Possessive InLove

Chapter 2: The Chase

Chapter 2: The Chase

Filip's POV

The next day felt different. I had spent too much time thinking about Rena, about that fleeting moment in the hallway that had taken me by surprise. Her startled expression, those wide eyes-it was a mix of confusion and something else that I couldn't quite place. I needed to talk to her again, to understand what I felt, but I had to tread carefully. I could tell from the way she responded to me yesterday that she was caught off guard, and I didn't want to scare her off.

As I walked into school, my heart raced with determination. I had seen her locker earlier, and I knew she arrived at school around the same time every day. If I timed it right, I could catch her before she got too lost in her routine.

I glanced around the bustling hallway, spotting her familiar figure by her locker. She was laughing with Renreal and Honey, and my stomach twisted at the sight. The way her face lit up when she smiled made me both anxious and determined. I took a deep breath and walked toward her, focusing on the goal ahead.

But just as I was about to reach her, Renreal glanced in my direction and exchanged a look with Rena. My heart sank as I saw her stiffen, her laughter fading. She avoided my gaze, turning back to her friends, and it stung more than I expected.

"Hey, Rena," I called out, trying to sound casual. But my voice felt rough, like gravel scraping against my throat.

She hesitated, glancing back at me, but the moment was brief. "I need to go to class," she said quickly, her tone evasive, before turning away.

"Wait!" I stepped closer, but she was already walking off with her friends, their laughter echoing behind her. I felt a mix of frustration and disappointment. This wasn't how I envisioned it.

---

The rest of the day dragged on, each class feeling like an eternity. I tried to focus on my lessons, but my mind kept drifting back to Rena. Why was she avoiding me? Did she really not want to talk? I had to find a way to break through her defenses.

During lunch, I spotted her at a table with Renreal and Honey, animatedly discussing something that made them giggle. I clenched my fists, knowing I had to make my move. I approached their table, my heart racing.

"Mind if I join you?" I asked, keeping my voice steady, despite the anxiety swirling inside me.

Rena's eyes widened for a moment before she glanced at her friends, who exchanged uncertain looks. "Um, actually-" she started, but Renreal cut in.

"Sure, there's room," Renreal said, her tone friendly, but I could sense the tension in the air.

I sat down, trying to ignore Rena's stiff posture beside me. "So, what's the topic of discussion?" I asked, forcing a smile.

Honey, ever the extrovert, jumped in. "We were just talking about the upcoming dance! Are you going, Filip?"

"Maybe," I replied, but my gaze was fixed on Rena. She was picking at her food, avoiding eye contact, and I felt a pang of frustration.

"Rena?" I said, trying to catch her attention. "What about you? Are you going to the dance?"

She looked up, startled, and for a moment, I thought I saw something flicker in her eyes. But then it vanished, and she replied, "I don't know. I haven't really thought about it."

"You should go," I insisted, trying to keep my tone light. "It could be fun."

"Yeah, maybe," she murmured, her focus returning to her food.

I tried to press further, but every attempt to draw her out was met with polite but distant responses. It felt like talking to a wall, and I was determined not to give up. As they laughed and chatted, I noticed her looking at her watch, clearly wanting to escape.

"Hey, I know this is last minute, but maybe we could study together sometime? Just the two of us?" I suggested, keeping my voice low.

She met my gaze for a brief second before shaking her head. "I really need to go. I have a project to work on."

And with that, she stood up, gathering her things. "See you later," she said, and then she was gone, leaving me sitting there with my heart in my throat.

---

After school, I lingered around the front doors, hoping to catch her as she left. I was determined to find a way to connect with her, to break through the walls she had put up. I scanned the crowd, my eyes searching for her familiar face.

Just as I was about to lose hope, I spotted her walking toward the exit, her head down, deep in conversation with Honey and Renreal. I stepped forward, ready to call out to her, but she turned abruptly, heading toward the parking lot, and I hesitated.

I took a deep breath and jogged after her. "Rena!" I called, forcing the urgency into my voice.

She glanced back, her expression a mix of surprise and apprehension. "What is it, Filip?"

"I just wanted to talk," I said, my heart pounding. "Please."

For a moment, she looked torn, but then her expression hardened. "I really can't right now," she said, her voice firm as she turned to leave.

"Rena, wait!" I reached out, gently grasping her arm. Her eyes widened, and I immediately released her, feeling a mix of panic and regret.

"Why are you avoiding me?" I asked, desperation creeping into my voice. "I just want to get to know you."

She took a step back, her brow furrowed. "It's not that simple, Filip."

"What do you mean?" I pressed, frustration bubbling up. "Just tell me what's wrong."

"I just don't think we're on the same page," she replied, her voice softening but still guarded. "You don't know me, and I don't know you."

"Then let's change that!" I said, feeling the weight of my emotions pressing down on me. "Give me a chance. Let me show you who I am."

She hesitated, her eyes searching mine. I saw the conflict within her, the desire to connect battling against the walls she had built.

"I-I need time," she finally said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I can't just jump into something."

"Okay," I said, trying to keep my tone calm despite the disappointment coursing through me. "Take your time. But just know that I want to be here when you're ready."

With that, she turned and walked away, leaving me standing there, the warmth of her presence fading as she disappeared into the crowd. I couldn't shake the feeling of longing, the need to reach her before it was too late.

This wasn't over. I would find a way to break through her defenses, no matter how long it took. Rena was worth the chase, and I was determined to prove that to her.