Don't Fall in Love! (English Version)- UNDER REVIEW

CHAPTER 4

A noise made us look towards the library door. It was the headmistress. Erix quickly grabbed my hand and pulled me to a corner of a shelf, out of Mrs. Miller's sight.

We crouched down for a few seconds until I felt the urge to sneeze. Maybe that corner had dust trapped in some books.

And I sneezed.

ㅡWho's there?ㅡ Mrs. Miller asked, and her footsteps could be heard nearby.

Erix covered my mouth with his hand and moved closer to my face. That closeness made the atmosphere seem warmer than usual. His eyes were very close to mine, and I couldn't decipher what they were saying. Usually, I could decipher someone's gaze. But Erix was different. His gaze was so intense and, at the same time, mysterious.

When the footsteps faded away, Erix removed his hand from my mouth and stood up. I stood up too, feeling a slight pain in my legs because I had been in a rather uncomfortable position.

ㅡWhy did we hide?ㅡ My question seemed silly, but I really didn’t know.

ㅡBecause we weren’t supposed to be here, but in the auditoriumㅡ he replied. My eyes widened and I put my hand to my forehead. ㅡWhat’s wrong?

ㅡI didn’t know I was breaking one of the school rules. Oh, crap.ㅡI panicked.

ㅡIt’s not that serious. All you can get is a warning. Nothing moreㅡhe said. He was so serious that it made me even more panicked.

ㅡNothing more? If I get a warning I… I…ㅡ I stopped talking when I realized he was trying to laugh at my indignation. ㅡErix!

ㅡSorry.ㅡHe became serious again. I made a face of discouragement and walked to the library door. He came right after.

ㅡYou don't have to be so seriousㅡ I said, and he stared at me. ㅡI mean, I think you wouldn't seem so scary this way. Seriously, it looks like you're going to kill someone at any moment just with your eyes.

Erix stopped walking. I stopped too and turned to him.

ㅡDoes this bother you?ㅡ He stared into my eyes. His voice was deeper than usual.

ㅡWhat? No, no, that's not it.ㅡ I laughed, a little awkwardly. ㅡOh, never mind. Bye.ㅡI left with long strides and entered the auditorium. Since the lights were off, no one noticed my sudden arrival. I sat in the last chair on the left and looked at the stage.

But I couldn't pay attention to the presentation. Only Erix's eyes were on my mind.

I shook my head. This was getting out of control.

[...]

Physical education class was one of the classes I liked the least. The reason was that our teacher, Mr. Wilson, always made us run like horses in a race all over the court after some activity. And the court was huge!

ㅡOkay, everyoneㅡ he began. ㅡToday we're going to play dodgeball. Position yourselves on that line.

We all went to the indicated line and Mr. Wilson started separating the teams. In short, I was on the team where Zara was. Erix was on the opposing team.

The ball started with the other team. Erix threw it at a boy who was in the corner of the court. The boy dodged and Zara caught the ball. Zara tried to hit the girl who was next to Erix, but she ducked.

And the game continued, three people from the other team were hit and two from my team were too.

A boy threw the ball in my direction and I managed to catch it. However, when I went to throw the ball towards Erix, someone pushed me and I fell hard to the ground. I felt a sharp pain in my left leg because I fell on top of it.

ㅡFaye!ㅡthe teacher shouted. Erix came to me and tried to help me up, but the pain was too strong, so I couldn't.

ㅡOh, I'm sorry, Faye. I didn't see youㅡ Zara said, making a face of astonishment and guilt.

ㅡNo problem, ZaraㅡI said and tried to get up again, but it was in vain. ㅡAh...

Erix turned his back, still crouching. I didn't understand what he wanted to do.

ㅡGet up here. I'll take you to the infirmaryㅡ he said. Somewhat hesitantly, I got up and Erix stood up. I wrapped my arms around his neck and he held my legs carefully so I wouldn't feel pain.

Murmurs filled the air as Erix led me to the exit of the court. I felt my face burn. The question was: why was the most mysterious boy, who seemed to dislike anyone's approach, helping me?

Erix entered the infirmary, placed me on the bed, and sat in the chair beside me.

ㅡWhat happened, Faye?ㅡ Dr. Ying looked at me, worried. She was one of my mother's friends, and they worked together at the hospital before Olivia Ying was transferred here.

ㅡOh, I just fell, I don't think it's that serious.ㅡI shrugged. Dr. Ying touched my leg, and I grimaced. ㅡOuch!

ㅡYou fell on your leg?—she asked, and I nodded.—Is it just this part of your knee that hurts?—I nodded again.—Then I'll put a spray here and bandage it. I'll prescribe some medicine for you to buy and take. It's not very serious, and in a few days you'll be better.

Dr. Ying took the spray and applied it to my knee. I felt a slight pain when that cold thing touched my leg and I turned my face, finding Erix's face. He was looking at me, and for the first time I could decipher what that look meant. It was a mixture of worry and relief.

But maybe it was just my imagination.

ㅡAll done.ㅡDr. Ying's voice woke me from my reverie. I was so distracted that I didn't even notice when she bandaged my knee. ㅡI'll prescribe the medication you'll need. I have to go get more papers, I'll be right back.

Dr. Ying left the infirmary, leaving Erix and me alone.

ㅡErr...ㅡI cleared my throat. ㅡThank youㅡ I said. Erix pulled his hair back, a movement that made me a little disconcerted.

ㅡYou owe me oneㅡ he said. I raised my eyebrows.

ㅡHmm. But why did you help me?ㅡ I asked. My question seemed to catch him off guard. He adjusted himself in his chair before answering:

ㅡBecause it was my fault...

>>>>>