HIM

17.

Leila felt a buzz of anticipation vibrating under her skin all day, like an electric current she couldn't shake. The kiss she'd shared with Jesci played in her mind on repeat, a loop of intense moments that kept her on edge. She could still feel the warmth of his lips, the way he'd looked at her as if she was the only person in the room. It was thrilling, intoxicating—and more than a little confusing. Why was she acting like this, so distracted, so... infatuated? She barely recognized herself.

By the time her last class rolled around, she felt half-excited, half-nervous about seeing him again. Grace, who usually sat with her, had an appointment and wouldn't be there. Somehow, the idea of sitting alone with the possibility of Jesci showing up made her heart race even more.

Entering the lecture hall, Leila scanned the room, hoping to spot him. But he wasn't there. She took a deep breath and settled into her seat, pulling out her laptop and logging in, trying to focus on the task at hand. She was about to take a calming breath when a tall figure appeared beside her, slipping into the seat. She turned her head, and there he was—Jesci, with that easy, confident smile that made her pulse skip.

Her breath hitched, and she could feel herself stiffen, her usual calm composure vanishing. His gaze lingered on her, his smile growing a little more amused as he watched her.
"Hey," he said, his voice soft but laced with a teasing undertone. "Miss me?"

Leila swallowed, feeling her cheeks flush. She tried to respond, but her voice came out quieter than she'd intended. "Um, hi. I... wasn't sure you'd be here."

Jesci chuckled, leaning back slightly as he watched her, his gaze warm and playful. "Why? You trying to avoid me?" he asked, his voice low.

She shook her head quickly, feeling both embarrassed and strangely flustered. "No, just... wasn't sure."

His gaze didn't waver, and the intensity of it made her feel like he could see right through her composed exterior. "You're quieter than you were the other night," he noted with a smirk, leaning in just a bit. "Almost as if you've forgotten how bold you were in the closet."

The mention of their kiss made her shift in her seat, her heart pounding as his words stirred up the memory. Her pulse quickened, and a heat spread through her as she tried to keep herself from melting under his gaze. "I... that was different," she managed, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jesci's smile deepened, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "I don't know," he replied, his voice teasing. "Seemed like the real you to me."

Leila felt her heart skip a beat, her cheeks burning as she tried to focus on her laptop, but Jesci's words and presence made it nearly impossible. She could feel his gaze on her, as if he was waiting to see what she'd say or do next. Her composure, her usual reserve, felt paper-thin.

He leaned in slightly, his tone softer now, but still carrying that playful edge. "No need to be shy, Leila. Not after the other night."

His words held a weight that made her pulse race. There was a warmth in his gaze that she couldn't ignore, something that made her feel seen in a way that was both thrilling and terrifying.

Leila took a steadying breath, managing to glance back at him, her heart racing. "I... guess I just don't know what to make of you yet."

Jesci chuckled, leaning back as if giving her space, though his gaze remained on her. "That makes two of us," he said, his voice low. "But I'm enjoying the mystery."

Their eyes met, and for a moment, the rest of the room faded away, leaving just the two of them in that charged silence. She didn't know what this was or where it would lead, but she couldn't deny the pull between them.