Aria wasn't okay.
Nope.
Not even a little.
She was in love with Tobias.
And now, everything was ruined.
Because how was she supposed to act normal when her brain wouldn't shut up?
It had only been one month since the realization hit her, and yet, suddenly, everything about Tobias seemed different.
The way his hair fell messily on his forehead and some on his eyes when he ran his fingers through it. The way his eyes crinkled slightly when he smiled. The way his voice sounded way too nice in the morning.
She had never paid attention to these things before. But now? Now she couldn't stop noticing.
_____
That morning, Aria and Tobias were walking to class together like usual.
Like usual.
Except it wasn't usual at all.
Because now, every step she took beside him made her heart feel weird.
"Why are you so quiet nowadays?" Tobias asked, concerned for her. "Not enough sleep?"
Aria quickly snapped out of her thoughts. "Huh? No, I—I'm fine!"
Tobias narrowed his eyes. "...You're acting weird."
I'M ACTING WEIRD?
She forced a laugh. "No, I'm not! You're just imagining things!"
Tobias tilted his head. "Hmm. If you say so."
Aria turned away, panicking internally.
Act normal. Act normal. Act normal.
But how was she supposed to act normal when he was the problem?!
She stole a glance at him.
Bad idea.
Because Tobias was stretching his arms, causing his shirt to ride up slightly, revealing a bit of his toned stomach.
Aria immediately looked away, flustered.
WHY IS HE LIKE THIS?!
____
During class, Aria tried to focus.
But it was impossible.
Because guess who was sitting right beside her?
That's right—Tobias.
She could hear him scribbling notes, flipping through pages, tapping his pen lightly on the desk.
Things she had heard a million times before.
But now?
Now it was distracting.
She found herself staring at his hands.
Why are his fingers so long? Why do they look nice holding a pen? Why am I even thinking about this?!
"Need something?" Tobias suddenly whispered.
Aria jumped. "W-What?"
"You're staring."
"You're staring."
Her face turned red.
"N-No, I wasn't!" she whispered back.
YOU ARE READING
Hearts in Bloom
Romance"Some love burns like fire. Ours bloomed like a secret garden-quiet, patient, and unforgettable." Hearts In Bloom is a romance novel about the blossoming connection between two best friends, set against the backdrop of friendship, personal growth, a...
