The next morning felt ordinary on the surface, but underneath, everything was different.
Aiden and Adrian walked into college together, but Aiden kept glancing at Adrian's face. He looked… irritated. Distracted. Restless.
"Still thinking about yesterday?" Aiden asked casually.
Adrian didn't answer. Which was an answer.
Aiden smirked. "You're so gone for her."
Adrian shot him a look sharp enough to cut glass. "Mind your business."
Aiden laughed. "You make it everyone's business when your face looks like that."
Adrian didn't respond, but his silence was loud.
After School
Aiden and Adrian went to pick Amara up again. Adrian leaned against the car, pretending to scroll through his phone, but his eyes kept flicking toward the school gate.
Aiden whispered, "You're hopeless."
Adrian ignored him.
Then Amara walked out — and today, she wasn't with boys.
She was with a girl from her class, laughing loudly, hair bouncing, looking carefree and bright.
Adrian relaxed a little.
Until a guy jogged up behind her, calling her name.
He handed her a drink.
She smiled at him.
Adrian's jaw tightened instantly.
Aiden muttered, "Oh boy."
Amara spotted them. Her eyes locked on Adrian's — and she smiled sweetly, like she hadn't just accepted a drink from another guy.
She walked over and slid into the back seat.
"Hi," she said softly.
Aiden replied, "Hey."
Adrian didn't say anything.
Amara leaned forward. "Adrian?"
He still didn't look at her.
"Are you okay?" she asked, voice gentle.
And that's when he slipped.
"I don't like it," he muttered.
Aiden froze. Amara blinked. Adrian realized what he said and immediately looked away.
She tilted her head. "Don't like what?"
He clenched his jaw. "Nothing."
"Adrian."
He exhaled sharply, annoyed at himself. "You flirting with every guy who breathes."
Aiden slapped a hand over his mouth to hide his grin.
Amara's heart fluttered — but she kept her expression innocent.
"Oh," she said softly. "Does it bother you?"
He didn't answer.
Which was an answer.
That Night
Amara texted him.
Amara:You said something today.
He replied quickly.
Adrian:Forget it.
Amara:I don't want to.
A long pause.
Adrian:I shouldn't have said anything.
Amara:Why?
Another pause.
Adrian:Because it's not my place.
She smiled.
Amara:Maybe it is.
He didn't respond for a long time.
Then:
Adrian:Goodnight.
Short. Tense. Shaken.
Amara placed her phone down, her heart warm.
He slipped. He showed it. He cared.
And now… she knew exactly how to pull him even closer.