Chapter 12

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School had just dismissed, and I was about to head home when Jackson suddenly stepped in front of me, halting my stride.

"What's up?" I asked, raising an eyebrow as I looked at him.

He hesitated for a moment, then said, "George, we've only got two days to finish that song. And all we have is a rough draft." His voice was tinged with concern, almost frustration. I couldn't help but chuckle, "Relax." I started recalling how irritated Jackson looked when I was busy doodling in my notebook instead of brainstorming ideas.

He let out a long sigh, rolling his eyes as he flicked my forehead. "Ow," I muttered, rubbing the sore spot.

"What was that for?" I asked, rubbing my forehead.

"Two days, George. Just two," he said, holding up two fingers close to my face, as if emphasizing the urgency.

I felt my stomach tighten with annoyance. "What am I supposed to do then?" I asked, scratching my nose in frustration. I was already dreading the deadline, and now Jackson wanted to work on it immediately.

"Not just you. Us. We need to write at least half a verse today," he insisted, grabbing my arm and steering me toward the school's exit. The corridor was crowded with students passing by, but Jackson's tone was serious enough to drown out the noise.

"Where?" I asked, tapping my foot impatiently. I just wanted to go home, relax, maybe forget about this whole project. But Jackson's determined expression told me he wasn't giving up.

"My place?" he suggested.

I immediately shook my head, disliking the idea. The last thing I wanted was to be at Jackson's house, especially with Lisa there. Just the thought of her made my stomach churn. I was convinced she'd find some way to make things difficult for me, and I really didn't want to risk bumping into her today.

"Then yours?" Jackson begged, giving me that look—pleading, almost desperate.

I exhaled heavily, knowing I wouldn't win this battle. Jackson never took no for an answer, especially when it came to this song. Reluctantly, I nodded, defeated. I knew I'd have to explain myself later—why I was bringing a guy into my house instead of Sarah, no less. That's a conversation I wasn't looking forward to.

Deep down, I felt the weight of the situation pressing down on me. Jackson's passion was contagious, but right now, all I could think about was how much I didn't want to do this. Yet, here I was, about to dive into a project that felt more like a burden than an opportunity.

****

We were on the bus, and my stop was approaching. My heart pounded with anticipation, each beat louder than the last. The idea of someone coming over to my house felt daunting—unfamiliar territory, especially since I'd always been cautious about bringing guys home. I especially didn't want my mom to see me in this kind of situation.

Though, technically, I'd already been in this situation for a week now, thanks to Namjoon and the others. Still, this was different. This was real.

"George? This is our stop," Jackson's voice broke my thoughts. I jerked back to reality as Jackson gently tapped my shoulder, signaling we had arrived. I exhaled heavily, then stepped off the bus.

Walking toward our home, silence stretched between us. I could tell Jackson was nervous, too—probably about meeting my mom for the first time. When we reached the front gate, I hesitated, my hands trembling slightly. Turning to him, I saw a smirk on his face, amused at my unease.

"Just please—stay quiet. Don't say a word," I begged, voice trembling. Jackson only shrugged, flashing that innocent smile that made it clear he wasn't taking me seriously. I knew him too well for that.

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