The Loner

seventeen- she goes on another date?

Surprise, surprise

. . .

Zak's POV

The bell rings, signaling the end of the lesson, but I linger, my hands gripping the edge of my desk.

Zel is sitting just a few seats away, close enough that I can see how her curls fall over her shoulder and how the sunlight catches in them. It's concerning how drawn I am to the smallest things about her-the way her olive-green eyes flick over the notes in front of her, the way she glances at me every so often.

And when she looks at me, it's like she's really seeing me. It makes me happy.

I should probably pull back again.

It would be easier, safer. Zel deserves better. Someone without a messed-up life, someone who doesn't think about pulling away all the time. My chest tightens at the thought, the familiar push-pull of wanting to be close but feeling like I shouldn't. Like I'm not enough for her.

But then she turns her gaze toward me, and her eyes meet mine. For a second, the world narrows down to just that look, the quiet intensity in her expression.

She doesn't have to say anything, and somehow I know she's happy I'm here. That's the problem-she's always happy to see me, even when I can't understand why.

I look at her again, and I know I can't do it. I've hurt her enough already, and the thought of doing it again makes me sick. No, I've made up my mind.

I won't push her away anymore. I hate that I ever did. I hate hurting her.

I catch myself thinking about how easy it felt last time at the café. For once, I wasn't pushing her away. I wasn't trying to hide. I was just there, with her.

Before I can overthink it, I stand up and walk slowly over to her desk. My pulse pounds in my ears, but I ignore it.

She looks up, her lips curving slightly as I stop in front of her, that smile making it impossible to turn back.

"Hey," I say, my voice coming out low.

"Hi," she breathes, her smile making it hard to think clearly.

"Do you... wanna go to the café again?" I feel like a fool asking, but the words are out now, and I can't take them back. "Last time was nice."

For a heartbeat, there's silence. My heart races, waiting for her response. What if I misread everything? What if-

"I'd love that," she says, her smile widening just a bit, and the tension in my chest finally eases.

. . .

As we sit across from each other at our usual table, the cosy café buzzes around us, but my attention is solely on her.

My gaze is stuck on her bright, doe-like eyes as they beam at me. Her hair is pulled back into a ponytail, with some loose tendrils falling around her face. She looks adorable. Beautiful. I run a hand over my face, wondering if I'm acting creepy by just staring at her like this.

She looks comfortable as she sits there, sipping at her hot chocolate.

I take a deep breath, my heart racing. "I got you something."

She looks up from her cup, curiosity lighting up her olive-green eyes. "What? You didn't have to get me anything."

"I know, but I wanted to." I pull the small box from my pocket and set it gently on the table between us.

Her gaze flickers to the box, then back to me, her expression a mix of surprise and anticipation. "What is it?"

"Just open it," I say, trying to keep my voice steady.

With delicate fingers, she lifts the lid, revealing a dainty silver necklace with a small green stone. Her eyes widen, and a soft gasp escapes her lips. "Oh, Zak... it's beautiful!"

"I thought you'd like it. You said you liked green," I can't help but smile at her reaction, feeling warmth spread through me.

She picks up the necklace, turning it over in her hands. "I really like it. Thank you so much!"

Her cheeks flush slightly, and she brushes it off nervously, glancing down at the stone. "Just like your eyes," she murmurs, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.

I chuckle softly, my heart racing at the compliment. "Exactly. I thought it would look good on you."

She looks back at me, her expression brightening even more. "I love it. I really do."

Seeing her so happy makes everything worth it.

. . .

As we step out of the café, we walk side by side, the sound of our footsteps mingling with the distant hum of the evening. I glance at Zel, her eyes reflecting the colours of the sunset, and I can't help but feel a sense of awe.

Then, out of nowhere, Zel stops and turns to me, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Um, Zak?"

"Yeah?" I reply, my heart skipping a beat at the way she's looking at me.

She hesitates for a moment, her gaze darting between my eyes and the ground. "Can I hold your hand?"

The question hangs in the air, and I'm momentarily stunned. I blink, processing her words. It's such a simple request, yet it sends my mind racing. I feel a warmth spread through my chest, and all I can manage is a nod. "Of course."

As her fingers intertwine with mine, a jolt of electricity shoots through me. I look down, surprised at how natural it feels. Her hand is soft and warm, and the gentle pressure of her grip makes my heart soar.

Zel blushes, her eyes flickering up to meet mine. "I-I hope that's okay."

"Absolutely," I say, trying to keep my voice steady. Inside, I'm grinning like an idiot.

She glances away, a shy smile playing on her lips.

I can't help but find it adorable how flustered she looks, and I tighten my grip on her hand instinctively, wanting her to know that I'm here, that I want this too.

Before long, we reach Zel's house. She stops at the front step, and I glance at her, hoping this moment won't end. I don't want to let go of her hand.

Instead, she leans in, surprising me with a gentle kiss on my cheek, followed by a hug.

My heart races, completely caught off guard by the warmth of her affection. But as she pulls back, a look of concern flashes across her face.

"Wait... your bruises-do they hurt when I hug you?" Her eyes widen as she scans my torso.

"It's worth it," I reply with a slight shrug, trying to brush it off.

She takes a step back, eyes wide. "You should've told me!"

"I didn't want you to worry," I say simply, keeping my tone even.

Zel bites her lip, frustration mixing with concern. "I hate seeing you like this."

"I'm okay," I say quietly.

She looks at me, determination in her gaze. "I swear I'm going to find out what you're hiding."

I take a deep breath.

With one last lingering look, she squeezes my hand gently before stepping back. "Okay. See you tomorrow."

"Yeah, see you tomorrow," I reply, watching her go inside. And as I watch her walk, I cannot help but think to myself.

What am I doing?