Don't Know Why

Chapter 20

AN: The above picture is how I imagine her smile is that Harry catches a glimpse of while they're in the library. 

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Harry...

She was observing me and from her smile, I'm certain she liked what she saw.

Whether that was my sign or not – that I wasn't sure of.

Nevertheless, I'm taking my chances.

I kept a close eye on her, as soon as she got off her chair, I counted to fifteen, stacked my things and sped off after her. I caught Lauren's scowl, I knew she cottoned on, despite it, she remained silent and I appreciated it. I ignored her and jogged away.

I hurried out of the library, my head whipping around.

"Hi Harry"

"Hey" I replied to Liza or Lucy, the same second I caught sight of a familiar brunette. She was getting farther.

"So we were –"

"Sorry, can't stay to chat ladies." I ran, catching up with her at the nick of time. Thankfully, there weren't many students idling by the hallways.

Without any thought, I reached out a hand and grabbed her just as she was about to step out of the building. I heard her gasp, clearly not expecting the contact. I spun her around, perhaps a little too quickly. She had a slight misstep, her palm the only thing that prevented her from colliding with my chest.

Our eyes met and none of us spoke.

Her mouth was agape, visibly at a loss for words.

I was out of breath. I didn't know if it was from my slight jog or purely from her overwhelming presence. Like it was calling me, I was powerless to stop my eyes from drifting downwards.

Kiss her.

I leaned down. I think I heard her draw in a breath, but she made no move to stop me. My lids started to drift close, my heart pounding in my ears.

"Isn't she with Brian?"

I froze and all of a sudden, it was chilly. Alanna's arm vanished from my grip. I uncurled to my full height, seeing two girls also from the faculty of design eyeing us with curiosity before moving away.

I looked back at Alanna and found out the source of the cold.

"What the hell's your problem?" She hissed, stepping backward.

"I" I faltered. What was I planning to tell her anyway, especially now that she's fuming?

I met her stare once more and saw the storm in them. The urge to kiss her was back with a vengeance. I took a step forward.

"What?" she repeated, looking dubious.

I paused, then straightened.

"How are you?" I asked.

She raised an eyebrow, bemused. "That's it?"

"I" It was lame. But I realized, that it was true. "Yes. Because I...care. For you."

She pulled a face "I'm okay. Now can I go?"

It was like a punch to the gut as she turned around again. But I couldn't just let her walk away. "I don't think he's right for you."

Her spine visibly stiffened. But remained immobile. The seconds ticked loudly in my head. My heart struck an irregular beat as I blurted out the one of the truths I've tiptoed on around her. Finally, she faced me again.