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Chapter 8: The Words We Didn't Say
Y/N's POV
The next morning, I woke up with a pounding heart.
Yesterday's hallway moment kept replaying in my mind. His hoodie brushing mine. His quiet smile. His words. "I like being around you."
I tried to convince myself it was just… a fleeting thing. A moment he'd forget.
But deep down, I knew. I knew it wasn't fleeting.
School felt impossible today. Every step toward class made my chest tighten. Every glance toward the boys' side of the hallway made my stomach flutter.
And then… I saw him.
Riki. Sitting at his usual spot, head tilted slightly as he talked to Max. Casual. Carefree. Like nothing had happened.
But I knew better.
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Riki's POV
She walked in slowly. Eyes darting. Hair falling in soft waves over her shoulder.
I wanted to call her name. Wanted to tell her to sit with me. Wanted to wrap her in my arms and never let go.
But I didn't. I stayed put. Let her come to me.
And she did.
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Y/N's POV
I sat two desks away, trying to focus. Tried to take notes. Tried to breathe normally.
But I couldn't. Every nerve in my body screamed for him. Every part of me wanted to lean over and just… touch him.
Jay leaned over. "Stop staring, Y/N. You're going to give yourself away."
I didn't answer.
Because he already knew.
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Riki's POV (During Class)
She was avoiding my eyes. Part of me wanted to tease her. Part of me wanted to chase her down and kiss her.
I leaned back slightly, trying to act casual.
But I caught her looking at me anyway. Just a glance. Just a second.
And it was enough.
My heart didn't just race. It jumped.
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Y/N's POV (Break Time)
Finally, the moment came.
I walked toward the water fountain, pretending to be thirsty.
And then he was there.
"Hey," he said softly. His voice low enough that only I could hear.
I blinked. "Hey."
Silence stretched. Long, heavy, electric.
Then he took a step closer.
"I… I've been meaning to talk to you," he said.
I swallowed. My throat dry. "You… have?"
"Yeah." His fingers brushed my arm—just slightly, just enough to make my stomach twist.
I nodded. "Okay…"
He hesitated. Then leaned a little closer. "I… like you. More than I should. More than I've ever liked anyone."
My chest tightened. Breath caught. My heart was pounding like a drum in my ears.
"I… like you too," I whispered.
He froze. Blinked. Then smiled. A full, soft, shy smile.
I didn't notice Max standing a few steps away, smirking like he'd known all along.
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Riki's POV
She said it.
She liked me.
And suddenly, the world felt lighter. And heavier. All at once.
I wanted to pull her close. To tell her I'd been waiting for this moment my entire life.
But I stayed quiet.
Because some words… some moments… were better felt than spoken.
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Y/N's POV (Hallway After Class)
Later, we walked together. Not talking. Not needing to.
Every brush of our hands, every step in sync, was enough.
And yet, I wanted more. Wanted him to ask. Wanted him to say something that would make this real.
Finally, he spoke.
"You know… I think about you. A lot. Every day."
My breath hitched. "I… think about you too."
His fingers found mine. Softly. Tentatively.
I squeezed back.
And in that moment, words weren't necessary.
Everything had been said.
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Riki's POV (Closing)
I held her hand.
Not because I had to. Not because anyone could see.
But because I wanted to.
Because she was mine. And I was hers.
And that… that was all that mattered.
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