Ablaze

Twelve

Ashling's POV

Today is unfortunately our last day of Christmas break. Kaen actually texted me first for once, asking if we could study today. I told him yes because it's the first time he's ever asked, and also because I wanted to talk to him about what happened at the party. Hopefully this goes smoothly, and clears the awkward air.

"Hey."

"Hey, come in."

We're studying at my house today since my mom isn't home.

"How are you?"

"Oh... I'm fine, thanks. How are you?"

"I'm okay..."

This is so fucking awkward. The tension is so thick, you could cut it with a knife.

Kaen's POV

"Okay, look, I'm just gonna say it— I remember what happened at the party... what I said, I mean."

"Oh... you do?"

"Yeah... well not all of it. But, I do remember accusing you of hating me."

"Oh... that. It's cool."

"And... I remember telling you that I wanted you to kiss me."

Shit... I hoped she wouldn't.

"I want to blame it all on the alcohol, but the truth is... I really did want you to kiss me."

"You did?"

"Yeah... I don't know why, but I just did."

Her face is getting red, probably from embarrassment.

"Then... why did you stop me?"

"I don't know... I just didn't want anything to happen between us, I guess. We both have things that we need to be focusing on, and if anything ever happened between us, it would only be a distraction."

A distraction.

From the way she was acting that night... I thought there could be a possibility that she felt at least something for me... but maybe I was wrong. It's better this way, I guess.

"Yeah... I agree. And about the things you said that night... don't worry about it. It's fine. If anything, I felt bad that you thought I hated you. I didn't realize that you felt that way... so I'm sorry."

"It's okay. I was probably just being dramatic. Don't worry... I won't complain about you not kissing me anymore or anything." She chuckles, "We're friends... right?"

"Uhh... yeah... friends."

I wish we could be more.

"Now that that's all cleared up, let's get to studying."

Some time passes by, and even though we cleared things up, there has still been a lot of sexual tension between us.

I'm trying to repress it, but it's so hard when she looks so damn good all the time. I don't know if she's doing it on purpose— but when she puts the pen in her mouth... it drives me insane. I catch myself staring at her constantly, it literally causes me to zone out. I could get lost in her eyes forever.

But, I guess sexual thoughts aren't as bad as actual feelings, right? It's just... a guy thing. Yeah... that's it.

"We should probably stop now before it gets too late since we have school tomorrow."

"Ugh, don't remind me. I'd rather cut my legs off before going back there."

She laughs, "I think that's a little dramatic, but I get it. By the way, our first semester finals are coming up in a few weeks. We should probably study at least three times a week if you want to do good. But you've been doing pretty well with this work so far and we've only been together a few times, so I think you'll be fine."