When Hate Writes Back
Chapter 14 — Teasing Sparks
It was another ordinary school day — at least, it should have been.
But as soon as I stepped into the hallway, my heart betrayed me. Keifer was there, leaning casually against his locker, smirk plastered on his face like he owned the world.
I froze.
"Jay." Estelle's voice was sharp and gleeful behind me.
I spun around. "What?"
"You're literally staring at him," she said, nudging me with her elbow. "And I'm not talking about the school rules kind of staring."
I blushed furiously. "I—No! I'm not staring!"
"Uh-huh," she said, raising an eyebrow. "Sure. Totally normal to zone out like this every time he's around. And what's that? Heart palpitations? Sweaty hands? Slight desire to murder and hug or kiss him at the same time?"
I glared at her. "Estelle, you're insane."
"Nope," she said smugly. "Just observant. I've been watching you flustered around him for weeks now. Admit it, Jay. You feel something. Don't even try to deny it."
"I… I don't—" My words caught in my throat.
She grinned. "Exactly. You don't know. Which is why it's hilarious. You think he's oblivious? You should see yourself. You're melting, Jay. Totally melting."
I groaned, pressing a hand to my face. "I'm not melting."
"Totally are," she said, ignoring me completely. "And the best part? He has no clue. Zero. Nada. Oblivious as ever. It's like… perfect symmetry. You guys are literally living proof that worlds collide in the most ridiculous ways."
I froze. She was… right. Every gesture, every word, every sarcastic smirk he threw my way — it mirrored the boy I cherished online. And I was dying inside, flustered beyond reason.
"Estelle," I hissed, "please stop talking. I—"
"You like him," she said bluntly, cutting me off. "You hate him, but you like him. Admit it. It's written all over your face."
I groaned and spun away, trying to escape her teasing gaze. But the damage was done.
Even as I left, heart pounding, I couldn't stop thinking about him — the boy I hated, the boy I loved online, the oblivious boy standing somewhere not knowing the chaos he was causing in my head.
Oblivious. Completely oblivious.
And yet, the tension between us, the teasing, the sparks… it was undeniable. And I hated that I liked it so much.