Something Complicated

Chapter Thirty-Two: End of Contract

The campus looks remarkably peaceful on a weekend. I had no idea that it could be a perfect place to have some alone time when you don't know where to go. Well, I am aware that only a few students go to school on a weekend, but I'm still surprised to see how tranquil its ambience is.

I walk to the gym and immediately see the glass shelves dedicated to the track team. My eyes spot the photo of Stefan holding their trophy from this year's track meet. My heart swells at the sight of him and his gorgeous smile.

He looks good even in the photo.

"Enjoying the view?"Stefan (the real and not the photo version of him), in his dri-fit shirt and jogger pants, is beaming at me.

"Uh, you can say that," I pay him back with a wink. Yes, a wink. Way to go with your flirting, Jen.

The wink has probably taken him by surprise because it takes him seconds before he can even rebut.

"So you're using your charm to distract me," He moves closer but stops when there's an inch of space separating our faces. "Why did you ask me to come here, Lee?"

"Well, uhm, I have something to say."

"And what is it you want to say?" He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. My heart does an involuntary flip.

"I just want to say that uh—" I pause and take a deep breath. Here goes nothing. "That I like you, Manzano. I might actually have fallen in love with you."

"You what?" He asks, teasing. He then pulls me in for a hug as he kisses me on the cheek. "You like me? You have fallen in love with me?"

I nod. He then kisses me on the other cheek and lifts me off the ground. He's smiling like an idiot.

"Guess what, I like you nuts, too, and I'm crazy in love with you. So can I kiss you now?"

I laugh at Stefan's attempt to flirt, but I eventually nod. I missed him and the only thing I want now is for him to kiss me. As they say, honesty is the best policy, so I'm not denying my feelings anymore. He sets my feet back on the ground and covers my chin with his hand.

"I missed you, Lee. Know that I won't ever let you go again," he says before pressing his lips on mine.

I wrap my arms around his neck and it feels like everything is right in this world again.