Unscripted

chapter 12

The night had ended hours ago, but my heart still raced. I lay in bed, staring at the soft glow of my string lights, feeling the warmth of Malachi's hand lingering in my memory. The way his fingers had intertwined with mine, the slight brush of his thumb against my skin—it was all so vivid, like it was happening again right there in my chest.

I rolled onto my side, hugging my pillow tightly. Sleep felt impossible, not because I was anxious, exactly, but because I couldn't stop replaying every little moment from the day. His laughter, the teasing smirk when I made some sarcastic comment, the way his gaze had softened when he caught me staring...

I love him, I admitted silently, my chest tightening at the thought. I love him. I love him. But... not yet. Not tonight. I can't tell him yet.

Earlier, Arianna and Sway had called, and I'd spilled a little of my heart to them over FaceTime. Their grins filled my screen instantly.

"Well?" Arianna demanded. "Tell us everything. Don't hold back!"

I groaned, pulling the blanket over my head. "Do you guys ever take a break?"

"Nope," Sway said firmly. "Now spill it, Frey."

I hesitated, cheeks heating. "I... I think I'm in love with him," I whispered finally.

Both of them squealed, practically jumping in excitement.

"WHAT?!" Arianna shrieked.

"Yes! Finally! About time!"

Sway laughed, shaking her head. "We've been watching you for weeks. The way you look at him... it's obvious!"

I can't believe I said it out loud, I thought, hugging my pillow. They know. But he doesn't... not yet. Not him.

⸻

The Morning

I woke to the soft vibration of my phone. My heart jumped.

Malachi❤️: Morning, beautiful. I'm outside.

My eyes widened. Outside?! At 7 a.m.? I scrambled out of bed, slipping on a hoodie and brushing my hair quickly.

Through the window, he was there, leaning casually against his car with that smug, effortless smile. My chest fluttered.

Freya❤️: You're insane. It's 7:00 a.m.
Malachi❤️: Insanely dedicated. Get out here, Frey.

By the time I ran downstairs, he was opening the passenger door, grinning wider than seems possible.

"Morning, Frey," he said softly, his hand brushing mine as I slid into the car.

"Morning, Mal," I whispered, heart thudding.

The drive to school was quiet in the best way—soft music playing, sunlight spilling across his face—but our hands found each other on the console, fingers naturally intertwining. I didn't pull away.

He's relentless. And I... I don't want him to stop, I thought.

She's mine, Malachi thought, thumb brushing across my hand. And I'll do whatever it takes to get her to admit it. She's scared, but she'll say it eventually. I love her. I've always loved her.

⸻

At School

Walking into school together felt different. His hand lingered at the small of my back, and when our fingers brushed, a spark shot through me. He nudged me in the hallways, leaned in at lunch, and found little excuses to touch my shoulder or hand.

I'm falling for him more every second, I thought. I want to tell him, but... not yet. Not today.

She's thinking about it too. I can feel it, Malachi thought. I just have to be patient, nudge her a little, and she'll admit it. Soon. I love her. Completely.

Even in class, I caught glimpses of him watching me when he thought I wasn't looking. Every glance made my heart lurch. Every little brush of skin sent a shiver up my spine.

⸻

That Night

After dinner, sprawled across my bed, I scrolled through texts from Arianna and Sway. They were relentless.

Arianna: Did you tell him?
Sway: Please say you told him. He was staring at you all day.
Freya❤️: Not yet.
Arianna: The suspense is killing us.
Sway: And him. He knows something's up.

I hugged my pillow tightly, biting my lip. I can't. Not tonight. But maybe soon...

Just then, my phone buzzed. Malachi calling. My stomach twisted as I swiped to answer.

"Hey, Mal," I whispered.

"Hey, beautiful," he said, his voice soft but teasing. "I've been thinking about you all day. I can't get you out of my head."

I know. I love him. But I can't tell him yet... not fully, I thought, my chest aching.

"You're quiet," he said, smiling through the phone. "What's on your mind?"

I hesitated. "Nothing... just tired, I guess."

He tilted his head, eyes softening like he could see straight through me. "Mhm... tired, huh? I know that look. You're thinking about something. I can see it. I can always see it."

He can see right through me, I thought.

"I... I was just thinking about today," I admitted cautiously. "You... you were really sweet."

He grinned, but there was a warmth in his eyes that made my chest ache. "Sweet? That's all you're going to say? I could tell you loved it."

I rolled my eyes, my heart pounding. "Maybe I did."

"You did, didn't you?" he pressed softly. "I can tell, Frey. Every little glance, every smile... it's like you're glowing when I'm around."

My stomach flipped. Does he really see me that way? Or is he just teasing me?

Before I could answer, my phone buzzed again. Texts from Arianna and Sway:

Arianna: Oh my God, are you actually talking to him right now?
Sway: I can hear the swooning from here.
Freya❤️: Shut up! You guys are ridiculous.
Arianna: We're helping. Be honest. You love him. We know it.
Sway: And he's not subtle either. You two are a disaster waiting to happen.

I laughed softly. "They're ridiculous," I murmured, more to myself than to Malachi.

"Who's ridiculous?" he asked, brow furrowed playfully.

"My friends. They're... overly invested in our lives," I admitted.

He chuckled. "I can't blame them. I'd be invested too if someone like you was in my life."

I love him more than I can even admit, and he has no idea... not yet, I thought.

We talked a little longer, mostly small things—jokes, playful teasing, random stories—but every word carried weight, and every pause was filled with longing.

Eventually, we said goodnight. I lay back against my pillows, chest tight, mind racing with all the things I wanted to say but couldn't.

One day soon... I whispered to myself. One day soon, I'll tell him everything. But for now... this closeness, these little moments... it's enough.

And somewhere across town, I knew Malachi was thinking the same thing:

I love her. I've always loved her. And soon... soon I'll hear it from her. I just need to be patient... but not for too long.