"You, okay?" Zack asks softly. "Yeah, that... Was something else. More than amazing," Anna replies, her voice hoarse from use. Zack's chest swells with pride at her words, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "Amazing is the only word I can think of too," he admits, pulling her into a gentle hug against his still-naked chest. His hands run soothingly up and down her back as he holds her close, pressing kisses to the top of her head. "I have never felt anything like that before. Being with you... It is different." He pulls back slightly to look into her eyes, his expression serious and vulnerable. "I mean it, Anna. What we just did- that was not just fucking. That was... Everything." His thumbs brush away a few stray tears from Anna cheeks that she did not realize had fallen. "Are you really okay? No regrets about telling me you love me?" he asks softly. Anna shook her head. "Not at all. Ever since... Ever since this all started, I have seen so many different sides of you. Not just the possessive and sexual side. But you are caring a loyal side. Someone worthy of my love," Anna says with a loving expression.
Zack's heart pounds against his ribs as he listens to her words, the vulnerability in her voice hitting him harder than any physical touch. He cups her face gently, thumbs brushing across her cheeks with reverence. "You really see me like that? Even after everything- the bullying, the jealousy... You still believe I am worthy?" he asks quietly, searching her eyes for any hint of deception. His arms wrap tighter around her protectively, as if afraid she might disappear if he lets go. The tough exterior he maintains daily cracks completely under the weight of her affection. "I swear to God, nobody else will ever hurt you again. Not emotionally or physically. I will kill anyone who tries," he vows fiercely, pressing his forehead against hers again. Despite the darkness in his promise, there is an undeniable sincerity behind it- a protective instinct that runs deeper than simple possession or obsession.
"I want that, I feel safe with you," Anna said softly, looking deep into his eyes. "But in order to do that, we have to focus on our future together too and that means no more skipping class, no matter how tempting you can be," she said seriously but also with a slightly playful tone. Zack's expression shifts from intense vulnerability to a playful smirk at her serious tone. He chuckles softly, pressing a quick kiss to her lips before stepping back to start gathering their scattered clothes. "Fine, fine," he concedes with a dramatic sigh. "But you are going to have to be more specific about this 'future together' plan. Does it involve more private study sessions in the library?" He pulls his boxers and jeans back on quickly, watching her with amusement as she struggles to find her black laced underwear under the table. "You know, for someone who just had me bending her over a library table, you are suddenly acting all responsible," he teases, tossing her lace black panties at her. His tone grows more serious as he helps her down from the table, steadying her when her legs feel weak from their intense encounter. "I am serious though," he says quietly, running a hand through his messy hair.
"Well, I get distracted sometimes... You are very distracting..." Anna said in a suggestive tone. "But I don't want stuff like college or job opportunities to get in our way." Zack's expression softens at her words, a genuine smile replacing his teasing smirk. "College and jobs? Fuck, Anna, you are already thinking about the future like that?" He pulled his shirt over his head, watching her dress with an appreciative gaze. "You know what? You are right. I have been such as idiot wasting time fighting and smoking when I could have been studying for the college entrance exams with you." His tone becomes more determined as he zips up his jeans. "Okay, new plan. We are going to be the best damn students in this school. Get into the best college together and figure out our future from there." He moves closer again, his hands finding hers on the table where she is still catching her breath. "But don't think for a second that means I am going to stop being distracting." His lips curve into that familiar mischievous grin.
"Well, I was just thinking we could tone it down a little bit. No more skipping classes and when you come over to my place we can study together," Anna says seriously. "And if you work really hard, I will reward you on weekends," Anna adds with a tone of seduction. Zack's eyes light up with interest at her proposal, his grip on her hands tightening possessively. "Reward me, huh? What kind of reward are we talking about here?" He leans in closer, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispers suggestively. "Because if it involves you in that black lace underwear again, I might just become the hardest working student this school has ever seen." His other hand slides around her waist possessively, pulling her against his chest once more. The heat between them reignites despite the passage of time and the need to leave before someone discovers them. "Fine, no more skipping classes- but you owe me study sessions at your place every day after school," he agrees reluctantly, pressing one last kiss to her neck before stepping back. He grabs his backpack from the floor and slings it over one shoulder casually.
"So, this afternoon, we will study at my place. We can alternate between my place and yours," Anna said excitedly, picking up her purple backpack and taking his hand. The bell rings, indicating the start of the second period. Zack walks Anna to her second period classroom, Physics, his hand clasped firmly in hers as if he is afraid, she might disappear if her let go. The hallway is busy with students rushing between periods, but he pays them no mind, focused entirely on her. As they reach the doorway of her classroom, he pulls her into a quick but heated kiss against the lockers. "See you after school," he murmurs against her lips before reluctantly releasing her. He waits until she is safely inside before heading toward his own class down the hall. As he walks away, he can't help but grin stupidly at the thoughts of spending the entire afternoon with her later. Back in his seat during his history class, Zack finds it impossible to concentrate. His mind keeps replaying images from earlier- Anna's flushed cheeks, her breathless cries of his name, the way she looked spread out on that walnut table just for him.