Alisha POV
It's been a week since that night—the night I saw Alex, battered, bloodied, and completely unreadable.
Mandy's back now. She appears fine, laughing and chatting like nothing ever happened.
But I can't shake the unease. And those creepy texts? They haven't stopped.
Honestly, I wonder who it could be.
It can't be Alex—he was right in front of me when the last one came.
It also can't be Andrew. Not him. I barely even look his way now.
Truth is… I can't face Andrew yet. Every lecture he attends, I practically avoid.
Especially the general ones. Every time I catch a glimpse of him, all I want is to sink back into bed and pretend the pain doesn't exist.
Danny and Sarah have obviously noticed something is off. Their teasing and laughter don't reach me anymore.
I just nod, smile weakly, and retreat into my own thoughts.
Anyway… today's plan is simple. Go watch the department football match. I heard Alex is playing, and that's why I'm here. Honestly, I don't even watch football, but… curiosity is a terrible thing. Also, I silently pray I don't see Andrew.
The match starts.
The stadium buzzes with excitement.
Students cheer, drums hit the rhythm of the game, and I settle next to Mandy, trying to focus.
Then… third goal. Alex scores.
And oh my jeez… he looks so good. Cool, confident, untouchable.
The crowd goes wild. Girls scream. Boys cheer. But I… I can't look away.
He walks past the field, T-shirt removed. My heart does this ridiculous flip.
His abs… his chest… sparkling under the sun. Hair perfect, body flawless. Every part of him seems to shine.
He's walking toward Mandy. Well… fine. I tell myself it's fine. Totally fine.
Then, Mandy, always the little prankster, grabs a bottle of water and—splash!—pours it over his hair.
He laughs. And my heart? Stops. Just a little.
Everything about him screams gorgeous. Girls' eyes are glued to him. I… I want to plug out their eyes.
Then, the unthinkable. A girl—tall, figure perfect, confident as hell—walks up to Alex. She's laughing at something he said. And he walks out with her, arm around her shoulders.
I tell myself I'm not jealous. Absolutely not.
But… maybe I am. A little.
I continue gisting with Mandy, pretending the world isn't spinning. Pretending I can ignore the sting.
We head home, laughter masking the heat in my chest, but inside… I can't stop thinking about Alex.
About the girl.
About the mystery of him.
And my phone buzzes.
Unknown number.
I stare at the screen.
I will have you. No matter what.
My stomach twists.
My hand shakes. And somewhere in the back of my mind… I know this is far from over.