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

Terrace Tensions

Risa Anders sat at her desk, her fingers tracing the edge of her notebook absentmindedly. The classroom buzzed with the chatter of students, but her mind was elsewhere. She glanced at the clock, its ticking growing louder in her ears. 

*Tick-tock, tick-tock.*

"Hey, Risa," Ralph said, sliding into the seat next to her. He raised an eyebrow, noting her distracted demeanor. "You waiting for someone special?"
Risa rolled her eyes, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "Just Noah. Do you know when he'll be here?"
"Maybe he's lost in one of those books he's always reading," Ralph replied, a smirk dancing on his face. "Or maybe he's just trying to avoid you."
Jess, burst into laughter. "Oh, come on, Ralph! You're just jealous he gets to hang out with the most popular girl in school."
Risa nudged Ralph with her elbow, a light laugh escaping her lips.

Just then, door swung open, and Noah stepped inside, a book tucked under his arm. His blue eyes scanned the room, and when they landed on Risa, a small, shy smile broke across his face.
 "Hey!" Risa called, her heart fluttering. 
Before he could respond, Amber pushed her way through the crowd, blocking Noah's path. "Noah, why didn't you reply to my messages? I thought we were friends," she accused, her tone dripping with false sweetness.
"Uh, I didn't see them," Noah replied, scratching the back of his neck, clearly uncomfortable.
 Risa narrowed her eyes at Amber but before she could speak, Jason stormed into the room.
"Risa!" he exclaimed, sidling up to her and placing a hand on her shoulder. "Come on, let's go somewhere. I need to talk to you." A sharp pang of discomfort shot through Risa as Jason's grip tightened. 
"Let me go, Jason!" Risa protested, trying to shake free. 
He ignored her, dragging her towards the door. "Come on, it'll be fun."
"What do you think you're doing?" Jess exclaimed, rising from her seat. Ralph moved to intervene, but Jason's friends blocked their path. "Chill out, guys. We're just going to the terrace," one of them said, smirking.
Noah's heart raced as he pushed past Amber, who glared at Risa. He sprinted after them, determination fueling his steps. 

***

On the terrace, the sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm glow over everything. But the atmosphere was anything but warm as Jason pressed Risa against the wall, his face inches from hers, his breath hot and angry. "You think you can just slap me and get away with it? You're going to pay for that!" he yelled, his voice echoing in the open air.
Risa's heart raced, fear knotting in her stomach. "Jason, let me go! You're being ridiculous!"  
He tightened his grip on her wrists, pinning them against the wall. 
"Just let me go."
"Why? So you can run back to your nerd?" He sneered, tightening his grip on her wrists, raising his hand as if to strike Risa.

Before she could respond, Noah burst through the door. "Get away from her!" he shouted. 
Risa's breath hitched as Noah pulled her towards him, their bodies inches apart. "You don't get to hurt her." Suddenly, the tension snapped. Noah's fist connected with Jason's face with a solid *thud*, sending him stumbling back.
But Jason wasn't defeated yet. His friends surged forward, intent on retaliating.
Risa and Noah exchanged a glance—one filled with urgency and a hint of mischief. They nodded in unison.
"Run!" Noah screamed, grabbing Risa's hand. They bolted down the stairs, laughter mingling with their heavy breaths.
Risa's hair flared behind her like a dark banner, while Noah's blue eyes sparkled with exhilaration. They zipped past surprised students, their laughter echoing through the hallways. "Can't catch us!" Risa teased, glancing back at the chaos they left behind. Noah laughed, the sound rich and joyful. They skidded to a halt just inside the classroom, breathless. Risa leaned against the wall, her laughter subsiding into a soft smile. Noah stood beside her, his chest heaving. "That was... insane," he wheezed, a grin spreading across his face.
"Insane and fun!" Risa replied, eyes sparkling. Risa glanced around, spotting Jess and Ralph, who wore expressions of disbelief mixed with relief. "Are you guys okay?" Jess asked, rushing over.
"Yeah, we're fine!" Risa said, still grinning. "Noah saved me!"
"Saved you from what?" Ralph asked, crossing his arms.
"Jason was being a jerk, as usual," Noah explained, his voice steady. 
But just then, Risa caught Amber's glare through the window, a storm brewing in her eyes. It made Risa's stomach drop, but she pushed it aside. She had more important things to focus on.  

***

After a moment, they all settled down for lunch together, the atmosphere lightening. Risa, Jess, Noah, and Ralph crowded around a table, sharing stories and laughter. The camaraderie felt effortless, a bright spot in the otherwise chaotic day. 

As the final bell rang, signaling the end of classes. Risa jumped up, excitement bubbling inside her. "Noah, I'm taking you to my place for cookies! You know, the kind that will change your life."
 As they walked out together, Risa felt a warmth spreading through her. She glanced at Noah, who was adjusting his glasses, his expression focused.
"You sure you can keep up with me?" she teased, nudging him playfully.
"Please," Noah replied, smirking. "I just outran several people who wanted to beat me up. I think I can handle a few cookies."
Risa laughed, the sound ringing out like music. But as they approached her car, she caught a glimpse of Amber lurking nearby, her expression dark. Risa's laughter faltered for a moment, but she quickly shook it off. "Ready?" she asked, determination in her voice.
"Always," Noah replied, stepping into the passenger seat.
As Risa started the engine, she felt a surge of excitement mixed with apprehension. Today had been chaotic, but it had also brought her closer to Noah. And she couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of something incredible.