Race of Love

Chapter 6

Maya was in the library, her biology book open, but her mind was elsewhere. She couldn't shake the strange exhaustion that had settled over her lately. She'd been trying to push through it, telling herself it was just the stress of balancing classes and track.

Her hand absentmindedly went to her stomach, which had been feeling slightly off all day. She sighed, brushing off the unease as she flipped a page in her book.

Just as she was starting to refocus on her notes, a shadow loomed over her. She looked up to see Roman standing there, a slight grin on his face. His blonde hair was tousled a bit, and his blue eyes gleamed with an awkward but confident determination.

"Hey, Maya," Roman said, pulling out the chair across from her, "Long time no see."

Maya forced a smile, though her stomach churned at the sight of him. "Hey, Roman. What's up?"

"Oh, not much," he shrugged, leaning back in his chair. "Just saw you sitting here and thought I'd come keep you company." any other woman might have fallen for the small smile he tacked on at the end. Although for Maya it had the opposite effect.

Maya nodded, not sure how to respond. Her memory of that night with Roman was hazy, clouded by the combination of alcohol and the sense of regret that had followed. She hadn't expected to see him outside of class, much less have him sit down and strike up a conversation, she made sure to keep away.

"So," Roman started, his voice taking on a tone that Maya recognized all too well. "I was thinking... We had a pretty good time at the Sigma party, right?"

Maya's smile faltered, her heart sinking as she realized where this conversation was headed. "Uh, I guess...?"

"Shhhh" Came a guy from the neighboring table. He shot them a dirty look before returning to his own work.

Roman leaned in a little closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "What do you say we... you know, have a repeat of that night? Just the two of us. No party, no distractions."

Maya felt her pulse quicken, but not in a good way. The awkwardness radiating off him with a mix of forwardness made her uncomfortable. Roman might have been attractive, but the idea of hooking up with him again was the last thing she wanted.

"I... I don't think that's a good idea, Roman," Maya replied, trying to keep her tone polite but firm. "That night was... it was a mistake." she said in a hushed tone.

Roman's grin faltered, his expression shifting to one of confusion. "A mistake? Come on, Maya, you didn't seem like you thought it was a mistake at the time."

Maya felt a flush of embarrassment and frustration rise in her chest. "I was drunk, Roman. I wasn't thinking clearly, but it shouldn't of happened." her voice a loud whisper.

Maya's bluntness seemed to catch Roman off guard. He blinked, taken aback for a moment before recomposing himself. "Oh. I... I didn't realize..."

"Roman" Maya continued, her voice softening a little, "I'm just not interested, okay? It's nothing against you, really; but I'm trying to focus on school and track right now. I'm not looking for anything... like that."

Roman shifted in his seat, clearly uncomfortable with the rejection but trying to play it off. "Yeah, uh, sure. I get it. No big deal."

Maya could see the disappointment in his eyes, but she didn't feel guilty. She'd been honest with him, and that was all she could do. She offered him a small, apologetic smile. "Thanks for understanding."

Roman nodded, standing up a bit awkwardly. "Yeah, no problem. I'll, uh, see you around, I guess." he gave a small wave as he walked off towards the exit.

"Yeah, see you," Maya replied, relieved when he finally walked away.

As she watched him go, Maya felt a strange mix of emotions: relief, yes, but also a sense of clarity. Her attraction to Roman had definitely been a moment of impulsiveness that she now regretted. Though, Maya has regret for her actions. It taught her something important: she needed to be true to herself, even if it meant having uncomfortable conversations like the one she'd just had.

She turned back to her textbook, but this time, her mind felt clearer. For the first time in weeks, she felt like she was starting to understand what she really wanted, and it wasn't Roman.