the player | denis stoff

6

Turning around, I saw Ben. He smiled, looking a little nervous. Standing up from my seat, I nodded. "Sure." I grinned, giving Angel a smile before turning away and standing up.

Ben grinned, before turning and navigating through the crowded lunchroom. He led me into one of the empty hallways. It was a short and quiet walk. When we got there, Ben turned to stand in front of me. I smiled up at him.

"I've known you for what, 5 years now? We've been friends for a long time Emily." He started, reaching over and taking my hand in his. I felt my heart race a little at the small gesture, anxious for what he wanted to do.

"We've been through a lot together. We've helped each other with messy breakups and problems, and over time.. As we've grown closer, I realized something." He continued.

I bit my lip, glancing at the ground. "I've realized that I like you, Emily. I really do." He told me, looking me in my eyes. I took the little pause to speak up.

"I like you too, Ben." I told him. A wave of relief washed over him, and he grinned. "Really?" He asked. His eyes practically lit up, and I nodded. "Yeah, I do."

"Then you wouldn't mind if I do this?" He asked.

---------Switch to Denis' P.O.V

Anxiously tapping my finger on the lunch table, I thought quietly to myself. I couldn't stand the thought of her dating Ben. I liked her. I've liked her since I met her. Took me a while to realize it, but I really do.

What if she does date Ben? What if I never get a chance to prove to her that I'm not some player looking for a new hookup? I can't. Ben's irresistible, lots of girls like him and he isn't a player. He's a good guy.

Running my fingers through my hair, I stood up. I had to go get some fresh air to clear my mind. Glancing around, I took in a deep breath before walking through the crowded lunchroom and to the hallway.

I felt my heart beat faster when I heard two all too familiar voices. Emily and Ben. A part of me told me not to go look, but on the other hand, something was practically forcing me too.

Shuffling my feet forward, the hallway split in two ways; Left and right. Trusting my instinct and ears, I went to glance down the left hallway, and there they were. They were just talking to each other. Furrowing my eyebrows, I listened in.

"Then you wouldn't mind if I do this?" Ben asked her, before he did it. He moved forward, leaned down and kissed her. He kissed Emily. I felt my world stopped, and I swear, I felt like I stopped breathing.

My heart pounded loudly against my chest as I looked away. I couldn't breathe. Ben really liked her, and Emily really liked him. I covered my mouth and closed my eyes.

Why did I look? Why did I fall in love with her? Sitting down against the wall, I drew in a deep breath. Maybe it won't work out. Maybe, if I manage to prove to Emily that I'm not a player, then she'd like me back?

There was one problem, though, with that idea. If I wanted to prove to her that I liked her, I would have to do it soon. This is the last year of high school we have together, and God knows where she'll be next year.

Would I be able to do it, though? Emily isn't like the others, and she'll be harder to convince.

And maybe, it's just fate that she goes with Ben.

And fate can't be changed.