early—some pending stuff," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
I rushed outside with zero grace, stumbled, and slammed my foot on the pedestal.
Mother freaking—oh my God! THAT HURT!
Could I just stay here?
Can I not go?
My brain screamed, but my lips stayed silent. I just hoped—prayed—that he'd see the silent plea in my eyes and leave me be today.
Instead, he did the unthinkable.
Before I could protest, he had me in his arms, carrying me like I weighed nothing.
Well... that was absurd. And I let that happen.
WITHOUT A PROTEST!
My heart thundered.
My cheeks heated.
He set me gently in his car and fastened my seatbelt, his fingers brushing my arm in a way that sent sparks up my spine.
What the hell is happening?
My chest fluttered wildly. Butterflies—no, fireworks—were erupting in my stomach.
Sexy.
Dangerous.
Infuriating.
My brother saw it. That's bad. That's really bad.
And yet… God, I couldn't stop the little thrill crawling through me.
"Comfortable?" he asked, voice low, teasing, and just… right.
"Yes," I muttered, trying not to sound like a total breathless fool.
But I was a fool.
A very aware, a very flustered fool.
He smirked again, catching my gaze in the rearview mirror.
"Good. Buckle up. It's going to be a long ride."