Shy

Clara

I sink against my front door, not even able to make it up the stairs.

I have a boyfriend.

Not only do I have a boyfriend, said boyfriend is none other than the gorgeous Kit Taylor, the guy everyone dreams of capturing the attention of. And NOT ONLY THAT, but Kit Taylor just so happens to be my soulmate.

My soul freaking mate.

I think I'm going to hyperventilate.

My mind drifts back to his face, the emotions that flickered wildly through his expression, the anxiety that wracked his body.

It was difficult to watch, but I couldn't look away. It felt so intimate, as if he was showing me a huge part of who he is and just how much he struggles, though the world knows it not.

He's good at hiding how he feels, but I'm glad he didn't.

Beneath the anxiety and the nerves, lies a cheeky, charismatic personality that I sometimes get a glimpse of and it makes my heart ache. I can't wait for him to become more comfortable with me, to get to know the real him even more.

I sigh happily, my fingers lightly dancing over my lips.

It would be so easy to fall into the trap of thinking that Kit's anxiety is all he is, but it's simply not true. His anxiety is an unfortunate companion that he did not ask for, a burden he has to bear that clouds the beautiful personality he was born with. It masks all that he is, and chips away at who he could be, but he is so much more than that burden he carries.

I get up from the floor, my grin stretching from ear to ear and whilst my dad finds it simply unnerving, my mum couldn't be happier. She winks at me across the dinner table and seems to revel in this shared secret of ours. The cute guy that's making me grin over pork chops at the dinner table.

I rush to my room after dinner, itching to tell Kia but managing to refrain. Kit might have already told her, but if not, I want to see her reaction in person.

I dig around in my wardrobe, determined to find something beautiful to wear to college tomorrow. I want to show Kit exactly what's he's got, because the way he looks at me makes me feel so beautiful, even when I'm not trying at all.

I dig out a little white dress, covered in purple flowers. It'll be a little chilly, but I'll pair it with tights and little boots and my white coat.

When I wake the next morning, I get ready with a vigour that I've never felt before. I take a little more time with my hair, and decide to forego all the make up and just make do with mascara and some lip balm. I've always been more of a natural girl anyway.

I manage to sit still long enough to eat breakfast and I'm glad I do.

My phone pings and I dig it out. My cheeks burn as I read the message, already knowing who it's from.

+44 7856 226890

Good morning meatball

I smile giddily to myself and hop off my chair, grabbing my bag and dashing out the door. I save his phone number on my way, my heart thrumming all the while.

I reach college in record time and decide to head straight for my locker. I stash my coat and bag away just as Kia sidles up next to me.

"What did you do to my brother? Because he was insufferable all evening and this morning he will not stop smiling it's disturbing. You look nice, by the way." Kia states, speaking a thousand words per minute and I laugh.

"I didn't do anything..." I trail off. Kia makes an unconvinced noise as she leans against the lockers and I cave.

"Well, except agreeing to be his girlfriend." I add.

Kia straightens up suddenly, knocking her head into my locker door, her entire expression startled as she stares at me.

"Ouch, that had to hurt." I mumble, peering at her forehead.

"You what? You mean he actually asked? And you said yes?!" She squeals and I nod, blushing at the memory of it.

Kia laughs, nodding at me.

"Well, no wonder you're all dolled up." She says, rubbing her forehead absently.

I wave her off but don't bother denying it. I wanted to look nice, it's no big deal.

"No really, you look stunning today. Four boys have stopped to stare while I've been standing here. Kit's going to lose his mind." Kia says, observing the people wandering the halls and I scoff.

"No he won't." I remark and Kia just raises an eyebrow in response.

The bell rings and we go to part ways, my heart skipping a beat as I realise I can't wait for maths.

"Try not to break him just yet!" Kia calls and laugh, shaking my head.

I make my way down the corridor and find Kit waiting for me outside our classroom.

He spots me and I smile. His eyes widen noticeably at my appearance and he meets me halfway.

Holding me at arms length, he looks me up and down with a small smile on his face before engulfing me in a hug. I nestle into his arms, finding his scent so comforting. He gives me a quick kiss on the cheek before taking my hand and leading me into class.

"So, are you trying to make my heart stop, or do you always look this beautiful?" Kit asks quietly and I grin.

"I'm just asking, because if you always look like this then I need to prepare myself." He adds, his hand drifting to his chest.

He pulls my chair out for me and I sink into it, laughing at his expression.

"I don't always look like this." I murmur, pulling out my books and trying to ignore Caroline glaring daggers at me.

Kit hums, leaning over so that his lips are millimetres from my ear.

"You may not always look like this, but you are always just as beautiful." He whispers, erecting himself and busying himself with his papers. His cheeks are tinged with a little colour, and I exhale giddily as I watch him take a deep breath, trying to relax.

Throughout class, my concentration comes and goes. Kit tries his hardest to be proper and studious, but every time my elbow touches his, or our fingers accidentally meet, sparks seem to flow through my entire body.

By the time our class has ended, I'm exhausted. But I couldn't be happier.