𝐑𝐈𝐅𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐀𝐂𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐌𝐘

Chapter 21: We Have To Talk

"So I was thinking since my dress is royal blue, your tie should definitely match," Elide ordered, looking down at the notebook in her hand and checking off another item from her 'School Dance To Do List'.

With only a couple of weeks left, everyone was becoming mad with finding a date. It was like an episode of 'Love Island' with all the boys trying to woo over the girls.

Aelin munched on a slice of some chocolate cake and asked with her mouth full, "Have you guys seen Aedion lately?"

Elide shut Aelins lips with her fingers, "Close your mouth, women."

Rolling her eyes, she pulled away and bit into another slice of cake.

Lorcan leaned in and said, "You didn't hear it from me, but every night after soccer practice I see Aedion sneak out of his dorm."

"That's weird," Nehemiah raised an eyebrow and Aelin mumbled an agreement.

Rowan walked over and sat down with his tray of food, and just as quickly the entire table was filled with an awkward tension. They all stared between Aelin and Rowan, as if waiting for a bomb to erupt at any second.

"Aelin, can we talk-" Rowan started but was cut off when Aelin stood up and gathered her stuff.

"You know what guys, I forgot that I need to go ask Mr. Erawan about an assignment."

Then she was leaving. Again.

Rowan stood up to go after her and Lorcan gripped his shoulder, "Don't do it."

Dorian shook his head at Lorcan, "Just leave him."

Everyone watched as Rowan sped after Aelin, his tray of food long forgotten. This was now or never, and he wanted to do it now.

"Aelin!" He called her name, and he saw her walk faster down the empty hallway.

"I don't want to talk to you," She called back, trying to sound irritated but he heard the sorrow in her voice.

That's what she did, tried to use all that confidence and proud smirks to show the world how unstoppable she was, but really deep down that wasn't the case at all.

Just as he closed in on her he did something he thought he'd never do.

Grabbing her arm, he dragged her into a nearby closet and shut the door behind them. She was trying to rip free from his grip, it was tight on her wrist, but not painful.

"Let me go, Rowan!" She punched his chest, struggling to get away.

"Just-Just listen to me," He gasped, trying to calm her down, "Give me two minutes and I'll never bother you again, please.

The pounding on his chest stopped and he waited a while, both of them breathing hard, and when she stared up at him with eyes that just took his breath away, he got that as a sign to continue.

"Maeve kissed me. It wasn't the other way around, and I found out it was only because she saw you guys coming in," He explained, dodging boxes on the floor as he stepped closer to Aelin.

"When she kissed me it all felt so wrong," He said moving towards her until he heard Aelin's back collide with the wall, "I knew that because somehow, when you and I kissed at the party, I know it was so right, even if I can't exactly remember what happened."

"I'm so sorry, Aelin." Tears slowly ran down her face, and he cupped her cheek with his hand and swiped a tear away with his thumb.

"Why are you telling me this?" Aelin sobbed, throat bobbing when she felt his breath run against her neck.

"Because I like you, Aelin."