ᴛᴀɪɴᴛᴇᴅ ʙʏ ʜᴇʀ

ꜰɪᴠᴇ

Ciel POV

After what happened earlier, I sat in the car for a while, my fingers tracing my lips. I could still taste her on me the sweet cocoa butter and almond scent clinging to my skin. It filled the car, and I closed my eyes, resting my head on the steering wheel, trying to make sense of it all. She kissed me. I kissed her back. We were kissing. I touched her my mind stopped there, and I could feel my cheeks burning. I quickly shook off the thought and started the car, pulling out of the driveway.

When I got home, I went straight to my room, my mind still racing. I lay down on the bed, repeatedly touching my lips as if to make sure it really happened. A small smile crept onto my face, and I grabbed my phone, scrolling to her contact. My heart skipped a beat as I thought about how new this all felt these feelings, this strange curiosity. I wanted more. I wanted to kiss her again. I wanted to feel her lips on mine.

I let my thoughts wander as I hovered over her contact. Without realizing it, I had accidentally called her. The phone rang, and I froze. Before I could hang up, I heard her soft voice through the line.

"Hello?"

My breath hitched, and I couldn't bring myself to speak. What do I say? I wondered. I heard her voice again, more curious this time.

"Who's this?"

Then it hit me I never asked for her number. How would she feel about me having it without permission? I had taken it from her phone when she was asleep a few days ago. Panic surged through me. I quickly hung up, my heart pounding. Great. Now I have to get a new phone.

I threw my phone aside and headed for the shower, trying to clear my head. My body ached for release, but I turned the water cold, trying to focus. Afterward, I lay back on my bed, trying to put everything into perspective. Tomorrow was Friday, and the weekend was supposed to be spent at home with my family, celebrating my birthday. But for the first time, I didn't want to go back home. I wanted to see her again, to feel her close. Thoughts of the dark-skinned beauty from earlier swirled in my mind as I drifted off to sleep.

⸻

The next morning, I woke up early, the usual routine of brushing my teeth and showering, but my mind kept drifting back to her. Downstairs, I made breakfast cheese toast and green tea, making extra just in case Cayden was awake. I sat down at the kitchen counter, quietly eating when I heard him trudging down the stairs.

"There's breakfast in the microwave," I said, not expecting a response. As usual, he ignored me, heading straight for the fridge to grab the orange juice. I finished my tea, stood up, and grabbed my bag.

"Remember, we're supposed to go home this weekend," I reminded him, but got no reply. I left, heading to class.

⸻

When I arrived at the parking lot, I saw her right away. A smile tugged at my lips, but it faltered as soon as I saw him. Omar. She was with him. He leaned in and kissed her on the cheek, and though she rolled her eyes, I couldn't shake the knot of frustration that twisted in my stomach. I turned off the engine, stepped out of the car, and made my way to class, my thoughts tangled in knots.

⸻

Later, during my free period, I wandered to the food court. I ordered lunch, absentmindedly picking at my food when I heard a familiar voice.

"Boo."

I turned around, and she was right there, so close that I almost felt her breath against my lips.

"Akira," I said, startled.

"Scared you?" she teased, taking one of my fries.

"I'm not five, Akira," I replied, trying to mask the fact that her closeness made my pulse race.