My first crush (COMPLETED)√

PART 2: Chapter 51: Meeting Jane.

Stephen waited the entire time — through all my lectures — just so he could take me home.

"Seriously, Stephen... you waited? Why?" I asked as I slipped into the passenger seat, waving goodbye to Aaron across the parking lot.

I knew the truth, though.
He wasn't waiting just to be sweet — he was waiting so I wouldn't have time alone with Aaron.

"You can hop in, Aaron," Stephen called out casually. "If you like," he added, his tone almost too polite.

Aaron shook his head. "I brought my car."

He unlocked his sleek vehicle and drove off without another word.

I blinked. Wait... did Stephen just assume Aaron didn't have one?

"Hm. I see," Stephen murmured, starting the engine.

I studied him suspiciously, narrowing my eyes. Something about that whole exchange felt... calculated.

"What?" he asked, glancing sideways at me. "Why are you staring at me?"

"Me? Nothing." I folded my arms. "Why did you miss class today?"

He hesitated, then spoke calmly. "I've thought about it. I'm taking up some of your courses."

"What?" I sat upright. "You can't do that."

"Oh, yes I can."

"Are you doing this because of him?" I asked bluntly.

His grip tightened on the steering wheel. "No. I'm doing this because I can't live without you."

I laughed lightly, trying to break the intensity. "Come on... stop being ridiculous. You lived just fine before you met me."

"I'm serious," he said quietly. "I'm not joking. I need to be by your side... for your own safety."

My smile faded. "What do you mean?"

He kept his eyes on the road. "It's nothing."

"Nothing? You brought it up."

"I said it's nothing," he replied sharply. "Can we just forget about it?"

I sighed, frustrated. "Fine."

The rest of the ride passed in uneasy silence until he pulled up in front of my dorm.

"Make sure you call me before you sleep, okay?" he said, his voice soft again.

"I will." I cupped his cheek gently and leaned forward, placing a light kiss on his lips.

I stepped out of the car and headed inside.

But the moment I entered my room, I froze.

Jane was sitting there.

I blinked, stunned.

Was I dreaming?