We fell in love in math class

Chapter 18 "Aftermath and Awkward Encounters"

Xyleme's POV:

The excitement surged through me as I leaned against the wall, trying to catch my breath. I couldn’t believe what had just happened. Ethan and I had crossed a line—one that I wasn't sure we could come back from. My mind raced with thoughts, but my body still tingled from the heated moments we had shared.

E: “Wow... I didn’t expect that to happen. Did you?”

X: “Not at all. You’re quite a distraction, you know that?”

E: “I’m glad you think so. It’s not every day you get to sneak around like this.”

X: “Yeah, but we might get caught! What if Mrs. Marivic finds out?”

E: “Then we’ll just tell her we were studying really hard.”

I couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of it all. “Right, because she would totally believe that.”

Just as I was about to say more, a loud voice echoed through the hallway.

Voice: “Hey! Is anyone in there?!”

We froze, wide-eyed, pressing ourselves against the wall, hoping to blend into the surroundings.

X: “Oh no, what do we do?!”

E: “Shh! Just stay quiet.”

I watched as Ethan’s eyes darted around, panic creeping into his features. The voice grew closer, and I bit my lip, trying to suppress a nervous laugh.

X: “This is so embarrassing...”

E: “It’s your fault for making me act on impulse!”

X: “My fault?! You’re the one who started it!”

Ethan smirked, clearly enjoying the chaos. “Fine, fine. Let’s just hope they leave soon.”

After what felt like an eternity, the footsteps faded, and we both let out a sigh of relief.

E: “See? Easy enough. Now, where were we?”

X: “Um, maybe we should just focus on our assignment for now?”

E: “You sure? I thought we were done ‘studying’ for the day.”

I rolled my eyes but felt a smile tugging at my lips.

X: “You know, it’s not like we can just ignore what just happened.”

E: “Yeah, and I’m not sure I want to ignore it. So... what now?”

X: “We need to talk about this. Like, for real.”

E: “Okay, okay. Let’s talk.”

---

(Time Skip - After School)

After an intense discussion about our unexpected rendezvous, we agreed that things had changed between us. I felt giddy yet anxious, trying to process what it all meant.

The final bell rang, signaling the end of the day, and I walked out of class with Ethan by my side.

E: “So, how are we going to handle this in front of everyone?”

X: “I guess we’ll just have to act normal. No need to make it awkward.”

E: “Yeah, easy for you to say. You’re not the one with a huge crush on your best friend!”

X: “Excuse me? You’re the one who kissed me first!”

E: “Well, you kissed me back!”

X: “Touché.”

We both burst into laughter, the awkward tension easing as we continued down the hallway.

(Later in a Quiet Classroom)

We found an empty classroom, and I looked around nervously.

X: “Is this room safe?”

E: “Probably. No one really comes here after school.”

As we stepped inside, I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension.

E: “So... what do we do now?”

X: “Well, I guess we should talk more about what happened.”

E: “Right. You’re still okay with everything, right?”

I hesitated. “Yeah, I mean, it was unexpected, but... it felt good. Just a bit overwhelming.”

E: “I get it. Trust me, I was just as surprised. But I don’t want to ruin our friendship.”

X: “Same here. I care about you, Ethan. I don’t want this to change everything.”

E: “It doesn’t have to. We can just take things slow and see where it goes.”

As I nodded, I felt a surge of relief wash over me. “That sounds good.”

E: “Great! Now, about that studying...”

X: “Oh no, not more math!”

E: “Come on, we can’t avoid it forever!”

I groaned dramatically. “Fine! But only if you promise to help me out when I get confused.”

E: “Deal!”

As we began going over the material, I couldn’t shake the feeling of warmth spreading through me.

(A Few Minutes Later)

As we worked through the problems, I caught Ethan’s eye.

E: “You know, it’s moments like this that make me realize how much I enjoy being around you.”

I swallowed hard, trying to keep my composure. “Really? You enjoy studying with me?”

E: “No, I enjoy everything else that comes with it.”

He waggled his eyebrows playfully, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

X: “You’re impossible.”

E: “And you love it.”

I rolled my eyes, but the smile on my face betrayed me. Just then, a knock on the door startled us.

Voice: “Hello? Is anyone in there?”

X: “Oh no, not again!”

E: “Quick! Hide!”

We scrambled to find a place to conceal ourselves, barely managing to stifle our laughter.

As the door creaked open, we held our breath, hoping to remain unseen.