✿⋆·˚❀˚·⋆✿ The Thread that bind Us ✿⋆·˚❀˚·⋆✿

The Second Proposal

Risa emerged victorious from the challenge. Today was the day she would propose to Noah once more, and this time, the universe conspired to ensure he couldn't possibly say no. The anticipation coursed through her veins, a sweet thrill as she finally grasped the opportunity she had longed for, the moment she had tirelessly prepared for. 

The classroom buzzed with the low hum of anticipation, a symphony of whispers and laughter that reverberated against the walls. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting a warm glow over the rows of desks, but Noah's focus was trapped in a different kind of light—Risa Anders. The most popular girl in school, with long black hair and a smile that could melt glaciers.
Noah tried to bury his nose in "The Great Gatsby," but the murmurs grew louder, drowning out the words on the page.
"Hey, Noah!" Risa's voice cut through the noise, sharp and clear. He glanced up, his heart racing. She was standing at the front of the class, all eyes on her.
He could feel the weight of a thousand stares, and his palms grew clammy. "Risa, don't," he muttered under his breath, knowing full well what she was about to do. 
Risa tossed her hair over her shoulder, a move that sent a ripple of gasps through classmates.
 "Everyone, can I have your attention?" she called, her voice dripping with confidence. The room fell silent, the air thick with curiosity.
Noah shifted in his seat, feeling the heat rise to his cheeks. 
"You all know Noah White, right?" Risa continued, her gaze piercing through the crowd until it landed on him. Noah's heart thudded against his ribcage as she smiled, a mischievous glint in her eye.
"Well, Noah, I have something to say." she paused for dramatic effect, "I love you, Noah White!" she declared, her voice ringing like a bell, echoing in the corners of the room. "Will you make me your wife?"
A collective gasp echoed around the room, followed by a chorus of laughter and hushed whispers. "Did she just propose?" someone squeaked.
Noah could feel the heat radiating off his face as he looked up at her, bewildered. 
All were frozen, mouths agape, while his thoughts raced. 
Noah took a deep breath, throat dry. "Risa, I—"
"Noah, just say yes!" she urged, stepping closer, her expression shifting from playful to earnest. 

The laughter of the peers faded into the background, replaced by the sound of his heartbeat thrumming in his ears. Noah could feel the eyes of the class burning into him, waiting for his response, but all he could think about was the weight of her proposal. "Risa," he said, struggling to find his voice, "I can't—"
"Why not?" she pressed, her tone now tinged with desperation. "I'm offering you everything! I know I'm popular, but I'm real, Noah. I'm here, right now, in front of you."
He shook his head, a knot forming in his stomach. "You don't get it. This is all a game for you."
 Her smile faltered, and for a moment, hurt in her eyes. "Noah, I'm serious!"
 Noah stood up, the chair scraping against the floor with a loud *grind*.
"And I'm saying no!" The words came out harsher than intended. "I don't believe in love, and I don't want to be part of this...this drama."
The room fell silent again, as if he had dropped a bomb. Risa's face fell, the light in her eyes dimming. "So that's it?" she asked softly, the challenge gone from her voice. "You're just going to refuse me again in front of everyone?"
Noah swallowed, feeling the weight of his decision. "Yes."
With a shaky breath, Risa straightened her back, the confidence flooding back as she took a step back, regaining her composure. "Fine." Her voice was steady, but there was a tremor beneath the surface, a crack in her facade. "You'll regret this, Noah," she added, turning on her heel and walking away, the sound of her heels echoing in the now-still classroom.
Murmurs erupted, a cacophony of disbelief and mockery. Everyone's eyes were on Noah, judging, questioning. His heart raced, a whirlwind of emotions swirling inside, but he forced himself to stay calm.
"Did you really just do that?" a voice piped up from the back. Noah shot a glare at the speaker, a guy named Ben, who had always been a jerk.
The bell rang, shattering the tension like glass. He gathered his books, his mind still reeling from the confrontation. As he walked out of the classroom, he caught a glimpse of Risa through the window, her shoulders slumped, a stark contrast to the vibrant girl who had just declared her love. He didn't turn back. He couldn't. The stakes had never felt higher, and he had made his choice. But deep down, a voice whispered in the back of my mind: Was it the right one?