Redtail

Chapter 3 (Split Screen-Layla)

I shut my bedroom door with a quiet click, dropping my bag beside my desk. The house is silent which means dads probably working late. No surprise there.

I toe off my shoes and sink into the desk chair. Today wasn't bad. Not exactly good either. Just... different.

Korez.

He was quiet. Not in the way most people are when they don't know what to say. His quiet felt like it had weight to it. Like he was trying to hold something in, or maybe hold something back. I noticed him watching me. Several times. And when he didn't know the answer –

I don't know why I helped him Reflex? Or something else.

I pull out the assignment sheet the science teacher posted. Partner project. Two weeks. Full documentation. Great. Just what I need- forced collaboration.

My phone buzzes once beside me. A notification.

New message from:

Reina. You.                                 

Tell me why you and hot lacrosse guy got paired are lab partners

and you're not even texting me about it?

I stare at the message, then let my head fall back against the chair. Of course she noticed. My phones buzzes again before I can respond.

Don't ignore me.

This Is big. Like, fate-level big.

I saw him today.

Looking at you

It's just a science project

Three dots appear, then disappear, then reappear.

Girl, wake up.

You sat next to Korez Carver

Mr.Brooding Eyes himself

I NEED DETAILS

I chuckle softly, letting Reina's excitement settle into the quiet hum of my room. She's not wrong though. Sitting next to Korez Carver was... something. But I don't know if im ready to dive into whatever this is. The way his gaze lingered on me for too long this morning, like he was trying to figure me out. Either way, I can feel the tension of it all hanging around.

My thumb hovers over the screen as I consider what to say. I type, then delete, then type again.

It's not a big deal. Just a project

The phone vibrates before I can put it down.

You're a terrible liar, Lay.

Just a project?

He's staring into your soul.

Come clean

I bite the inside of my cheek, glancing down at the message. Maybe I should just be honest.

Idk. He was just

Different

Different how?

What did his eyes say to you?

I sigh and put the phone down for now, rubbing my temples.

Because the truth is, I don't really know. But something about him- the way he holds himself, the way doesn't try fit in with the crowd- its intriguing to say the least.

And a little dangerous.

I pick up my phone again, planning out my response. I stare at the blinking cursor, then type slowly.

He didn't say much.

But he didn't need to.

It's like

he looks at you like he already knows something you don't

I hesitate, then send it. Almost instantly:

LAYLA WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN

That's so mysterious

I can't help but smile. Only Reina could spiral over someone elses almost-crush. I pull my legs up onto the chair, hoodie sleeves covering my hands as I lean back.

Korez Carver. He's quiet. Focused. Intense in a way that doesn't come off as forced. I saw the way he looked at me when I passed the note. He so obviously didn't expect it. I caught him off guard.

And I think... I liked that.

The stiff in his shoulders. How he had to pretend not to be rattled. Pretending he wasn't watching my every move.

My phone buzzes again.

If he looks at you like that again

I'll scream.

Loud

Publicly

I smile again. This time into the sleeve of my hoodie, hiding it from no one but myself as I type back.

Please don't. You'll scare him off

OR I'll scare him into confessing his undying love

Either way, I win

I shake my head, setting my phone aside again, face down this time. The room is now noticeably still. Soft, quiet. I can hear the wind tapping against the window.

Korez Carver. I don't know much about him. Just that he's good at somewhat disappearing into a room full of people, yet is somehow almost always the one you notice. There's something beneath his quiet. Not cold, but closed off. Like a locked door you weren't meant to find- but can't help reaching for.

I don't know what I'm getting into, but for once, I don't feel the urge to run.