Alina Nightshade doesn't think much about James Potter. Only that he seems rather keen on being annoying.
James Potter thinks Alina Nightshade is a mystery all wrapped up in a very pretty girl. And he is keen on trying to be her friend.
James Potte...
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Alina is avoiding James for two days now. Two long, silent days where they haven't spoken or even crossed paths deliberately.
But she catches glimpses of him—nervous, restless, likely wanting to talk. Not that it matters.
The kiss? It was nothing. Just a silly game.
So what if it was her first?
Alina shoves the thought away as she slides the book back onto the shelf, her eyes sweeping the library to ensure no one, especially James, is nearby. Her heart beats faster at the mere thought of him, but she forces her mind back to the present.
Her nails dig into her palms as she turns to leave, only to freeze when James steps in front of her, blocking her escape.
She conceals her surprise, quickly turning on her heel, ready to walk the other way.
"Alina." James's voice is urgent, almost pleading. "Please, just talk to me."
With a sigh, she turns back to face him. He towers over her, his wide eyes framed by his crooked glasses, a mix of hope and desperation in his expression.
"What?" Her voice is cold, distant, but her gaze betrays her as it flickers over his form. He does look... good.
"Why are you ignoring me?" James's voice drops to a whisper, as if afraid to hear the answer.
"Because I want to," she snaps, crossing her arms and glaring up at him, though it feels more like a defense than an attack.
"If it's about the kiss, you don't have to ignore me." James's hopeful tone is tinged with sadness. "We can pretend it never happened, alright? I just... I don't want you to shut me out."
Alina stares at him, her mind racing. Pretend it never happened? Is that what he wants? To erase it like it meant nothing?
Maybe he doesn't like her. No, of course, he doesn't.
She's seen the way he is with Lily—grand gestures, declarations of love, flowers at every opportunity. Even under the influence of a love potion, he's just as devoted.
No, he couldn't like her.
Her shoulders slump involuntarily. Before she can respond, James speaks again, his voice quieter now, more to himself than to her.
"I didn't think you were the type to just ignore someone after... kissing them."
Her eyes narrow. "Why not?" Alina challenges.
James hesitates, his face reddening. "You just... you don't seem like the type to get nervous after a kiss."
"I wasn't nervous," she snaps, her nails pressing into her palms, betraying her composure.
James's eyes widen, and he nods quickly. "Right, of course not."
Alina sighs, glancing around to make sure no one is nearby. They're alone, the air between them thick with tension. She hates how cornered she feels, like she's losing control of the situation.
"I ignored you because..." She pauses, hating how vulnerable she sounds. "It was my first kiss."
The admission tastes bitter, like weakness. She needs control—needs to grab hold of something, anything, that will shift the power back in her favor.
James's eyes go wide, his mouth parting in surprise. "Oh."
Silence hangs between them, awkward and heavy.
"If you tell anyone," Alina's voice drops dangerously, "I'll cut out your eyes and feed them to you." Her face burns, but she keeps her tone icy.
For a moment, James just stares at her, and then, to her surprise, a grin begins to spread across his face. Confusion flickers in her mind—what is he smiling about?
"Wait... are you blushing?" His smile widens as he tries, and fails, to contain it.
"Shut up," Alina snaps, mortified. "I hate you."
Without waiting for his response, she turns on her heel and storms off, but she can still hear his laughter following her as she goes.
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