I Don't Love You(Ianthony au)

Chapter 5: As Long As You're Here

In the mid-year of sixth grade, it was a day like any other, and Ian was having a blast with his friends, including Shayne, Mari, Melanie, and others. The whole class was split into their own little groups, enjoying themselves, when suddenly the teacher made an announcement.

"Class, we have a new student joining us today," the teacher declared, and instantly, everyone's interest was piqued.

The door swung open, revealing a tall boy with dark, curly hair that caught Ian's immediate attention. The boy introduced himself as Anthony Padilla, mentioning that he had recently moved from New York to Sacramento. He expressed his desire to make friends with everyone, and it seemed like the entire class wanted to be his friend because he had this effortlessly cool aura.

Shayne, on the other hand, seemed a bit skeptical. "I don't know about that guy," Shayne muttered to Ian. "He seems like he's trying too hard to be cool."

Ian nodded, but he couldn't help but be captivated by Anthony's striking brown eyes and those charming curly locks.

-<3-

As the days went by, Ian's crush on Anthony continued to grow, even though Anthony hadn't shown much interest in him. They still hadn't talked, but Ian found himself constantly stealing glances at him during class, in the cafeteria, and even during recess. It was as if he couldn't help himself, and he couldn't shake the desire to be friends with this intriguing new boy.

Shayne remained skeptical of Anthony, but Ian's infatuation only deepened. He couldn't explain this magnetic pull he felt towards Anthony, but it was undeniable.

-<3-

In the midst of the science class, the teacher announced the group science project, and Ian's attention shifted away from the lesson. His heart raced as he realized that Anthony was also in this class. The teacher began pairing students, and Ian's mind raced with anticipation.

Shayne was paired with Courtney, and he didn't seem too thrilled about it, muttering a curse under his breath. Ian just assumed that Shayne just doesn't like anyone. But then, something extraordinary happened.

The teacher called out, "Anthony Padilla and Ian Hecox." Ian was taken aback, and his heart skipped a beat. This was his chance to get to know Anthony better.

Anthony, with a warm smile, rose from his seat and walked confidently to where Shayne had been sitting, beside Ian. He introduced himself to Ian, saying, "Hey, Ian, looks like we're working together on this project. It's gonna be great, I can feel it." Ian, still in a daze, realized that Anthony knew his name. He was lost in the way Anthony said his name and just nodded with the smile.

The teacher had assigned them a project on "The Water Cycle and Its Importance." They needed to create a visual presentation explaining the water cycle and its significance to the environment.

After class, Ian hesitantly approached Anthony, his voice betraying his excitement, "Hey, Anthony, would you be okay with working on the project at my place? I've got all the materials we need, and we can make it really awesome!"

Anthony's eyes lit up, and he nodded eagerly. "That sounds awesome, Ian! I'd love to work on it at your place. Let's make it the best project our class has ever seen!" His voice, the way he eyes brows moved when he talks, his sparkling eyes feel so dangerous and addictive to Ian.

-<3-

In the middle of that chilly night, Ian awoke, shivering from the cold breeze that had seeped through his window. Confused and bleary-eyed, he couldn't remember opening the window. As he started to sit up to close it, he noticed a dark silhouette standing at the end of his bed, sending a chill down his spine. His initial fear turned to surprise as he recognized the figure—it was Anthony.