Make me Hate You - Matteo Riddle

Chapter 9 - the Yes

In the serene atmosphere of the library, Aurora sat amidst the towering shelves of books, her mind consumed by a whirlwind of thoughts. The soft glow of lamplight illuminated the pages of her textbook as she pored over her studies, her brow furrowed in concentration.

Beside her, Halo, ever perceptive, glanced over with concern etched on his features. "Are you okay, Aurora?" he inquired, his voice filled with genuine care. "You seem off."

Aurora offered him a grateful smile, appreciating his concern. "I'm alright, Halo," she replied, her tone gentle yet tinged with a hint of weariness, "Thanks for worrying. A few personal things have been going on, but nothing I can't handle."

Halo nodded understandingly, his expression reflecting his respect for her privacy. Sensing that she needed space to sort through her thoughts, he decided to leave the matter alone for the time being, content to offer his support whenever she needed it.

........

In the serene solitude of the Astronomy Tower, Aurora stood in quiet contemplation, her gaze drawn to the dazzling display of stars twinkling above in the night sky. She had arrived early, hoping to bask in the tranquility of the celestial panorama before meeting Tyler later that evening. She was going to say yes to his question.

As she marveled at the ethereal beauty above, the faint sound of the door opening behind her caught her attention, causing her to turn with anticipation. To her surprise, it was not Tyler who entered but Matteo, his unexpected presence sending a surge of conflicting emotions coursing through her. Despite her efforts to avoid him, fate seemed to have other plans as they stood face to face, the tension palpable in the air between them.

In the majestic and beautiful Astronomy Tower, Aurora confronted Matteo, her voice firm despite the unease gnawing at her.

"What are you doing here, Riddle?" she demanded, her words tinged with defiance.

Matteo's piercing gaze bore into hers, his demeanour icily composed as he advanced towards her, prompting her to instinctively retreat.

"Stop. Don't come closer," she warned, her voice betraying a trace of apprehension.

Undeterred, Matteo's smirk widened as he closed the distance between them, his presence looming over her. "Why? You scared?" he taunted, his tone laced with arrogance. Aurora's response was measured, her resolve unyielding as she asserted, "No, I'm just done, Matteo. Done with you. And I think you already know that."

Yet Matteo remained undaunted, his proximity pressing her against the wall, her escape impossible.
'I need to get away. I'm not kissing him again.'

"You've been avoiding me," he observed, his words laden with accusation. Aurora scoffed bitterly, her retort laced with disdain: "Have I been avoiding you or have I just gotten busy with my boyfriend?" she challenged, her defiance masking the uncertainty churning within.

Matteo's gaze remained unwavering, his voice cutting through the tension like a knife. "He is not your boyfriend. You don't want him to be," he asserted, his words laden with a bitter truth.

Amidst the tense atmosphere of the Astronomy Tower, Aurora stood her ground, her voice steady despite the turmoil swirling within her. "You don't know what I want, Matteo," she asserted, her tone tinged with defiance. As Matteo drew closer, his presence looming over her, she maintained her composure, her resolve unyielding.

"And anyways, that's why I'm here - to become his girlfriend," she stated, "So, it would help if you could leave, please, since Tyler will get here soon," she implored, her words edged with frustration. Yet Matteo remained undeterred, his gaze piercing as he questioned her motives.