How I survived in an all boys glade

Chapter Seventy-two

- Is that so? -

"Hey," I say softly, my voice barely above a whisper, as I look up at Newt. His sad expression tugs at my heart, and for a moment, I wish I could erase whatever is weighing on him. His eyes meet mine, their usual warmth dimmed by something unspoken. 

"So," Minho suddenly cuts in, his voice loud and teasing as he leans casually against the doorway. "You two finally kissed, eh?"

His words hit like a lightning bolt, and I feel the heat rush to my cheeks instantly. "I-..." I stammer, floundering for words, desperate to deny or deflect. My face feels like it's on fire as Newt just chuckles awkwardly beside me, scratching the back of his neck.

Minho, ever the instigator, doesn't let up. "Wait..." he says, narrowing his eyes as a mischievous grin spreads across his face. "Did you do it too?" His tone is dripping with mock scandal, and I can practically see the smugness radiating off of him.

"What?! No?!" I blurt out, my voice high-pitched in mortification. "God..." I add, my face scrunching up in disgust at the insinuation. My reaction only seems to fuel Minho's amusement, and he bursts out laughing.

"Well, I better get going," he says, finally taking mercy on me. His grin doesn't falter as he turns toward the door. "Gotta show Thomas the running gear before he goes in the Pit." As he leaves, he throws one last smirk over his shoulder, clearly enjoying my embarrassment.

"That guy," I mutter under my breath, shaking my head as I turn back to Newt, who's still standing there, his expression softer now. "I'm gonna go check up on the animals," I say, trying to regain some semblance of normalcy. I glance up at him, offering a small smile. "So, I'll see you later?"

Newt doesn't answer right away. Instead, he steps closer, wrapping his arms around me in a gentle hug. "See you later, then," he says, his voice low and warm. His face is so close now, inches away from mine, and my breath catches.

"I should probably go now," I mumble, my voice faltering as I try to convince myself to leave. His gaze drops briefly to my lips before flicking back up to my eyes, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"Yeah, you probably should," he teases, but instead of letting me go, his arms tighten around me, pulling me closer. My heart races as I feel the warmth of his body against mine.

"Newt," I start, my voice barely above a whisper, "I really have to go help Tyrell..." My words trail off as his smirk widens.

"Then why aren't you leaving?" he asks, his tone light but playful. His amber eyes seem to sparkle with mischief as he holds my gaze.

"I... have no idea," I admit, my voice trembling slightly as my eyes flicker between his and his lips. The distance between us feels impossibly small, and yet, every inch is charged with anticipation.

"Mhm?" he hums, his smirk softening into a tender smile. He leans in just a fraction closer, his presence intoxicating.

"I... don't... want to," I finally confess, my cheeks heating up even more. The words feel like they're hanging in the air, vulnerable and raw.

"Is that so?" he murmurs, his tone laced with affection and a hint of teasing. The small smile playing on his lips grows, and before I can think or breathe, he's leaning in further.

"Mhm," I hum quietly, nodding slightly as I look up at him, completely lost in the moment. And then, the gap between us disappears. His lips press softly against mine, warm and gentle, and my heart feels like it might burst from my chest.

I wrap my arms around his neck instinctively, pulling him closer as his hands slide down to my waist, anchoring me to him. Butterflies erupt in my stomach, and I can't help but smile into the kiss, the world around us fading away. When I finally pull back slightly, my breath is shaky, but before I can say anything, he leans in again, capturing my lips once more.

After a few more stolen moments, we finally part, our foreheads resting against each other as we catch our breath. "I really have to go now," I say with a sheepish smile, my heart still racing from the kiss.

"I know, I know," he chuckles softly, his eyes filled with warmth. He leans in for a quick, playful kiss before letting me go. "I'll see you later?" he asks, his hands lingering on my waist.

"Definitely," I reply, my smile widening as I step back, my heart feeling lighter than it has in days. As I walk toward the door, I glance back over my shoulder one last time. He's still standing there, his smirk firmly in place. With a wink, he sends my heart racing all over again. Smiling to myself, I turn back and step outside, the memory of his touch still lingering.