Romeo and Juliet

27-T-

Prince Charming is Charming 2.0

His gaze lingers on me, and I'm caught between the dizzying blur of the passing landscape and the intensity of his stare. The curtain resists my tug, stubbornly stuck.

"Let me help," he murmurs, his breath a whisper against my ear.

The scent of his jacket is unexpectedly floral, a stark contrast to Zed's refreshing cologne. I inhale discreetly, finding the floral notes unexpectedly enhance his masculinity.

"Is that better?"

I'm caught off-guard, my eyes inadvertently tracing the lines of his chest. I avert my gaze, a flush of confusion warming my cheeks. What is this feeling? I am not ashamed to admit that he looks very handsome today.

"Perfect," I manage to say.

He reclines, offering me an earbud, which I accept with a nod of thanks. The strains of classical music fill my ears, soothing my frazzled nerves.

A few moments pass before I muster the courage to speak. "You know," I begin, turning to face him.

He mirrors my movement, our eyes meeting.

"Zed isn't fond of me spending time with you."

His smile is lazy, disarmingly charming, and my resolve wavers.

"Why's that?"

"It's... well... insecurity."

He chuckles, a sound that's both mocking and endearing.

"He's should be wary of you, not me. After all, he's with the most captivating girl I've ever seen. You're the one who leaves a trail of admirers in your wake. I'm just a face in the crowd to you. He has no reason to fear me—I've got my own image to maintain, and I can't hold a candle to you."

His words draw laughter from me, though I sidestep the compliment. I'm known as a heartbreaker, not for any scandalous reasons, but for the allure of my appearance, my confidence, and my independence.

"Because I'm invested in making this work, I've been keeping my distance from you. To avoid complications."

He tilts his head, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "Are you saying you're ready to settle down? Or are you joking?"

I playfully slap his chest, laughter bubbling up. "I am not getting married, you moron."

"Ah, there's that laugh. Do you realize how many hearts you're going to shatter?"

I nod, fully aware. Yet, the one I had hoped might be 'the one' isn't an option. So I've chosen someone entirely different, someone to help me move past this unattainable crush, to demonstrate the qualities I truly seek in a partner—And not a player who is as blind as my thirteen year old dog who died last year.

"I'm well aware," I affirm, letting my eyelids fall shut as the song's lyrics wash over me, so poignant they nearly coax tears from my eyes. When did my heart grow so tender? I despise this vulnerability. He's done nothing, yet I'm transformed from who I was before that fateful spill.

It's like a crush ignited on sight.

"Are you crying?" Romeo's voice is tinged with playful concern.

"What? No!" I protest, even as I sniffle.

"Yes, you are," he insists gently. "What's troubling you?"

You.

"I'm just feeling a bit emotional, but it's nothing—probably just that time of the month," I deflect.

This excuse has always been my shield. Boys typically shy away from the drama and mood swings, yet Romeo's unflinching response piques my curiosity about his past encounters.

"Do you need anything?" His tone is laced with genuine concern.

It's no mystery why he's popular; he handles these moments with such ease. I stifle a chuckle at the unexpected attention he lavishes upon me.

"No, I'll manage," I assure him.

The bus grinds to a halt, and Steven rises to address us. "Attention, everyone. We're making a brief stop. Feel free to grab some snacks for the road or use the bathroom."

Steven exits, followed by a flurry of students eager for a break.

A weary sigh escapes me, my stomach fluttering with anticipation for tomorrow's match.

"I'll be back shortly," Romeo announces, retrieving his wallet. "My sister craves ice cream during her time of the month. Won't be long," he adds before joining the exodus.