Maybe

Chapter 7 In your Eyes

__Nina__

We went to buy some flowers together, selecting a few as a sample to show her. As we finished, I casually mentioned, "I'm heading home now."

"Goodbye," he replied tersely. I assumed he would accompany me home as usual, so without saying more, I started walking. Lost in thought, I noticed a colorful leaf on the pavement and bent down to admire it. Suddenly, the blaring horn of an approaching truck jolted me out of my reverie. I looked up to see it speeding toward me, frozen in place.

Before I could react, I felt a strong push and a pair of arms enveloping me. I opened my eyes to find myself staring into his strikingly intense gaze.

"Are you okay?! How could you be so careless?!" he exclaimed, clearly shaken.

Pushing him away, I retorted, "Oh, come on, Ethan. There was a beautiful leaf on the road."

"You would risk your life for a damn leaf?!" His voice betrayed a mix of anger and concern. I looked away, letting out a sigh of frustration.

He came closer, taking my hand gently. "What were you thinking? Teaching you how to cross the road?" he quipped sarcastically.

"Seriously? I know how to walk, Mr. Ethan," I shot back, trying to lighten the tension between us.

As we walked together, hand in hand, I couldn't deny a certain fondness for the gesture. Suddenly, an elderly woman passed by, pausing to remark, "Oh, my love birds! You remind me of my own youth... such a beautiful time. Stay safe, you two." With those heartfelt words, she continued on her way.

"See? Even she appreciates our relationship," Ethan remarked with a grin. Startled, I withdrew my hand, insisting, "There's nothing between us." Ethan leaned closer, his gaze unwavering, and softly countered, "But there's something in your heart." 

My cheeks flushed inexplicably, and I glanced away.

"I think we should maintain some distance," I suggested, attempting to break the tension.

"Why? Are you afraid you might fall in love with me?" Ethan challenged playfully.

Yes, I thought, caught off guard by my own emotions.

"Of course not, I have no interest in you anyway," I stated firmly, turning to walk ahead. Despite my dismissal, he caught up and fell into step beside me.

"You don't have to lie, I can see it in your eyes," he insisted.

"See what?" I retorted, glancing at him skeptically.

"Love for me," he replied confidently.

"Nice joke," I scoffed, avoiding his gaze.

"Ah-ha? Okay then, tell me why people look away when they lie?" he challenged.

"What do you mean?" I asked, genuinely intrigued.

"Just answer, bruh," he persisted.

"To hide their expressions?" I ventured.

"Such as?" he prodded further.

"They look away so the other person can't tell they're lying; the eyes give it away," I explained reluctantly.

"So why do you look away every time I ask you something like that?" he pressed on.

"Like what?" I evaded, feeling increasingly irritated.

"Don't you like me?" he asked bluntly. I didn't respond; even I wasn't sure of the answer.

"I look away because your questions are annoying and frustrating," I snapped finally, rolling my eyes.