The player and the shy girl (english version)

Promises and Confessions

He places the water bottles on the counter and looks at me.

"Emma," he says, his gaze softening.

I know he regrets it... I know I made him feel bad.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you feel that way," I reply, reaching to fill a glass of water.

"Emma, you're not the one who should be apologizing."

I look at him, surprised.

"I should be the one saying sorry."

"It's okay, Lucas, I don't hold a grudge," I interrupt him.

"I know you didn't mean it, that it wasn't really you."

He stares at me, taken aback by my words, not expecting me to defend him.

He steps closer, locking his eyes with mine.

"That's why I'm obsessed with you—because I know you're an amazing person," he says, and I can't help but smile unconsciously.

"You drive me crazy, damn it."

I can feel my cheeks burning. His words have turned me into a tomato, but I like hearing them.

"May I?" he asks, gesturing for a hug.

I nod, and he wraps his arms around me. His scent envelops me.

"I promise I'll never do that again," he whispers in my ear before pulling away from the hug.

"Even if you lose control?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.

"A promise is a promise," he replies, giving me a serious look.

I smile at him. "Go, Peter's waiting for you."

He gives me a nod, grabs the bottles, and heads to the room.

LUCAS' POV

I walk back to the room, thinking about our conversation...

How can she always be so kind? Defending me even after everything I've done... She's the one keeping me grounded. This girl will drive me insane—not that she hasn't already.

"Feeling better, man?" Peter says, breaking me out of my thoughts.

"I'm back."

"So, what's going on with Emma?" he asks.

"I was gonna ask you the same thing," I reply, shooting him a look.

"Nothing much. But if you ever lay a hand on her again, I'll tear you apart!"

"What's this about, Peter?"

"Nothing. It's just... she's so innocent, man, and you've come close to crossing the line more than once."

"Who are you and what have you done with Peter?" I joke.

"Since when do you care so much?"

"I've always been like this, I just don't show it," he shrugs.

"Right, sure." I laugh, shaking my head.

"Anyway, we've talked things out. I think we're good now."

"You'd better be. And if it happens again, I'll make sure you regret it."

"Glad to hear it," he says, and we both burst out laughing.

"So, seriously—what's going on with you, man?"

"Too much."

"Dude, Lucas is in love!" Peter teases, laughing loudly.

"Shut up, idiot," I say, throwing a pillow at his face.

"Well, I don't blame you—Emma's hot."

I glare at him, and he stops immediately.

"Do you really want her?" he asks, his tone serious.

"What do you think?" I reply, raising an eyebrow.

"I get it. But Scott's not gonna like this."

"He can deal with it. Scott's just dreaming," I mutter.

"Yeah, someone needs to give him a reality check."

"The problem is Emma still wants to go to his party," I sigh.

"Let her go."

"That idiot wants to sleep with her, though. If he touches her, I'll make sure he regrets it!" I growl.

"You're so in love, man!" Peter shouts, laughing even louder this time.

"Shut up, you moron! She'll hear you," I whisper, trying to keep him quiet.

He starts laughing like a seal, and I roll my eyes. This is what best friends are like.

"Shut up, you fcking seal!" I joke back.

"If you call me that again, I'll scream even louder," he warns.

" seal?" I tease.

He opens his mouth to yell, but I grab him by the neck, making him choke on his laughter.

"Alright, alright, I'll stop!" he surrenders.

"Good thing you do boxing, or I'd have yelled until the neighbors heard us!"

"Anyway, I'm keeping a close eye on Emma," I say, still thinking about her.

"Same here, man."

"Did we ever figure out who posted that picture of us?"

"Not yet, but we'll know soon."

"Good."

"What time are we leaving for the party?"

"Around 11. Mia's coming with us."

"Sweet, man."

Peter's phone rings.

× "Hey, Lia."

× "Now?"

× "Yeah, I can come. Your place?"

× "Alright, I'll be there."

"Man, I've gotta go. Duty calls," Peter says with a grin.

"Another hookup?" I ask, laughing.

"What else? Has Lydia called you lately?"

"Yeah, but I keep ignoring her. I'm not in the mood."

"Man, love really changes you, huh?" Peter teases.

"I'll remind you of this when you're in the same situation," I shoot back.

"Later, bro. See you at 11," he says, heading for the door.

"I'm coming with you to the living room," I say, getting up.

We walk into the living room together, where Emma's sitting on the couch, watching TV.

"Leaving, Peter?" she asks.

"Yeah, got some stuff to do," he replies.

She just nods, not saying much.

"Later, bro. See you at 11, Emma," Peter says, winking at her before walking out.

She waves, then settles back on the couch.

I sit down beside her.

"What are you watching?" I ask.

"Nothing interesting," she mutters, lying down. I lift her legs and place them on my lap.

She glances at me briefly before turning her attention back to the TV.

I grab my phone to keep myself busy, but then I see Lydia calling again.

I pick up.

× "What do you want?"