If We Fall Again

Chapter 6

FEW YEARS BEFORE:

The day was warm, and the sounds of laughter and chatter filled the air as Elise practiced with her cheerleading squad. The routine had been going well, and she felt light, carefree, the weight of school and everything else lifting off her shoulders when she was with her friends. They moved in unison, pom-poms flying, the rhythm of their cheer keeping them focused.

But then, as they broke for a quick water break, a murmur went through the squad. Elise looked up, following their gaze, and there he was—Nate. Walking across the school grounds, his usual serious expression on his face. He was dressed in his usual all-black, a stark contrast to the bright colors of the school around him.

"Oh my God, there he is," one of the girls whispered excitedly, nudging Elise. "Isn't he just the hottest guy ever?"

"Totally," another chimed in. "I swear he gets better looking every day."

Elise took a sip from her water bottle, trying not to be obvious as she glanced at him. He was, of course, handsome—there was no denying that. His chiseled features, the sharp line of his jaw, and those piercing eyes that seemed to look through people rather than at them. He had an aura that made people notice him, even if he did nothing to invite the attention.

"Too bad he doesn’t talk to anyone," one of the girls sighed. "Can you imagine if he actually had a girlfriend? She’d be the luckiest girl in school."

Elise smiled a little, pretending to focus on retying her shoelaces. "Well, good luck with that. He seems like he’s more into being alone than having a girlfriend."

"I heard he’s super smart too," another added. "It’s like he’s perfect at everything but doesn’t care about anyone."

Elise felt Sam’s eyes on her and glanced over at her best friend sitting on the sidelines. Sam raised an eyebrow knowingly, and Elise blushed, quickly looking away. She couldn’t help it—Nate had this way of drawing her attention, even if she knew it was silly.

"Earth to Elise," Sam called teasingly. "Stop drooling."

Elise rolled her eyes, laughing it off. "I’m not drooling. I just think it’s funny how everyone acts like he’s some kind of untouchable god."

"Please, you’re staring at him more than anyone else," Sam shot back with a grin. "Just admit it. The bad boy vibes got you."

Elise shook her head, but she couldn't deny that Nate intrigued her. He was different from the other guys at school—aloof, a little dangerous, but something about him was captivating. She wasn’t the only one who thought so, though she tried not to let it show as much as everyone else.

After practice, Elise grabbed her things and started to head home. The day had been exhausting, and all she wanted was to unwind and avoid the chaos at home. But as she left the school grounds, she spotted Nate again, walking alone down the street.

Her heart did a little flip, and before she could think better of it, she started following him. She wasn’t sure why, but something about seeing him alone like that made her curious. He wasn’t with friends—he never was—and he always seemed like he was in his own world.

A few minutes passed before Nate suddenly stopped and turned around, catching Elise mid-step. His brow raised in that signature, unreadable way, and she froze, feeling caught.

"Are you following me?" His voice was low, almost amused, though his expression remained neutral.

Elise felt her cheeks heat up but quickly covered it with a laugh. "Stalking you? Please. Don’t flatter yourself."