Gray Areas | Englot | GxG

6. Pandora Box

Upper East Side, Manhattan, NY

9 Years Ago-Senior Year

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Charlotte was gradually adjusting to the situation, though her thoughts remained tangled after discovering that Engfa had a boyfriend-Nick. She'd grown accustomed to seeing Nick always hanging around with Engfa and the group she dubbed the Fantastic Five.

It was common to spot Engfa and Nick close together in various settings, yet something always felt off to Charlotte. Engfa never really displayed much public affection, not in the way most couples did. When she did, it seemed almost staged, like she was aware that Charlotte was watching.

But Charlotte brushed it off. There was no reason for Engfa to act that way just because of her, right? Why would she?

Then came that day.

Charlotte hurried up the stairs to chemistry class, nearly late, when she stumbled upon Engfa and Nick locked in a heated exchange. It wasn't intentional eavesdropping; she had no choice but to pass by them in the otherwise empty stairwell.

For a moment, she paused, gripping the railing as fragments of their conversation drifted to her. Nick's frustration was palpable.

"I think it matters. Ever since I got back, you haven't wanted to spend time with me outside of school," he said, his voice edged with tension.

"Nick, I don't have time for this. I'm about to be late for chemistry," Engfa replied, her tone low but tinged with impatience.

Nick moved closer, blocking her path with a determined gaze. "Since when did you care about being on time for chemistry?" he teased, lifting her chin gently with his fingers. "Did you forget how to have fun, babe? I kind of miss that."

Charlotte couldn't shake the feeling that Engfa's expression seemed forced, like she was just going through the motions. Even when Nick threw a suggestive comment her way, Engfa remained composed, almost detached-as if this was a performance she felt obligated to put on. A flicker of curiosity sparked in Charlotte.

"Having fun? You mean having me over at your condo or you at my place? Which one, Nick?" Engfa responded coolly, her tone indifferent. "Let's be honest-you're just talking about sex. So, make it quick."

Charlotte, listening from a distance, couldn't help but wonder if Engfa's indifference hinted at a deeper truth-maybe she wasn't as invested in Nick as it appeared.

"A lot can change in a year, Nick," Engfa added, her voice steady and detached. "Maybe I actually enjoy the class now. Or maybe, like you, I have parents who expect perfect grades, Mr. Overachiever." She punctuated the remark with a playful eye roll.

Nick chuckled, seemingly amused by her answer. "Alright, fine. I'll let you go. You're right-we do need to ace everything. Remember, our parents want us to get into-"

"Nick, don't start," Engfa interrupted sharply, her irritation genuine.

Nick laughed it off again. "Okay, okay! My bad. But how about tonight? I'll pick you up, we can have dinner, catch up..." He leaned in closer, his voice dropping. "And maybe more."