𝓭𝓮𝓽𝓮𝓷𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷 𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓽𝓼˖ ᡣ𐭩 ⊹ .

Part 4 '💋'

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The hallway was empty. Last period had just ended.

I was halfway to the side stairwell—quiet, out of the way—when I heard footsteps behind me.

Fast. Determined.

“Abby.”

I didn’t turn.

“Abby.”

He grabbed my wrist, gentle but firm, pulling me back against the lockers. His eyes were sharp, jaw tense.

“What is this?” he demanded. “You ignoring me like I’m some stranger again?”

I stared at the wall behind him.

“Say something.”

Nothing.

His hand dropped. “Seriously? After that kiss?”

Still silent.

His voice dropped lower. “You’re acting like it didn’t mean anything.”

I clenched my jaw. Looked past him. Never at him.

He stepped in closer, crowding my space. “Look at me.”

I didn’t.

He swore under his breath. “You’re unbelievable.”

Then he backed off. “Fine. Run all you want. But don’t lie to yourself like I didn’t feel you kiss me back.”

And then he walked off.

Fast.

Livid.

----

The door clicked shut behind him.

Silence.

All I could hear was the sound of my heart, still racing from how close he’d been. From the way he looked at me like I’d betrayed him.

I leaned against the lockers, eyes shut tight.

God.

I hated him.

I missed him.

The worst part?
I missed him while he was still in the same building.

I didn’t see him for the rest of the day. He didn’t show up to study group. He didn’t even look my way during final period when we passed in the hall. Just kept walking like I didn’t exist.

And somehow, that hurt more than anything else.

---

That Night

Sienna flopped on my bed, scrolling through her phone with a dramatic sigh. “So. Are you gonna keep pretending like this isn’t eating you alive or…?”

“I’m fine.”

“You’re lying.”

“I’m busy.”

“You’re wearing his hoodie again.”

I looked down.

Damn it.

She tossed her phone down and sat up. “He’s mad. You’re sad. I’m exhausted from watching you two pretend like you don’t want to rip each other’s faces off—or make out in the janitor’s closet.”

I shot her a glare. “Helpful.”

“I’m serious, Abby.” Her tone softened. “I saw his face earlier. You broke him a little.”