Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
CHAPTER SIX! "He was that boring?"
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
As the evening wore on, you found yourself surprised at how much you were enjoying your time with Malik. The two of you had grabbed dinner at a spot not far from campus, a cozy little restaurant with dim lighting and a laid-back vibe. Malik was charming, his jokes lightening the mood and keeping the conversation flowing. He was sweet, the type of guy who made everyone around him feel at ease. You noticed how people waved at him or said "what's up" whenever they passed by. Typical athlete energy—popular, confident, but without the ego that usually came with it.
He told stories about his basketball team, shared a bit about his family, and asked you thoughtful questions that made you feel like he was actually interested. He had this open and easy vibe, someone you knew wouldn't bring unnecessary drama into your life. The more you talked, the more it was clear Malik was the type of guy who'd be steady, the kind to leave little notes by your door, maybe surprise you with flowers just because.
But something felt off. Not with him, exactly. Just... with the way you felt. He checked all the boxes, but you weren't drawn to him in the way you thought you should be. It was nice, but there wasn't that pull, that spark that made you feel like you couldn't get enough of him. You tried to push the thought out of your head as you smiled and laughed at one of his jokes.
Then, your phone buzzed on the table. A quick glance told you it was Connie. Again.
Malik's eyes flickered toward your phone, catching the name on the screen. He didn't say anything at first, but you could tell he noticed. You tried to ignore the message, locking your phone and sliding it into your bag, but another buzz followed not even a minute later.
"You wanna check that?" Malik asked, his tone casual but with a hint of curiosity behind it.
You shook your head quickly, giving him a reassuring smile. "Nah, it's not important."
But even as you said it, you felt your phone buzz once more. Connie was persistent tonight.
Malik leaned back in his chair, his eyes still on you but not in a judgmental way. "That him?" he asked, nodding toward your phone. He wasn't angry, just curious.
