Guarded Hearts

i'll show you why I find you so captivating.

Mabel's morning began like any other, with the soft glow of sunlight filtering through her window. She stretched and yawned, feeling the remnants of a peaceful sleep slip away as she became more aware of the day ahead. She quickly got dressed and headed out of her dorm, ready to face the world.

As she entered the bustling cafeteria, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the sound of friendly chatter greeted her. Mabel joined her friends at their usual table, Blake and Daisy already engrossed in conversation. Finn and Zach were nowhere to be seen, probably caught up in their own morning routines.

The group laughed and shared stories over breakfast, the atmosphere light and carefree. Mabel couldn't help but notice that something was missing, or rather, someone. Kai's absence struck a chord within her, leaving a lingering feeling of curiosity and uncertainty.

After bidding her friends goodbye, Mabel made her way to her biology class. Lost in her thoughts, she absentmindedly walked through the hallways, navigating the familiar corridors. But just as she turned the corner, she felt a firm yet gentle tug on her arm, pulling her into a janitor's cupboard.

Startled, Mabel's eyes widened as she realized it was Kai who had whisked her away. The small space was dimly lit, with brooms and cleaning supplies neatly organized on the shelves.

"Kai, what are you doing?" she exclaimed, her heart racing with a mixture of surprise and anticipation.

He looked at her intently, his dark eyes holding a mix of playfulness and sincerity. "Mabel, I realized something. You never gave me your number."

Mabel's cheeks flushed, a mixture of confusion and curiosity swirling within her. She hadn't expected this sudden confrontation, especially in such an unexpected place.

Mabel couldn't help but playfully tease Kai, her eyes gleaming mischievously. "You think you deserve my number, huh? I'm not so sure about that."

Kai grinned, his dimples deepening. "Fair enough," he replied, leaning casually against a nearby shelf. "But how about this? I'll give you my number, and you can decide whether or not you want to text me. The ball will be in your court."

Mabel raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his proposition. She pondered for a moment, weighing her options. The thought of having Kai's number, a direct line of communication between them, sparked a mix of excitement and uncertainty.

"All right," she finally said, a playful glint in her eyes. "Give me your number, and I'll decide if you're worthy of a text."

Kai laughed, pulling out his phone and swiftly typing in his digits. He handed it to Mabel, their fingers briefly brushing against each other. There was an undeniable electricity between them, a magnetic pull that only seemed to grow stronger with each passing moment.

Mabel took the phone, glancing at the screen. "I'll have you know, I'm a tough judge," she warned, her lips curving into a sly smile.

Kai chuckled, his gaze fixed on her. "I wouldn't expect anything less."

As Mabel attempted to leave the janitor closet, she tugged at the door handle, only to find it stubbornly refusing to budge. Frustration crept into her features, and she sighed, casting a glance back at Kai. "Looks like we're trapped in here," she remarked, a touch of amusement in her voice.

Kai's eyes sparkled mischievously as he stepped closer to Mabel, his body leaning against hers ever so slightly. She could feel the warmth radiating from him, and her heart skipped a beat. His hand reached out and gently grazed her waist, sending a tingling sensation through her body. "You see, Belly," he said, his voice low and playful, "you're supposed to turn the handle to the right."