One-on-One

Chapter 11: Hidden Truths

The next few weeks felt like a whirlwind for Amira. The party had ignited something between her and Zyair that she couldn't ignore. Their chemistry was undeniable, but as they spent more time together, Amira started to notice subtle red flags that left her feeling uneasy.

One afternoon, Amira found herself sitting on a bench outside the campus art building, her camera resting on her lap. She was trying to capture the vibrant colors of fall, but her mind was elsewhere. Just then, Zyair strolled up, his usual confident swagger evident as he approached her.

"Hey, gorgeous," he said, a charming grin spreading across his face. Amira felt her heart skip a beat at his words. "What you up to?"

"Just trying to find some inspiration for my photography," she replied, smiling back. "But it's hard to concentrate with everything that's been going on."

"What's been going on?" Zyair asked, genuinely curious. He sat down beside her, their shoulders brushing, sending a spark of electricity between them.

"Just... Jordan," she admitted, biting her lip. "He's been acting weird since the party."

Zyair's expression shifted slightly, the playful tone in his voice fading. "What you mean weird?" There was a hint of possessiveness in his gaze that made her uncomfortable.

"He's been distant, and I can tell he doesn't like me hangin' out with you," Amira confessed, her brow furrowing. "I don't want to hurt him, but I can't help how I feel when I'm with you."

Zyair leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a softer tone. "You gotta do what makes you happy, Amira. If he makin' you feel like you gotta choose, then that ain't fair to you. You deserve someone who appreciates all of you."

Amira nodded, appreciating his encouragement. "But sometimes it feels like you're a little too possessive. Like when we were at the party, it felt like you were marking your territory."

Zyair chuckled, but there was an edge to his laughter. "What's wrong with wantin' folks to know you with me? I ain't tryin' to hide it. I just want people to see what's mine." He paused, his gaze intensifying. "You know, we could make this official, Amira. Like, really official."

Her heart raced at the suggestion, but a part of her hesitated. "Official? Like dating?" The word hung in the air, and Amira felt a mix of excitement and apprehension.

"Yeah," Zyair said, leaning closer. "I'm sayin' we could be a thing, you know? I see how we vibe, and I think we could take it to the next level."

She swallowed hard, feeling flattered yet overwhelmed. "But things are still so new between us. I don't want to rush into anything."

"Why not?" Zyair replied, his voice smooth. "We got this chemistry, and I ain't the type to play games. You feel me? I want you, Amira. Like, really want you."

Amira felt her cheeks heat up, but the intensity in his gaze also made her uneasy. "It's just... I need to think about it.

Zyair frowned slightly, but he quickly masked it with a smile. "I get that, but just know I'm here, and...when you come to a decision, I want the whole campus to know that you mine."

As they sat there, the sun setting behind them, Amira felt a mix of excitement and hesitation. She appreciated Zyair's passion, but was it really healthy for her to dive into something so quickly? The possessiveness in his gaze began to feel more suffocating than thrilling.

Before she could respond, the familiar voice of Jordan broke through the moment.

"Amira!" Jordan called from across the courtyard, striding toward them with a girl beside him.

Her heart sank at the sight of him, and she felt a wave of tension wash over her. "Hey, Jordan!" she said, forcing a smile.

Jordan's eyes flickered between her and Zyair, but he maintained a friendly demeanor. He looked especially good today, wearing a fitted T-shirt that showed off his toned muscles and a pair of black glasses that made him look even more handsome. The way he carried himself radiated confidence, and Amira couldn't help but notice how attractive he really was.

"What's good?" he asked, genuine interest in his tone. "I see ya'll chilling or whatever."

"Just hangin' out," Zyair said smoothly, leaning back in his seat. "You know how it is."

Jordan stared at him with a moment of silence before looking away and nodding. "This Kira, by the way. We just wrapped up a project for our photography class."

Kira smiled at Amira, her eyes sparkling. "I've heard a lot about you. Jordan talks about you all the time."

Jordan chuckled, wrapping his arm around Kira. "Yeah she aight." he joked, glancing at Zyair. "Alright, I'll catch you soon." He says before walking away with Kira and kissing her on the cheek.

Amira looked down recognizing Kira was the girl Joran brought to the party. She looked back up at Jordan to only see them kissing on the lips which then made her pissed out of nowhere.

As Amira looked at Jordan, she was struck by how handsome he looked—his confident posture, the way his locs framed his face, and the warmth in his brown eyes. She hadn't really noticed how attractive he was before, especially not in contrast to Zyair's charm. Suddenly, she felt a flutter in her stomach, a confusing mix of feelings.

Amira couldn't shake the feeling that he was genuinely happy for them, despite the tension. She turned back to Zyair, who was now watching her with a playful smile.

"You good?" he asked, the possessiveness creeping back into his gaze.

"Yeah, I'm a little tired.," Amira said softly, trying not to indulge in what she really felt.

Zyair leaned in closer, a hint of intensity in his gaze. "Yeah, ok"

"If that's how you really feel I can take you back to the dorm."

"Why you say it like that?" She asked, sensing Zyair's irritation.

"Look, I know seeing Jordan with his girl just ruined your whole mood. And... I'm not trying to chill with you and you thinking about that nigga." He says, looking down.

"First of all, calm down. You don't know nothing about me. We only been seeing each other for like a little over month and you feel like you know everything. Nobody is thinking about Jordan or what he got going on. He is a friend, okay? A friend." She responded sharply at the mention of Jordan.

"Okay, chill baby. I'm sorry okay?" He responded, putting his arm around her and kissing her forehead.

A moment of silence engulfed them both until Amira turned to him gazing in his eyes. "You know what...sorry I snapped like that."

"You good, shawty. You good... You still mine."

As they sat there, the sun setting behind them, Amira felt a mix of excitement and hesitation. She realized she was ready to explore whatever lay ahead with Zyair, but the complexities of her feelings for Jordan lingered in the background. And with each passing moment, she couldn't shake the feeling that Zyair's desire to rush into
something more serious might lead her down a path she wasn't ready to follow.

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