The next few days passed in a blur of routine.
Aiden and Adrian went to college together every morning, half-asleep, headphones in, coffee in hand. Amara went to school, pretending everything was normal.
But nothing felt normal anymore.
Not after the late-night call. Not after the way Adrian watched her. Not after the way she started playing with his reactions.
And today… she planned to push him just a little more.
After School Pickup
Aiden parked the car outside Amara's school, scrolling through his phone while waiting. Adrian leaned against the car, pretending to be relaxed — but his eyes kept drifting toward the school gate.
Aiden didn't even look up. "You're staring again."
Adrian scoffed. "I'm not."
"You are."
Adrian didn't respond, because at that moment, Amara walked out.
And she wasn't alone.
She was laughing with two boys from her class, her hair falling over her shoulder, her smile bright. One of the boys handed her a notebook, and she touched his arm lightly as she thanked him.
Adrian's jaw tightened instantly.
Aiden glanced at him and smirked. "You're going to break your teeth if you keep clenching like that."
"Shut up," Adrian muttered.
But he didn't look away.
Amara finally noticed them. Her eyes met Adrian's — and she smiled.
Not a sweet smile. A knowing one.
A I know exactly what I'm doing smile.
Then she turned back to the boys and said something that made them laugh.
Adrian's expression darkened.
Aiden whispered, "She's destroying you on purpose."
Adrian didn't deny it.
Amara slid into the back seat, acting innocent.
"Hi," she said softly.
Aiden replied, "Hey. Good day?"
"Yeah," she said, smiling. "Really good."
Adrian didn't say anything.
She leaned forward slightly. "You okay?"
"Fine," he said flatly.
Aiden almost choked trying not to laugh.
Amara bit back a smile.
Perfect.
Later thatnight
Her phone buzzed.
Adrian:Who were those guys?
Amara smirked.
Amara:Friends.
Adrian:You were laughing a lot.
Amara:Is that a problem?
A long pause.
Adrian:No.
She could practically hear the jealousy dripping from that one word.
Amara:You sure?
Another pause.
Adrian:Yes.
She smiled to herself.
He was lying.
Adrian's POV
He tossed his phone onto the bed and ran a hand through his hair.
Why did it bother him so much? Why did seeing her with someone else feel like a punch to the chest?
He didn't want to admit it. Not even to himself.
But he felt it. Every time she smiled at someone else. Every time she touched someone's arm. Every time she laughed with another guy.
He felt it.
And he hated it.
She sent one last message.
Amara:Goodnight, Adrian.
He stared at it for a long moment before replying.
Adrian:Goodnight.
Short. Tense. Jealous.
Amara placed her phone down, satisfied.
Her plan was working.
Slowly.
Quietly.
Perfectly.
Adrian was cracking.
And soon... he wouldn't be able to hide how he felt anymore.