iLOVE YOU (You Series #2)

Chapter 73

The shrill sound of the bell echoed through the corridors of the school, signaling the end of another tedious class period and the much-anticipated arrival of lunchtime.

I gathered my books and belongings, a sense of eager anticipation coursing through my veins as I prepared to meet Kent in the cafeteria.

"Ready for lunch?" Emma asked, her voice filled with a hint of frustration as she fell into steps beside me. "Seriously, I wish today was over already" Emma continued, exhaling a dramatic sigh. "I'm so done with these classes. I just want to go home, crawl into bed, and sleep for the rest of the day... preferably naked, with a 'do not disturb' sign hanging on my door." She chuckled to herself, clearly amused by her own fantasy.

I smiled sympathetically, knowing exactly how she felt. But my mind was preoccupied with thoughts of someone else. "I'm just looking forward to seeing Kent" I replied, a warm smile spreading across my face. "I miss him already"

I couldn't wait to spend lunch with him after a morning of stolen glances and missed opportunities.

Emma chuckled, her eyes twinkling with amusement as she nudged me playfully. "I think you two should just get married" she teased, a mischievous grin spreading across her lips. "I swear, you look like you can't wait to say I do"

I felt a blush creeping into my cheeks at Emma's teasing, my heart swelling with warmth at the thought of Kent. "I wish" I replied, my voice soft with affection. "I feel lucky to have him."

As we reached the cafeteria, Emma waved goodbye, making her way over to join her basketball teammates at their usual table. I scanned the crowded room, my eyes searching for a familiar face amidst the sea of students.

And then, I saw him.

Kent stood near the windows, scanning the room, his eyes searching for someone . The moment our gazes met, his face lit up with a smile so genuine it made my heart skip. He walked toward me, his strides growing quicker with each step until he was close enough to pull me into his arms.

"Hey, beautiful," he murmured, his voice warm and familiar. His embrace was firm, his scent comforting. "I missed you."

I let myself melt into his hold, burying my face against his chest. The stress of the day seemed to dissolve with his touch. "I missed you too" I whispered, my words muffled against his shirt.

We made our way to the lunch line, the buzz of the cafeteria fading into the background as we talked about our next date. It felt good, easy—like it was just the two of us. As we reached the front of the line, filling our trays with food, the moment felt perfect.

And then I heard it.

"Heyyy!! It's the lovebirds."

My fingers tightened around my tray as my stomach dropped. The voice was unmistakable. I turned slowly, and there she was.

Tia.

Her presence was like a storm cloud rolling in, darkening the room with her smug expression. She ignored me completely, her attention fixed solely on Kent. "Hey handsome..." she said, her voice dripping with false sweetness. Before I could react, she reached out and placed a hand on his chest.

I felt a flare of anger as I glanced at Kent, but to my relief, he stepped back from her touch, his expression hardening. "Tia..." he said, his voice clipped. "What do you think you're doing?"

Tia's smile widened as if Kent's discomfort fed her amusement. She leaned in slightly, her gaze flicking to me before returning to him. "Oh, I was just passing through" she said casually, though her tone betrayed her malice. "I thought I'd stop and say hello to an old friend."