Slow It Down

Part 6 •REWRITTEN•

He tilts his head. "Even more reason to make it up to you. Lunch?"

I blink. The question throws me off. Not because it's weird. But because no one has ever asked me something like that before.

Not like this.

Guys have never flirted with me. Not in high school. Not ever.

I'm used to stares that linger a second too long, whispers behind my back, the frequent snide comment. I'm not used to this—easy conversation, a warm smile, an invitation to lunch like it's the most natural thing in the world.

I open my mouth, surprised, and Nate must notice my hesitation, because he quickly backtracks.

"Not a date or anything," he adds. "Unless you want it to be—"

I smirk, tilting my head with a teasing look. "Oh, so you don't like me?"

His eyes widen. "No! I mean, yes! I mean—"

I laugh softly, my stomach flipping unexpectedly at the sound of his hidden compliment of liking me. I can feel warmth quickly rising in my cheeks.

I'm not used to this.

This feeling—it's strange. It's not overwhelming, not earth-shattering. But it's new. And for once, it's not tied to fear or anxiety. It's just... nice.

And maybe I could get used to it.

"Yeah," I say, smiling. "I'll go to lunch with you."

The final minutes of class dragged, my mind still stuck on the fact that Nate had just asked me to lunch. I could barely focus on whatever closing remarks Mrs. Herrera was making as she dismissed us for the day after the bell had rung.

Students began filing out, some lingering to chat with friends, others packing up their things with no rush. I took my time gathering my stuff, trying not to look too eager or awkward. I don't know why I'm always overthinking things.

Nate, however, didn't seem to share my hesitation.

"So, what's your next class after lunch?" he asked, slinging his backpack over one shoulder as he leaned slightly toward me, his body language nothing but casual.

"Marketing," I answered, slipping my notebook into my bag. "It's a business elective."

His eyebrows lifted in amusement. "Creative writing and business, huh? I wasn't expecting that combo."

I shrugged, lifting my now weighted bag and adjusting the strap on my shoulder. "I figured a business minor would be smart. If I want to get into publishing or maybe even self-publish one day, it'd help to know how to market my own work."

A grin spread across his face, like he was genuinely impressed. "That's actually really smart. So you're one of those people with an actual plan?"

I let out a soft laugh, surprised at how quickly he picked up on the small quirk about me. "Something like that."

By the time we made it out the door, the hall was already packed with students heading to their next classes or making their way outside. Nate fell into step beside me, and despite the busyness around us, I felt a strange sense of ease.

"So," I started, glancing up at him. "Where exactly are you taking me for lunch?"

His face lit up. "Oh, it's this great little café on campus—Mila's Café. Ever been?"

I shook my head. "No," I admitted. "I haven't really explored much yet."

"Oh, then you're in for a treat. Best coffee, best sandwiches, and the atmosphere is great. It's kinda the go-to spot for students." He smirked. "And lucky for you, you're getting the Nate Walker tour."