Ablaze

Five

Ashling's POV

Ah, finally lunch time. I only have one short class after lunch and then I go home, thank goodness the day is almost over.

I found myself thinking about Kaen for most of the day. He looked kind of down this morning... and not angry for once. I know we're not exactly best friends... but I just figured after our drive home the other night, we were at least somewhat acquainted. So for him to not even say hi back to me... made me feel a little upset.

The food at this school is actually really good. It's not regular school food like at my old school. They have an "around the world" cafeteria, so there's food from all different cultures.

I decided on having some sushi today because I wanted something a bit lighter. I find Akita at our table sitting with some of the others.

"Hey, guys."

"Hey, Ash!"

I sit down with my friends, "Can I just say— I will never get over the food at this place. I feel like I'm eating at a restaurant everyday."

They laugh, "Yeah, it is pretty cool."

"You doing anything today, Ash? Wanna hangout after school? A few of us are going to the mall."

"Oh, sure! Thanks."

"We're gonna go right after school, you can ride with me in my car."

"Can't wait. I've been needing to do some shopping, anyway."

We continue eating our food for a bit more, and lunch is almost over. I've scanned the cafeteria a few times for Kaen, but haven't been able to find him.

Oh, shit, there he is.

"Hey, guys, I'm gonna head out. I have some stuff to get at my locker."

"Okay, no problem. Just meet me at the senior doors later."

I nod at Akita and leave the cafeteria, in hopes that I'll catch Kaen before he disappears.

Kaen's POV

I can't wait to get out of this place and get back home. Although, Del asked me to go out with him, I feel kinda bad if I say no— considering I blew him off this weekend. I guess I'll just suck it up and go for a little while. It'll be nice to hangout with my best friend.

I've found myself thinking about Ash throughout the day. I wanted to talk to her in class... but I just couldn't. I don't know what's happening to me... a girl has never caught my attention like this before.

Sure, I've hooked up with a few girls before, but those were just one night stands that didn't mean anything. I've never just had pointless conversation with a girl before... I've never been interested to.

I can't let a girl ruin the way that I think, or how I act. I have a reputation of being tough, and I'm not going to let anyone tear that down.

"Hey, Kaen."

I'm snapped out of my thoughts when I hear her voice.

"What?" I turn around.

"Is everything okay? You didn't say much during class and I—"

"Just because someone doesn't speak doesn't mean somethings wrong." My voice is hostile towards her.

"Oh... okay. Well I just wanted to make sure, that's all."

Why... why does she care about me?