Hi,

Chapter 6

I stop walking when she finally halts her hurried steps, daring to face me. For a moment, I take her in. The last time I stopped to actually look at a girl, I got beat up for it—and it was her. But now, in the better light, I can really see her. Her dark blonde hair has streaks of gold that catch the sun, glowing in a way I hadn't noticed before. At the party, the lights were dim, and I was too out of it to care. Her hair is half-up, and the loose strands fall just to her collarbones, which are sharp, defined. She's wearing a yellow dress with small flowers scattered across it. The neckline dips just enough to spark the imagination. She's slim, with a rosy flush to her skin. I notice her fidgeting nervously with the hem of her dress, but she cuts me off before I can take in more of her.

"You're really going to do this?" Her voice is soft but tries to carry strength, though I can tell she's pushing herself to sound confident.

"Do what?" I play dumb, though we both know where this is going.

"You know what I mean," she says, her cheeks turning red. I can almost feel her heart racing from where I stand.

"Mackenzie, right?" I ask, throwing her name out as if it's the first time I've bothered to say it. She stays silent. I start moving toward her, each step slow and deliberate.

"Listen, Mackenzie," I begin, my voice calm but firm, "I don't like it when people talk shit about me. And I sure as hell don't like random guys showing up because their fragile egos can't handle me looking at what they think is theirs." I pause, letting that sink in. "You know why they're scared? Because deep down, they know I'm better than them. You're a smart girl, right?"

I step closer, and she tries to hold my gaze, but I can see the nerves flickering behind her eyes.

"If you're as smart as I think you are, you'd just give in now so we can end this. That insecure guy you're with won't get you far. We both know it." I stop just inches from her. I'm tall enough that she has to tilt her head up to meet my eyes. She's not short, maybe 5'6" or so, but the way she's looking at me... she's definitely feeling small right now. Or at least, that's what I think until her expression shifts. Her eyes narrow, and something glints in them, catching me off guard.

"Nathan," she says, her voice calm but challenging, "I wouldn't be so sure of myself if I were you. If you really want this to end quickly, you'll find someone else to use for your little power trip." She tilts her head slightly, her gaze unflinching. "You're a smart guy, right? So be smart, and leave me alone."

Before I can say anything, she turns away, her hair swinging back and sending a wave of her perfume—something warm and woodsy—toward me. I just stand there, watching her walk away. She's got guts, I'll give her that. I didn't think this would be hard. A smile creeps onto my face. This might actually be fun. I'm not usually into the chase—I'm used to getting what I want, especially when it comes to girls. But now, with everyone at school eyeing her after those flyers, Mackenzie's become a prime target. It's the best revenge I could've gotten on that guy who hit me. And if I can have her too? Game on.

Mackenzie POV

My heart is pounding in my chest. I can't believe I actually said that to him. Who does Nathan Collins think he is? It's almost funny. For years, I watched him from a distance in school, and the drama surrounding him always seemed so exciting, so mysterious. But now that I'm in the middle of it? It feels exhausting. I just want to wake up and realize this is all some ridiculous dream. But it's not—it's real, and I'm over it.

I step outside the school, plugging in my headphones. I'm skipping fourth period today; there's no way I can deal with any more of this. The wind is chilly as I walk, and my dress flutters around me. My thoughts are racing: Haze shaking my hand this morning, Nathan's cold, spicy scent when he got close to me, his eyes locking onto mine, and that clenched jaw when I told him to leave me alone. A shiver runs down my spine. Maybe I should've worn something warmer.

When I finally get home, the house is empty. I head upstairs and stop to look at myself in the mirror. My cheeks are red from the cold, my hair is a mess from the wind. I can still feel Nathan's eyes on me, and it makes my skin crawl. I strip off my clothes and step into the shower, letting the hot water wash over me, hoping it'll somehow rinse away the events of the day.

After the shower, I throw on an oversized T-shirt and shorts, grabbing my phone as I collapse onto my bed. The screen lights up with notifications—new followers, more people talking about those flyers. Do they seriously have nothing better to do? Then, a Snapchat notification catches my eye. A friend request. I close my eyes, already knowing who it's from.

"Nate.Collins. sent you a friend request."

I sigh, torn between common sense and something else I don't want to admit. I can already hear June telling me to accept it, telling me to roll with it, but I know better. Nathan Collins isn't a good guy. He's manipulative, using people to get what he wants. That's all I've ever known about him. But when he got close to me today, it felt... different. It's embarrassing to admit, but I can't help being a little intrigued.

Against my better judgment, I tap the blue button to accept his request.

I toss the phone face down onto my bed, already regretting my decision. A few seconds later, the high-pitched ding of a Snapchat notification goes off. I grab my phone faster than I'd like to admit, but it's not Nathan. It's William.

Snapchat:

Will: "Hey Mack."

Me: "Hey Will, you weren't at school today..."

Will: "I couldn't. That whole Nathan thing is too much, Mack. You need to end this."

Me: "Me? I'm not the one who punched him in the face, Will."

Will: "Haven't you heard? He's trying to get with you just to piss me off."

Me: "Yeah, June told me this morning."

Will: "And you didn't text me?"

Me: "You weren't there. And what would you have done? Punch him again? Ill handle it"

Will: "Okay."

Me: "Fine. See you tomorrow?"

Will: "Okay."

I roll my eyes. It's not like I asked for any of this. I open Instagram and scroll through my new followers, pausing when I see Haze Fallon's name. Today has been nothing but unexpected surprises.

________________________________________________________________________________Author's notes

Hi, *giggling and kicking my feet*

Nate... don't look at her like that.

It's too "what my dream are made off" of you...

Oh and whatever! Just keep doing what you do so well.

Also, Fuck you, William.

Something personnal between me and this character, don't mind me.

-With love