UNBOUND HEARTS

What's wrong?

~Jack~

The urge to touch Emily felt overwhelming, a sensation Jack had never experienced so intensely with any other girl. It consumed him, but losing control was not an option. Emily was Rose's cousin, and although she seemed unaware of what had happened, that made her even more infuriating. Her indifference to her cousin's death—similar to his mother's—was maddening.

Jack let out a frustrated groan. His feelings were a chaotic mess. One moment, he wanted to be close to her, the next, he felt the urge to destroy her. The game needed to escalate; hesitation was becoming unbearable. Jack couldn't endure much longer without making her suffer.

As days passed, pretending to like Emily became easier. Being around her almost made him forget the monster he was. The diminishing desire to hurt her scared him. These emotions could not interfere with his plan. He needed to stay focused.

~Emily~

Emily had been waiting for Jack to make his move, but his silence was unnerving. Had he changed his approach? Was she wrong about him? The uncertainty was driving her mad. Staying one step ahead was essential.

The next day at school, Emily sat alone at lunch, as usual. She had avoided the bullies, and her performances had alienated anyone else. Silence was her ally. She was peacefully eating when Jack suddenly plopped down across from her.

She forced a smile, as she always did. Jack cleared his throat and ran a hand through his hair—a nervous habit he rarely showed. What was going on? A shiver ran through her, and she narrowed her eyes. What did he want?

"Um, Emily, so you know we've been hanging out a lot lately..."

"Yes, and?" She tried to keep the tremor out of her voice.

"And, um, I've started to like you. Would you be my girlfriend?" He blurted out, staring at his food.

All Emily could think was... SAY WHAT?!