To Be Or Not To Be

Chapter 14

Islas POV

The first day back after winter break was a whirlwind of laughter, catching up with friends, and trying to shake off the holiday sluggishness. Myra and I navigated through the bustling halls, swapping stories and making plans for the semester ahead. I couldn't shake the feeling of curiosity about what was going on with Myra. However, I've always respected her privacy, knowing that she'll share when she's ready. For now, all that mattered was knowing that she was okay in the present moment.

Despite my lingering questions, I focused on being there for her if she needed me, even if it meant waiting until she was ready to open up. As long as I knew she was alright for now, I was willing to be patient and let her confide in me when the time felt right. After all, true friendship is about understanding and supporting each other, even in moments of silence and uncertainty.

"So, did you see Ali yet?" Myra nudged me with a mischievous grin.

I rolled my eyes playfully. "Nope, not yet."

As we entered second period, I couldn't help but glance around discreetly, searching for any sign of Ali. But he was nowhere to be found.

Myra caught my subtle search and chuckled. "Still on the Ali hunt, huh?"

"Just curious," I shrugged, trying to play it cool.

Meanwhile, Adam sauntered over, flashing a charming smile. "Hey, Myra. Missed me over break?"

I couldn't help but laugh at his boldness. "Maybe a little. How was your holiday?"

"Same old, same old," he replied, leaning against the desk. "But hey, now that we're back, I was thinking we should hang out sometime."

"Please, spare me" she chuckles.

Ali's presence had lingered in my thoughts since the moment I stepped into school today. With a mix of anticipation and curiosity, I found myself discreetly scanning the bustling hallway, yet again, hoping for a glimpse of him in the sea of students. Yet, despite my efforts, Ali was no where to be seen.

Disheartened but determined, I made my way to second period, my mind still preoccupied with thoughts of him. Settling into my seat, I couldn't shake the feeling of disappointment, my eyes instinctively drawn back to the door in another attempt to summon Ali's presence once more. And then, almost miraculously, there he was.

Ali sauntered past my classroom, his demeanor seemingly different from usual. his usual passive self, replaced instead by a subtle curiosity as he glanced around, almost as if he was discreetly surveying the surroundings. Our eyes met in an unexpected moment of connection, and for that brief instant, time seemed to stand still.

As Ali's lips curved into that subtle smile, I felt a rush of excitement flood through me, like I'd stumbled onto some hidden gem. 

Did he just genuinly smile??

But it was gone so fast, I couldn't help but wonder if I'd imagined it. 

Could it be that Ali actually acknowledged me? The mere thought sent shivers down my spine, sparking a whole new level of curiosity about the mysterious guy who had caught my eye. 

Lost in my thoughts, I barely noticed Myra's amused smirk. Her tone teasing yet knowing. "Finally found your prince charming, I see," she quipped, a playful glint in her eye.

Quick to downplay the situation, I shook my head fervently. "No, no, it's not like that. I was just... looking," I stammered, hoping to deflect any assumptions.

But Adam, always one to cut through the fluff, chimed in with a knowing smirk. "Oh, come on, Isla. We all saw what just happened," he remarked, his tone light but pointed.

Caught off guard by their observations, I felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment. "Shut up, I don't know," I muttered, covering my face with my hands in a feeble attempt to hide myself from further embarrassment. 

As the day went on, the buzz of excitement filled the air. Ilyas joined our group during lunch, regaling us with exaggerated tales of his adventures over the break.

"So, any news from the break?" Ilyas asked, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

Myra leaned in conspiratorially. "Well, you'll never guess who Isla has her eye on."

I shot her a playful glare, but Ilyas was all ears. "Do tell."

Before I could protest, Myra spilled the beans about my supposed crush on Ali, much to Ilyas's amusement.

"Ali, huh?" Ilyas grinned. 

"Shut uppppp," I exclaimed, feeling a blush creeping up my cheeks as Ilyas persisted in teasing me relentlessly.

But Ilyas, never one to let a chance for banter slip by, grinned mischievously. "Nono, do tell us more, Ms. Lovestruck."

Rolling my eyes, I shot back with a hint of sarcasm, "Hop off a bridge, please. Thanks."

Our playful argument continued, the friendly banter adding a lively energy to the lunchroom atmosphere. However, our exchange was abruptly interrupted by the unexpected presence of Ali and his friends passing by our table. My heart skipped a beat as I felt the subtle brush of Ali's backpack against my back, a sensation that sent a shiver of excitement down my spine. Caught off guard by his proximity, I found myself momentarily speechless, my mind racing with a whirlwind of emotions.

As Ali and his friends continued on their way, I couldn't shake the feeling of electricity lingering in the air, a silent reminder of the brief but undeniable connection I had felt in that fleeting moment. Turning back to my friends, I attempted to brush off the encounter with a casual shrug, but deep down, I knew that something had shifted within me. 

As the day rolled on, that encounter with Ali kept replaying in my head like a broken record. I couldn't shake the feeling that maybe he'd overheard our banter about him. Was it all just a big coincidence, or did he actually do that on purpose?

I found myself wondering what was going on in his mind. Did he even notice us? Was he trying to send some kind of message? 

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heyy 

ik i said id post this yesterday night but uhhh i kinda sorta maybe forgot

whoops!! 

no but fr sorryy i was so tired after yesterdays fast that i went straight to sleep. 

midterms r coming up n i should be studying for my math test tmr but uhhh its okay! (no its not im gonna fail please make dua for me or else ill cry) bro my teacher literally does not know how to teach i have to teach myself everytjing its so annoying.

anyways 1000 words!! hope u guys like todays chapter, i feel like ima make chapters a bit fast paced now but well see

please vote i want atleast 5 votes on this chapter before i post the next one cuz i see yall reading the chapters just not voting 🙄

also please dont forget to comment!! thank youuu

i love you byeeeeee (pray for me)