Shades of Desire

Jace

I was on my way to Ivy's dorm, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. I wanted to surprise her. I had stopped at a flower shop to grab some flowers—nothing fancy, just something nice to show her that I cared. I wanted her to know I was serious about being her boyfriend, not just someone who wanted to have fun.

As I drove around campus, I thought about how I could take her out to dinner. Maybe we could walk around under the stars and just talk. I was ready to put in the effort to get to know her better. I wanted to be the guy who made her smile, who showed her that it was more than just physical.

But then I saw them. Ivy and Ethan, sitting at a café together, laughing like they were the only two people in the world. My heart sank. I felt anger bubbling up inside me as I watched them. Ivy looked so happy, and it made me feel sick. I gripped the steering wheel, my knuckles turning white.

She leaned in closer to Ethan, and my heart dropped when I saw her put her hand over his. That little gesture twisted my stomach. I wanted to be the one she was touching, the one she was laughing with. Why was she with him? I thought we had something special.

"F**k this," I muttered to myself, frustration taking over. I was trying to be a good boyfriend, and there she was with him, looking so carefree. It felt like I was losing her, like I didn't even matter.

I slammed my foot on the gas, my anger boiling over. I couldn't stay there and watch anymore. I turned my car around, feeling like a mess. I needed to get out of there, away from the sight of Ivy with someone else. I just drove, not sure where I was going, but needing to escape the hurt I felt inside.