Family Friends (Kleinsen One-Shots)

9. Zoe's POV

CHAPTER 9

She entered the classroom, the students' chatter dying down as she strode over to her usual seat. She saw the blond out of the corner of her eye, waving her arm, and with a shout of his name, he had seen her. Zoe smiled wide, motioning him to come over to talk. He looked, confused, and slowly made his way over to his desk.

"Hey, Evan," Zoe acted normal, as she didn't know how else to act. Things were definitely awkward last Friday, so Zoe had to take the first step and be regular. She did feel bad. 'I should've considered his own feelings. But I thought he liked me...' The more Zoe thought about it, the less it made sense.

She could've sworn he'd liked her, right? His face went red, he got fidgety, he'd smile at her? She sighed internally, waving it off. Zoe attempted to make small talk with him, not noticing the sad glimmer in his eyes or the sullen tone of voice.

"You and Jared are so sweet together!" She commented, a grin plastered on her face. Though she had only gained interest in him on Wednesday, she had been carried away by her feelings. Logic was swept out of the window, which explained her adrenaline-filled actions at the party.

"We aren't- aren't together, actually," he mumbled, awkwardly smiling as he scratched behind his ear. Zoe mouthed an 'o' as realization hit her. She shifted in her seat, only taking a few seconds to think of a response. If she couldn't have him, maybe she could try to get them together. This could be the way she could be seen. A matchmaker!

"Oh, really? Why not?" She began, though a part of her wondered if she was pushing too far. "Jared seems like he's into you!" She chirped, remembering the way Jared clung onto his arm as he saw her. 'He seemed protective of him,'

"Yesterday proved otherwise," he muttered under his breath, Zoe barely hearing what he said. She narrowed her eyes, her curiosity getting the best of her.

"May I... ask what happened?" She leaned slightly forward, her interest piqued. Evan recapped what had happened Friday night, his sad and gloomy tone dripping on every word. Zoe nodded in understanding, then she suddenly had a brilliant idea.

"What if you use the shirt as an excuse! I mean- like if you return it to talk to him, and conf- I mean ask him why he's upset!" Zoe almost bit her tongue at her slip up, feeling a hint of selfishness tickle the back of her throat. She took a deep breath, painting a smile over her face.

Evan's face visibly brightened at the idea, and Zoe smiled. Seeing his smile was worth it, even if her heart panged with sadness. She just met him Wednesday, how could she possibly like him? Plus, Evan liked Jared. She had to put their feelings first. Zoe would always have to put herself second like she always is.