Breaking the Grid

F*cked up

Blair leaned toward me, her lips hovering close to mine, but instead of kissing me, she pressed a soft kiss to my cheek. I felt her breath against my skin, warm and fleeting, before she pulled back slightly, her beautiful green eyes locking onto mine.

God, those eyes. I could get lost in them forever if she let me. They held an intensity that made my chest tighten, a depth that spoke volumes even when she didn't say a word.

She smiled at me, the corners of her lips curving into that soft, teasing grin she always gave when she thought I wasn't paying attention. "You're gorgeous," she said softly, her voice carrying a warmth that made me feel like the only person in the world.

I smiled back, my cheeks warming under her gaze. "So are you," I replied, my voice just as soft.

We'd spent the entire weekend together, barely seeing the outside world. Blair had cooked for me yesterday—an actual date at her place. It was small, intimate, and completely her. She'd insisted on doing everything herself, from the food to the candles she'd lit around the table.

She'd been different lately, closer than ever, like she was letting me see more of her. But whenever I tried to bring up something serious—whether it was about her, Leah, or anything that felt too heavy—she'd find a way to stop me. And every time, we'd end up back in her room, her kisses distracting me from all the questions I wanted to ask.

Now, though, as I looked at her, I could see the cracks she was trying so hard to hide.

Blair opened her mouth like she was about to say something else, but before she could, a familiar car pulled into the parking lot, stopping just next to us. Leah's car.

I glanced at Blair, and the change in her face was instant. The soft warmth in her eyes dimmed, her jaw tightening ever so slightly as she watched Leah step out of the car.

"I should go," I said quietly, breaking the silence. "I'll be late if I don't."

Blair nodded, opening her door and stepping out as well. I followed her, slinging my bag over my shoulder as Leah began walking toward the entrance, her pace steady and her head down.

For a moment, I thought Blair would let her go. But then her voice cut through the still morning air.

"Leah," Blair called out, her tone careful but firm.

Leah stopped in her tracks, her back still to us. She didn't turn around immediately, her shoulders stiff as if she were deciding whether or not to respond. After a long pause, she finally turned halfway, her gaze flicking briefly to me before settling somewhere near the ground.

"What?" Leah asked, her voice clipped.

Blair hesitated for just a second before stepping forward. "Can we talk?" she asked, her voice softer now.

Leah's jaw clenched, her eyes not meeting Blair's. For a moment, I wasn't sure she'd say anything at all. But then she gave a small nod, her movements stiff.

"I'll see you soon," I said quietly, giving Blair a small smile.

She glanced at me, her expression softening for just a moment. "Thanks, Ky," she said gently.

I nodded, stepping past them and heading toward the building. As I walked, I couldn't help but glance back, just once, to see them standing there—Blair with her arms crossed lightly, Leah with her hands shoved in her pockets.

Whatever was about to happen, I could only hope they'd finally figure out whatever was going on between them. Because as much as I loved Blair, I couldn't ignore the tension that always seemed to follow when Leah was around.