CHAPTER 6 – What I Thought I Saw
The hallway buzzed with the usual morning noise—lockers slamming, laughter echoing, shoes scraping against the floor.
I walked slowly, my bag hanging off one shoulder, my thoughts still tangled from the night before.
That's when I saw him.
Zack was standing near the science wing lockers, leaning casually with one hand in his pocket. He looked relaxed. Too relaxed.
And he wasn't alone.
A girl stood close to him—too close. She had long, glossy hair and a confident smile, the kind that came easily to people who had never doubted their worth. I recognized her instantly.
Berry.
She was one of those girls everyone noticed without trying.
I slowed my steps, instinctively moving behind a pillar, my heart thudding for reasons I didn't want to admit.
"I saw your post yesterday," Berry said, smiling brightly.
Zack raised an eyebrow. "Post?"
"Yeah," she laughed. "On Instagram. The gym one."
He looked surprised. "Oh. How did you know I go to the gym?"
She tilted her head, eyes glinting. "I can tell."
Then—before I could even blink—she reached out and touched his arm.
"You've got a really good physique," she said lightly, her fingers brushing over his sleeve.
Something hot and sharp twisted inside my chest.
I clenched my fists, my nails biting into my palm. My vision narrowed, every sound fading except the way she laughed—soft and confident—like she belonged there.
Zack stiffened.
I noticed it immediately. He shifted slightly, stepping back just enough to break the contact. His smile faded—not rudely, but clearly uncomfortable.
"Uh… thanks," he said, his voice polite but firm. "I should get going."
Berry didn't take the hint.
"So," she continued smoothly, moving closer again, "are you free this Saturday? I'm throwing a party at my place. You should come."
Zack shook his head. "Sorry. I already have plans."
"Oh?" she teased. "Plans can change."
She stepped closer again—too close.
I couldn't watch anymore. My chest felt tight, like I couldn't breathe properly.
Without thinking, I turned away and walked down the hallway, my steps quick and angry.
Why did it bother me so much?
I told myself I didn't care. I told myself I had no right to feel anything at all.
But my heart didn't listen.
"Jane."
I froze. I turned around slowly.
Zack stood a few feet away, concern written all over his face. "Hey… are you okay?"
I crossed my arms, my voice sharper than I meant it to be. "I'm fine."
He frowned slightly. "You sound angry."
"I said I'm fine," I repeated, avoiding his eyes.
His expression softened, but there was confusion there too. "Is this about… the dinner?"
I looked at him then—really looked at him—and suddenly the anger drained, leaving behind exhaustion.
"No," I said quietly. "It's not about that."
He hesitated. "If I misunderstood, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pressure you. I told you already—take your time."
I swallowed hard. "I need time," I said again, more gently this time.
He nodded. "Take all the time you need."
Something about the way he said it—no frustration, no guilt—made my chest ache in a different way.
We walked into class together.
Mrs. Blue, the physics teacher, arrived moments later and began writing equations on the board.
As I settled into my seat, I noticed something that made me pause. Luke's seat was empty. For the first time in a long while, relief washed over me.
Zack leaned closer and whispered, "Looks like today might be peaceful."
I let out a small laugh before I could stop myself.
"Don't jinx it," I whispered back.
We began talking quietly, sharing little jokes under our breath, our shoulders almost touching. Then, out of nowhere, Zack leaned in even closer.
"You know," he whispered with a mischievous grin, "I think I can break glass with my singing."
I blinked. "Excuse me? How?"
"It's science," he said with a straight face. "High notes vibrate the air at the right frequency. I just need the perfect note…"
I laughed so hard. "You mean… your shower concerts?"
"Exactly," he whispered. "Last week, I screamed in the bathroom and I swear the mirror rattled."
I snorted. "Please don't try that here!"
"Too late," he whispered, leaning even closer, "I'm… practicing silently."
Mrs. Blue frowned at us, clearly not impressed. "Silent practice? Very safe."
"Totally safe, ma'am," Zack said, giving her a mock salute.
I elbowed him lightly, whispering, "You're ridiculous."
"And yet… scientifically accurate," he countered, smirking.
We both laughed quietly, trying not to draw too much attention. For a few minutes, the tension of the morning—Berry, the hallway, my jealousy—was gone.
Just laughter, ridiculousness, and the quiet comfort of being with someone who could make even physics class fun.
Then, just as I was catching my breath, Peter Son walked in, his voice booming over the quiet chatter.
"Everyone, settle down!" he said.
Mrs. Blue gave him a startled look, clearly aware that this was her period.
"Sorry for the interruption, Mrs.Blue'.
'Looks like we've got some company today." she said while turning towards my direction
The class quieted, and all eyes turned toward him.
When Peter saw me, his face fell slightly, then he smiled.
"Jane," he said, "don't worry about what's going on. I'll take care of it".
Then Mrs.blue left the classroom
"Sit down, everyone. Let's continue."
I slumped into my seat, grateful for the reprieve.
Peter Son cleared his throat, turning to the class. "Before we start, I have an announcement. We're going to elect a student president this year. There will be four candidates—but only one from each eligible class. For today, I'll announce the leaders of other classes."
He began:
• "Victor from Class A"
• "Ashley from Class B"
• "Ray from Class D"
I swallowed hard. My stomach twisted. The fourth candidate would be from Class C, our class. Who would we choose?
Peter's eyes scanned our classroom. I couldn't stop my nerves from spiralling.
Ashley hadn't even come yet—what if she returned to challenge our class?
After the bell rang for break, I hurried to ask Peter Son privately. "Sir… who will be the candidate for our class?"
He shrugged helplessly. "Honestly… I don't know yet. You'll have to decide among yourselves."
I left, frustrated, my footsteps echoing against the cold, polished hallway floor. My bag felt heavier than usual, dragging against my shoulder as my mind replayed Berry's laugh, the way her hand had lingered on Zack's arm.
And then I saw them again. Berry was talking to Zack, her head tilted slightly, that confident smile that made my chest tighten.
I paused for a moment, my hands curling into fists at my sides.
Every instinct screamed at me not to let it slide this time.
I didn't hesitate. I marched forward.
"Zack," I said, grabbing his arm gently but firmly.
He turned, surprise flashing across his face. "Jane? What—"
"We need to apologize to Mrs. Blue," I said, my tone leaving no room for argument.
He blinked, clearly caught off guard. "Now?"
"Yes. And don't argue," I said, my voice steady, though my heart was pounding in a mix of anger and relief.
Zack looked down at my hand on his arm, then met my eyes. There was a flicker of understanding there, and he nodded. "Alright."
We walked together, side by side, through the hallway, the sounds of chatter and lockers fading behind us.
Berry's sharp laugh echoed from behind, but I didn't glance back. I could feel Zack's presence beside me—quiet, patient, somehow grounding me.
As we reached Mrs. Blue's desk, I noticed the way Zack shifted his weight nervously. His fingers brushed against mine briefly, and I felt a small spark of reassurance.
Once we were alone, Zack exhaled slowly, his shoulders relaxing. "This is about Berry, isn't it?"
"Yes," I admitted, keeping my eyes forward.
"Boundaries. She crossed them."
Zack ran a hand through his hair, a small
frown on his face. "I hate hurting people… even when they overstep," he said quietly, his voice tinged with guilt.
"You don't owe her anything," I said firmly,
my words softening as I noticed the subtle tension in his jaw.
He gave a small, relieved smile, the kind that made his entire face light up. "You noticed everything," he said, almost teasingly.
"I did," I said, letting a faint smile tug at my lips.
"And for the record… I told her no. Completely," he added, his voice steadies this time, like he wanted to make sure I knew he meant it.
I stepped slightly closer, the air between us charged with something I didn't have a name for yet. "Next time, say it clearly," I teased lightly, my tone softer than before, trying to ease the tension.
"I will," he promised, his eyes locking with mine for just a moment longer than necessary.
Even amidst Berry, the looming student elections, and the storm of my own insecurities, walking into class with Zack by my side felt… right.
There was a strange comfort in the way he mirrored my steps, the quiet understanding in his gaze, and the subtle warmth that seemed to radiate from him.
I realized then that maybe, just maybe, not everything had to feel complicated.
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
thank you guys for your incredible support we have reached 3.1k it's a big milestone for me as a young author and i hope that upcoming chapter won't waste your precious time, thank you for everything