Ice & Prejudice

Chapter 46

The airport was bustling with people, but the noise around us felt muted, like we were in a bubble of our own tension. I couldn't tell what bothered me more-Nik's silence or the way I couldn't stop glancing at him, hoping for some sign that we were okay. He walked ahead of me, effortlessly navigating through the crowds, and I had to jog to keep up with him.

He hadn't said much during the ride to the airport or even after dinner at his family's place, and now, as we moved through security and toward our gate, it was more of the same. His face remained unreadable, his eyes focused straight ahead. I hated not knowing what he was thinking. More than that, I hated how much I cared.

I had explained everything to my sisters, minus the fact that I was low key was developing feelings for Nik, and how he kissed me before dinner when we were arguing after I collapsed. I spent the entirety of Friday together with my sisters, and it was wonderful catching up and just hanging out with them. I needed that. I really did.

Nik texted me in the morning that we had our flight back at 6 pm that today, so we'd be home Sunday night, and I could get a good night of sleep before classes start again on Monday. We haven't really spoken ever since he dropped me off at my home, but I figured it was for the best. My sisters have reminded me who we were talking about here, and how I should think a bit straighter again. And it worked, at first.

That was until I saw him again, when he showed up at the house this afternoon. He was wearing black sweatpants that somehow still looked looked classy on him-it wasn't fair- together with a hoodie and his jacket and boots. His dark blond hair messy yet luscious that made me fight the urge to just lace my fingers through them. I was also wearing sweatpants this time, but dark gray ones, with a dark warm sweater. And just my regular sneakers and coat. My hair was in a high ponytail, only my layered curtain bangs out, framing my face.

By the time we boarded the plane and took our seats in first class, the tension in me was unbearable. I watched him as he put our backpacks in the overhead compartment, his movements controlled, almost robotic.

When he finally settled into his seat next to me, I couldn't hold back any longer. "Are you mad at me?" I asked, my voice softer than I intended, almost timid.

He turned to look at me, his expression blank at first. But then his eyes softened, just a fraction. "No."

That was it. Just a single word, and then he kept his gaze on me, those deep gray eyes piercing through me. I wanted to believe him, but there was something in the way he said it that made me think he wasn't telling the whole truth.

"You can't expect me to share every single part of my life with you, Nik. I don't even do that with Layla." My voice was steady, but there was an undercurrent of frustration. He was shutting me out now, and it hurt more than I wanted to admit. Ironic, I know.

His response was immediate, his tone dry, almost dismissive. "I don't expect anything from you."

The way he said it, like he didn't care, stung. But I knew him well enough by now to see through it. He was putting up a wall, and it made me want to tear it down, brick by brick. I looked away from him, figuring this had no use anyway, shifting uncomfortably in my seat, not sure what to say next, but before I could figure it out, he sighed.

"Are you hungry?" His voice was softer now, less guarded.

I looked at him, surprised by the sudden change. I wasn't really hungry, but this felt like an opportunity to bridge the gap between us. If saying yes would lighten the mood, then that's what I'd do. "Uh, sure."

He smiled, just a small one, but it was enough to ease the tightness in my chest. He handed me a menu, and I pretended to study it, though my mind was still racing. Nik ordered for both of us, his voice polite and friendly as he spoke to the flight attendants. I found myself liking that about him, how he treated people with respect even when he was clearly not in the best mood.