𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐒⸼ 𝗈𝖼

03. talk

MADDIE'S — POV

"WE need to talk," he stated, his words sending a shockwave through me, leaving me speechless. My bag slipped from my hand, crashing to the floor. How did he appear out of nowhere? Was it some kind of magic?

"Maddie? I'm talking here, are you even listening?" His annoyance was evident as he furrowed his eyebrows at me.

"Uhmm....how did you find me?" I blurted out, unable to suppress my curiosity.

"Mads, our lockers are literally opposite each other...didn't you notice?" he replied, a hint of amusement in his voice.

I shook my head, feeling slightly embarrassed. "I'm sorry, I didn't know."

"It's okay...Mads, I dragged you here because I have to tell you something," he said, his tone nervous as he placed his bag down. I looked at him, puzzled.

"Mads, I'm sorry. I really am," he sighed. Here we go again, the same old story.

"It's okay, really. I already forgave you," I reassured him, stepping closer and patting his back. He took my hand, holding it tightly. My heart fluttered at the gesture. He was so cute...

"Please, give me another chance, Maddie. I'll prove myself to you this time," he pleaded, squeezing my hand. I tried to pull away, but he held on, pressing my hand against his cheek. I looked at him, unsure of what he was doing.

"What are you talking about?" I asked, excitement bubbling up inside me. Was this true? Please tell me it's true!

"I want to make it up to you, Maddie," he said earnestly. I frowned at his words. So, basically, he wants us to happen to make it up to me? What does that even mean?

Does he pity me?

Of course, he does. Who wouldn't? You've been crushing on him for seven years now, you know...

Shut up!

"He thinks you can't handle the pain, Maddie. But honestly, he doesn't even know you've experienced worse," my inner voice taunted.

My blood boiled. Don't show pity on me, Noah... I hate it! You don't need to do this! I gestured angrily around the janitor's closet. Just to make me feel better, I added mentally. I yanked my hand from his grasp, and he let go, looking taken aback.

"I don't pity you, Maddie. I know you can handle yourself. I'm asking you to give me a second chance," he said softly, his eyes filled with sincerity and determination.

"And why is that? It's a bet, isn't it? Or are you just purposely making fun of me?" I glared at him, feeling an unexpected surge of anger. It's because of HIM (not Noah) honey...

But Noah's not him!

How can you be so sure, dear?

"Because I--"

"I totally get it, but seriously, Noah! You don't need to--" My words were cut off when I felt Noah's lips on mine.

My eyes widened in surprise, and I tried to push him away, but he didn't budge. Noah's lips were eager, seeking entrance, and I couldn't help but respond.

I kissed him back, my heart racing as our kiss grew more passionate. I placed my hand on his neck, feeling his heartbeat against my palm as I pulled him closer. After what felt like an eternity, we finally pulled away.

That was actually my first kiss... No kidding...

I opened my eyes to see him smiling at me. We gazed into each other's eyes, both smiling. He pulled me closer, and I rested my head on his chest. His embrace felt warm and comforting, and I inhaled his scent, feeling complete.

NOAH'S — POV

"I'm asking for a second chance because I love you, Maddie. I really do, and I want to prove it to you," I murmured, resting my chin on her forehead as I affectionately stroked her hair, inhaling the scent of her shampoo.

"Please, give me another chance, Maddie, and I'll prove it to you," I pleaded, squeezing her waist. I felt her smile before she buried her head against my neck.

"I can't actually believe this... a Wolfhard is actually begging," she teased, and I couldn't help but laugh.

"So? I'm begging you. What are you gonna do about it? Are you gonna tell your girls about this?" I asked, curious about her response.

"Maybe," she grinned, and I laughed.

"Okay, honestly, I actually don't care, as long as you're going to give me another chance. I'm okay with it," I said, looking at her with a content smile.

"Okay," she softly answered, her voice so gentle that it made me want to protect her even more. I kissed her forehead, making her smile widen.

"Thank you, Mads... I swear I'm going to take care of you, and I will always buy you food on your period and deal with you even on your moody days," I promised, holding her face and showering her with kisses.

I kissed her eyes, nose, cheeks, and lips, savoring every moment. I gazed at her, admiring her beauty. I just love everything about her... She's so perfect...

"Mads?" I said, looking down at her.

"hmmm?" she hummed in response.

"Ca-can you still be mine?" I asked hesitantly.

"I'm always yours, Noah... always yours," she replied, melting my heart. I smiled.

"I love you, Maddie Brown, and I'm never going to let you go ever again."

"I love you too, Noah Wolfhard."

If this is what it feels like losing your pride, then... it's really worth it, just like the saying:

"It is better to lose your pride to the one you love than to lose someone you love for pride."

THE two groups sat at their respective tables, patiently awaiting the arrival of the new couple. It was evident that the couple had spent the entire morning together, skipping classes.

"Where the hell is she?" Sadie asked, her gaze fixed on the cafeteria door.

"Oh my god, what if she got her period this morning and snuck out of school to buy some pads?" Grace exclaimed, her mind immediately conjuring up worst-case scenarios.

"Eeww, gross, no! My poor food..." Millie commented, instinctively shielding her plate from Grace's wild speculations.

"I think it's time for you to think positively, Grace," Lilia chimed in, attempting to lighten the mood, but Grace simply shrugged, unfazed by the teasing.

The girls rolled their eyes at Grace's antics before bursting into laughter. Crazy, right? While the girls were busy fretting over Maddie, the boys were equally concerned about Noah.

Gaten made his way to the boys' table and took a seat. "So, any news of Noah?" Caleb inquired impatiently.

"They said he was spotted leaving a closet with a great-looking girl, while others claim they saw him sneaking out with a girl in a hoodie," Gaten replied, letting out a frustrated sigh and pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Hoodie girl? Who the heck is hoodie girl?" Jaeden pondered aloud, his mind working overtime to solve the mystery.

"Wow... people really can't seem to get their facts straight, can they? I mean, there are plenty of great-looking girls around here, and plenty more who wear hoodies," Finn remarked, annoyance evident in his tone.

Just then, the cafeteria doors swung open, drawing everyone's attention. All heads turned in unison to see the couple making their grand entrance, hand in hand. The sight left their siblings, cousins, and fellow students speechless, filling the room with an almost palpable silence.

"Madison Brown!!"

"Noah Wolfhard!!" came the simultaneous exclamations, echoing through the stunned silence of the cafeteria.