Was it meant to be?

Hard to get

I lie in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. My mind keeps going back to Mello and that awkward interaction yesterday. I know it wasn't the best first impression—okay, it was a disaster—but maybe I can fix it. I just need a chance to show him I'm not some weirdo. The morning sunlight filters through the window, signalling a new day. I wonder what I'll do today.

Meanwhile, Mello's POV:

"I'm craving chocolate," I mutter, pacing around the room as Matt lounges on the couch, completely absorbed in a game on the Xbox.

"You always are, bro," Matt replies lazily, not even glancing up from his screen. "Check the cabinet. I saw some this morning."

I head over to the cabinet, rummaging through it until I find a chocolate bar. I toss a pack of cigarettes to Matt, which lands perfectly in his lap. Unwrapping the chocolate, I take a bite and walk over to the mirror, checking myself out for a moment.

"Oh, by the way," Matt says, finally tearing his eyes away from the game to light a cigarette. "What's your take on that new girl, Y/N?"

I roll my eyes, the memory of yesterday's encounter immediately surfacing. "She was staring at me. It was weird as fuck," I reply, leaning against the wall.

Matt shrugs, blowing out a puff of smoke. "She's not that bad. Maybe you should get to know her. You know what Watari and Rodger said—we're supposed to be nice to her, help her settle in."

"Yeah, whatever." I scoff. "Watari also said no smoking, but that rule doesn't seem to apply to you, does it?"

Matt grins, unfazed by my comment. I open the window to let out the smoke, then glance at the clock. "I'm heading to the corner shop in about an hour and a half. You coming?"

Matt sighs but nods, his attention still on the game. As I'm about to leave, I remember something. "Shine borrowed my CD player. I'm going to grab it back."

I step out of the room, walking down the hall to door number 5. Knocking loudly, I hear Shine's muffled voice from the other side.

"Jeez, chill out! I'm coming!" she calls. When she opens the door and sees me, she raises an eyebrow. "Oh, hey, Mello. You want your CD player back?"

I nod, stepping inside when she motions for me to come in. But I freeze when I see her sitting there—her, the new girl, Y/N. Great, more awkward interactions.

Y/N's POV:

Mello's presence makes the air feel heavy, and I can't help but glance at him again. I know he caught me staring yesterday, but I can't help it. There's something about his eyes—they're so intense, almost captivating.

Did he just... look me up and down? My heart races, and my mind scrambles. Should I say something? I don't want to come off as weird, but staying silent feels just as awkward. Shine, please hurry up with that CD player.

Suddenly, Mello speaks, his voice casual. "Cool outfit."

Wait—what? Is he talking to me? I glance down at my clothes, surprised. I'm wearing an off-the-shoulder cream-colored sweater, Ugg boots, and a brown plaid skirt. It's pretty simple, nothing like his leather-and-attitude look.

"Oh, uh, thanks! Your outfit is cool too!" I blurt out. Why did I just repeat his compliment? I feel like such a dork.

To my surprise, Mello chuckles, a soft sound that makes my cheeks flush with embarrassment. I quickly look away, my face burning.

Shine's voice breaks the moment. "FOUND IT! Sorry for the wait—here's your CD player." She hands Mello a silver CD player, looking pleased with herself.

"Thanks," Mello says, grabbing it. As he turns to leave, he pauses in the doorway and looks at me. "If you're not doing anything today, me and Matt are heading out in about an hour and a half. You can come if you want. Bring your friend too." He nods toward Shine. "We're just going to the corner shop, but maybe we'll hang out at the park after."

And just like that, he's gone, leaving me sitting there, completely confused. What just happened? I thought he hated me, but now he's inviting me to hang out?

Shine snaps me out of my thoughts. "So... you wanna go? This could be a good chance to befriend Mello. They don't usually invite people to hang out, so I think they're doing this for you."

"For me?" I repeat, still trying to process what just happened.

Shine nods. "Yeah, you should take the opportunity. Not everyone at Wammy's is as friendly. It could make your time here a lot easier."

I bite my lip, thinking it over. She's right—this could be my chance to make a better impression on Mello. Besides, what's the worst that could happen? I've got some money to spend, and I could always use the fresh air.

Shine suddenly stands up. "Listen, I just remembered I have some homework I need to finish up before we go out. I'll catch up with you later, okay?"

"Yeah, no worries," I reply. "I've got your number now anyway, thanks for helping me set up my phone."

As I leave Shine's room, I feel restless. I don't really feel like sitting around on my phone until it's time to go. Maybe I'll find Near and see what he's up to.