Devil on the Rooftop [Book 1]

Chapter 79 - Arisa -

My steps were slow and dragged. I could see the door to the student council room up ahead but I was scared to rush my meeting with Khaleel Abdul. "Be strong," I lectured myself. "Focus on Loyal and nothing else. If he tries to switch the conversation, just ignore him."

I nodded and moved to the door.

I turned the knob and found Khaleel leaned against one of the desks. His eyes flashed up from his phone and held my attention. We stared at one another, awkwardly, and waited for the other to start the conversation. I couldn't help but focus my attention on his injured lip. I caused that. Me. The longer he stared at me, the more flustered I became. I couldn't believe I was wavering after one messily kiss. It wasn't that great, it wasn't anything to lose my marbles over. It wasn't—

"Hey."

His voice sucked the life out of me. I whipped around and went back the way I came. I couldn't do it. I just couldn't face him. I picked up speed and rushed up the staircase, hoping to out-run the delinquent. As soon as I reached the second floor, I looked down to find that he wasn't chasing after me. Relieved, I marched up to the third floor.

Hey. My whole plan got ruined because Khaleel said, 'hey'. What in the world was wrong with me? How could I crumble so easily? How could I just give into my fears and run off with my tail between my legs? It was so humiliating.

I looked up to find myself standing at the steps to the rooftop. To my surprise, Loyal was seated at the centre with his head dropped to his knees. I rushed over, lifted his chin up, and forced him to face me. He looked so drained, so full of worry, and I couldn't help but feel responsible.

"I can't even begin to apologize," I said. "If you never want to talk to me again, I'll understand."

His lips broke into a smile. He stood up and brought me into his arms, "I would have done the same thing in your position," he told me. "I would have also taken a photo. It's not your fault. You're not the one who exposed me, it was Dobberman."

"What?" I snapped, backing away. I pulled him down the steps and waited for an explanation.

Loyal pinched my cheeks. "I missed this adorable face," he said, maintaining his smile. "Sorry, for not answering your messages. I was losing it a bit and didn't want to worry you."

I waited for him to release me. "How did Dobberman get a copy of your letter?" I asked upset.

"Your phone," Loyal told me, patting my face with his fingers.

My heart sank. "Oh my god," I groaned, walking away. I found the nearest locker and started banging my head against it. "I'm such an idiot! It's all my fault—my entire fault! How can you not even be a little upset with me?"

I felt him come up behind me and put his hands on either side of my body. I slowly turned to face him. "Why are you so understanding?" I asked, miserably.

Loyal leaned his face in and pecked my lips. "Because I don't want to lose you," he said. "Not over this and not over Khaleel."

"You don't have to worry about that," I said, feeling my stomach churn. My heart tightened for a second. No—oh no! Did he hear it as a lie? Was it a lie? I didn't know myself. I liked Loyal. I wanted to date him and become his girlfriend. He was so wonderful and sweet. I wanted to clone him and put him in my pocket—but Khaleel was a wildcard. I was scared to see what lengths he would go to change my mind. Did I need to be more assertive? Did I need to yell at him to leave me alone? How many different ways could I turn the delinquent down?

Loyal's thumb grazed my bottom lip. "Can I officially call you mine?" he asked, pulling me into a trance.

"Are you asking me to be your girlfriend?"

Loyal nodded. "I promise to erase all of the curiosity you feel towards Khaleel."

My face turned red. It was a lie and he completely saw through it.

"Why?"

My world stopped. Loyal and I turned to find his friend standing to the left of us. He must have come looking for me after all. This was bad. Really bad. He looked angry, pissed even, and his fists were clenched tightly, as if he was ready to pound someone's face in.

"You scared it might manifest into something real?" Khaleel asked, with coal for eyes. "You scared she might leave you for me?"