Untouchable

0.21

Ivy’s POV

The student lounge was empty, but the air between us was anything but.

Nathaniel stood in front of me, his posture relaxed, but there was something deliberate in the way he held himself—like he had already made a decision before this conversation even started.

"Alistair told me you two broke up," he said, his voice even.

It wasn’t a question.

I inhaled slowly. "It wasn’t real to begin with."

Nathaniel’s lips twitched, just slightly. "I know," he said. "That’s why I didn’t care."

Something in his tone made my stomach twist.

I tried to focus on the conversation, but there was an edge to the way he was looking at me—like he was waiting for something. Like he already knew the answer but wanted me to say it anyway.

"And now?" I asked cautiously.

Nathaniel took a step forward, smooth and effortless. "Now," he murmured, "I think we’re done pretending."

My breath caught. The air between us tightened like a wire stretched too thin.

I pressed my back against the wall before I even realized I was moving, my pulse pounding as Nathaniel stepped closer—deliberately, purposefully. He wasn’t touching me, but he was close enough that I could feel the warmth radiating off of him.

"Nathaniel," I warned, my voice quieter than I intended.

His gaze flickered to my lips before meeting my eyes again. "I should’ve said something sooner."

The way he said it—low, almost regretful—made my chest tighten.

I shook my head. "I don’t—" I exhaled sharply. "I don’t know what I want right now. I need time to figure things out."

He hummed, tilting his head slightly. "That’s fine," he said. "I can wait."

And then, before I could even process what was happening, he kissed me.

Not deep. Not urgent. Just enough for me to feel the weight of it—the unspoken things beneath it.

When he pulled away, his expression was unreadable, but there was something almost smug in the way he lingered just a second too long.

Then, right before turning, he glanced over his shoulder.

I frowned, confused—until I turned too.

Adrian stood a few feet away, eyes locked on me.

And this time, there was nothing unreadable about his expression.

His jaw was tight, his fists clenched at his sides. His dark eyes—usually cold, distant—were blazing with something I couldn’t name.

Nathaniel didn’t even hesitate. He walked past Adrian like he hadn’t just kissed me. Like he hadn’t just claimed something in front of him.

Like he hadn’t just shattered whatever unspoken thing was between the three of us.

And Adrian—

He didn’t say a word.

Didn’t react.

Didn’t move.

But his gaze stayed locked onto mine, sharp and cold and furious.

Then, after what felt like forever, he turned and walked away.

And for some reason, that felt worse than anything he could’ve said.

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