You And I

Chapter 45: Romeo, Juliet and...?

Liya's POV

As I made my way downstairs, I found Mei waiting for me. She handed me a soda and asked, “How did it go?”

“Well…” I answered, trying to hide the sting of rejection. “He said he loves someone already.”

Mei looked surprised, like she had something to say, but held back. I smiled, trying to put her at ease. “Don’t worry. You should confess before someone else steps in your way.”

She shook her head. “Not now… I have my own plans for when I’ll confess.”

We walked together to meet Ryan and the others. It was lively, but I couldn’t shake the awkward tension hanging between Levi and me. Every glance or word exchanged felt like a reminder of what had happened on the rooftop. Levi tried to act normal, but I could tell he was still caught up in everything, just like me.

After all the fun and excitement of the festival, we headed home. But even in the familiar comfort of home, it was still awkward between us. I tried to lighten the mood as I laid on his bed, teasing him. “Come on, don’t be embarrassed. It was just a kiss.”

“How can I not be?” Levi muttered. “You kissed me out of nowhere.”

I giggled. “Calm down, Levi.” Then, shifting the mood slightly, I asked, “Can I sleep next to you tonight?”

He sighed. “Fine, I guess. Consider it a reward for coming in second place.”

I smiled. “Yay.”

The next morning, I woke up lying on top of him. I could tell he was already awake. Before he could say anything, I murmured, “Just this one last time. It’s the last day of the festival, after all.” Feeling him tense up beneath me, I smirked slightly and teased, “I can feel it, Levi.”

That was enough to get him out of bed in a flash. “Okay, that’s enough! Let’s get ready.”

I giggled to myself, knowing I’d gotten under his skin one last time before heading off to the final day of the festival.

Levi's POV

"Get ready, everyone! This is the final day of Silvergrove Academy's Cultural Festival! Make sure to enjoy yourselves!" The cheerful announcement echoed through the school hallways, filling the air with excitement and anticipation.

Back in the classroom, I spotted Mei already in her costume. Yvonne was carefully applying makeup to her, and I couldn't help but admire how great she looked. "Mei, you look amazing," I said, trying to hide the awe in my voice.

She smiled back. "You too, Levi."

Ryan, busy adjusting his own outfit, interrupted. "Levi, put on your costume! We're going to start in 40 minutes. Be ready for some twists!" He winked, but I had no idea what kind of twists he was talking about. Regardless, I got ready for our performance.

Ms. Romero came by to check on us. "Romeo, Juliet, get ready. You're up soon."

We moved to the back of the stage, and Ryan, acting as the host and narrator, began his announcement. "Everyone, thank you for your patience! Now, folks, you'll witness the performance of Section Raven: Romeo and Juliet. The story we're about to tell is a tragic love tale of two families locked in a deadly feud—the Montagues and the Capulets! Romeo and Juliet were born into these rival families, but with a twist of fate, they happen to fall in love."

I waited behind the curtain, my heart racing, but my thoughts drifted to Mei. She stepped forward and started her lines with grace. "O Romeo, why do our parents fight with such bitter hatred? Normally, I'm sure that, like us, they could take each other by the hand. If they could only understand even half of my love for you, Romeo, I'm sure of it."