How I survived in an all boys glade

Chapter Fifty-three

- What are we? -

Around noon the next day, I find myself wandering through the Glade, my heart a mix of nerves and determination. The warmth of the sun doesn't help ease the fluttering in my chest as I search for Newt, replaying last night over and over in my mind. The confession, the way his lips felt against mine, the way he'd looked at me like I was the only person in the world—it was all so vivid, so real. 

But now, in the harsh light of day, questions linger. What does this mean for us? Is it just a fleeting moment, or is it something more? I finally spot him near the garden, his sleeves rolled up, dirt smudging his hands as he carefully tends to a patch of vegetables. For a moment, I just watch him, my nerves getting the better of me. Then, steeling myself, I take a deep breath and walk up to him. 

"Hey, Lizard," I say softly, my voice steady despite the whirlwind inside me. He glances up, and when our eyes meet, his face breaks into that soft smile that always makes my heart race. "Got a minute to talk?" I ask, trying not to let my nerves show. "About... last night."

Newt straightens, brushing his hands off on his pants before giving me his full attention. "Yeah, of course," he says, his smile fading slightly as he senses the seriousness in my tone. He glances around briefly, then nods toward the shade of a nearby tree. "Let's go over there."

I follow him, my palms sweating as we step away from the others. Once we're out of earshot, Newt leans casually against the tree, his arms crossing over his chest. He tilts his head slightly, his golden-brown eyes fixed on mine, patient but curious. "Alright, love," he says softly. "What's on your mind?"

I hesitate, shifting on my feet. Last night had felt so natural, but now the weight of reality makes my chest tight. "I just... I needed to know what last night meant to you," I finally say, my voice barely above a whisper.

His expression softens, and he uncrosses his arms, stepping closer. "It meant everything," he says, his voice steady and sincere. "I've felt this way about you for a long time, Y/n. What happened last night wasn't just a moment for me—it was real. It still is."

Relief washes over me, but there's still one thing nagging at me. "But what now?" I ask. "I mean, this changes things, doesn't it? People will notice if we... if we're together like this."

Newt sighs, running a hand through his hair. "You're right," he admits. "The Glade's tense enough as it is. Everyone's on edge, and the last thing we need is to cause a stir or give anyone something to gossip about."

I nod, understanding what he's saying but hating it all the same. "So, we keep it quiet?" I suggest hesitantly. "At least for now?"

He looks at me, his eyes soft but serious. "Yeah. For now, I think that's best. Doesn't mean I care any less, though," he adds quickly, reaching out to take my hand. His thumb brushes against my knuckles, sending a reassuring warmth through me. "This is ours, Y/n. And no one else needs to know until we're ready."

I manage a small smile, squeezing his hand. "Okay. We'll keep it between us."

He nods, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "But that doesn't mean I'm going to pretend nothing's changed," he says, his voice low and full of meaning.

Before I can respond, he leans in, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead—a fleeting, tender moment that sends my heart racing all over again.

"Alright, love," he murmurs as he pulls back. "We should probably get back before someone starts wondering why we're hiding out here together."

I laugh softly, trying to ignore the heat rising to my cheeks. "Right. Don't need anyone getting suspicious."

As we walk back toward the Glade, our steps in sync, I feel a new sense of certainty settle over me. We might be keeping this a secret for now, but I know what we have is real, and that's enough to carry me through. For now, it's just us, and in a world as uncertain as ours, that's more than I could have hoped for.