The player and the shy girl (english version)

Tangled Expectations

I sat in my bed and fell asleep around 1 AM.

The next morning, I woke up to the annoying buzz of my alarm clock. I headed to the bathroom and then to my closet.

I grabbed some sweats, a shirt, and a hoodie, along with my shoes.

I walked down the stairs and headed into the living room. "Scott's waiting for you," my mom said, glancing at me.

"Okay, I'm leaving," I replied as I moved toward the door.

"Aren't you going to eat? I made you some food."

I turned back, surprised. My mom made me food?

"I'm running late, I'll eat later," I said, stepping outside.

As I opened the door, I saw Scott waiting. I approached him, and we greeted each other.

"What's with the outfit?" I teased.

"I'm going to do what I said yesterday."

"Which?" I asked, suddenly serious.

"With Emma," he said with a grin.

I felt a rush of concern. What can I do to stop him? If I tell him not to, he'll assume I want her. I laughed it off, I just hoped he knew how to protect her because I wouldn't be able to.

We entered the school, greeting friends along the way. Scott nudged me and gestured to Emma. I looked over at her. She was wearing dark blue jeans and a black shirt, her hair pulled up. She caught my eye and smiled.

I tried to hold back my smile, hoping she didn't notice—she probably did.

"Dude, did you see that? She smiled at me!" Scott exclaimed, nudging me again.

I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, we saw it," I responded sarcastically.

Don't worry, I'll get you an eye doctor.

The bell rang, and we headed to class.

I settled into my seat, pulled out my phone, and waited for the teacher to arrive.

Once class started, I took notes on what the teacher said. I glanced at Emma, she was rummaging through her bag. Eventually, she frowned and dropped her pen in frustration.

"Emma, why aren't you writing?" the teacher asked, looking concerned.

"I forgot my glasses, and the board is too shiny," she replied, her anxiety evident.

"Sit next to Lucas," the teacher instructed. Emma looked at me, and I gestured that it was fine. She came over and sat beside me.

She glanced my way, then started writing. The teacher began erasing the board, and Emma shot her an annoyed look.

"Seriously?" she whispered.

I nudged my notebook toward her so she could copy my notes. She took it and began to write. When she finished, she looked at me and smiled—a second smile in two days.

The bell rang, and she stood to leave. I followed her. I saw Scott in the hallway, and I knew he was about to talk to her.

"Emma!" he called out, and she turned to look.

He grinned at her, and she started to feel awkward. "I wanted to tell you I'm having a party at my house on Saturday. If you want, come and bring your friend."

She looked at him, unsure what to say. I stepped closer, and Emma glanced at me.

"I don't know," she replied, looking between us.

"Come on, we'll have fun," I said, looking her in the eye to convey my thoughts.

"I don't think so; I have some chores to do," she said, smiling, and I felt relieved.

"If you change your mind, you know where to find us," Scott said, handing her a slip of paper with his address. "I'd be happy if you came," he added sweetly, and I shot him a glare. Emma noticed and simply offered a faint smile.

Scott moved ahead, and Emma tried to do the same, but I stopped her with a hand.

"Going wouldn't be a good idea. You got that, right?" I whispered in her ear before walking away.

She raised an eyebrow at me, that expression meant trouble, and I didn't like it.

I joined my friends. "What a bummer, man," Scott said.

"Didn't go well for you?" I teased, grinning.

"It will, just wait. But seriously, she seems a bit dull," he replied.

I wouldn't say that, my friend. She's got guts—real guts. You still have a lot to learn about her.

I glanced at Emma again.

The bell rang for class, and we gathered our things. After a few minutes, we headed into the classroom. I saw Emma still at the same desk beside me.

I sat down, and she looked at me. I opened my notebook.

"Still can't see?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Do you want me to leave?" she replied.

"Whatever you want," I said, glancing at my phone.

She stood up, grabbed her notebook, and headed back to her desk.

"If you can't see, there's no need to leave," she stated.

She looked at me just as the teacher walked in.

I glanced at her and then focused on my book.

Did I just mess everything up?