𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐀 ||The Girl Behind The Act||

Chapter 29

Ariana

Monday arrived sooner than I expected, filling me with excitement as I prepared to head to school and catch up with Tristan.

I mean, seriously? How did I suddenly shift from wanting to avoid him for the past few days to eagerly anticipating our meeting today?

Alright, let's rewind to Saturday. After the homecoming dance, we couldn't stop texting each other until the wee hours of the morning. It was like 2 AM when we finally passed out.

Then, yesterday, he came over, and we decided to make the most of a leisurely Sunday. We hit up an amusement park, which, in hindsight, wasn't the best idea since I almost barfed after every ride.

Following that wild ride experience, we grabbed lunch at Gigi's. Even though a bunch of students from school were casually hanging out there, we shrugged off their potential judgment. Tristan and I are on a different wavelength now.

As far as I'm concerned, Tristan and I are dating.

Walking into the diner, we got bombarded by surprised and puzzled stares, which was a tad annoying. But we shrugged it off, enjoyed our meal, and made a quick exit.

He dropped me back home later in the afternoon, leaving me with a sweet kiss goodbye. It's becoming a thing, and weirdly enough, I can't get enough of those butterflies.

So, that's how our first official date unfolded. Now here I am, cruising to school, grinning like a maniac, replaying every single detail in my head.

Is this what it's like after a proper first date? Pretty damn interesting.

Anne Marie's "2002" is blaring in my car, and I can't resist singing along with a huge smile. I park in the lot, hop out, and immediately Joanna's in front of me.

"Okay, spill it. Why the mega grin?" Joanna's curiosity sparks up.

"Yeah, seriously. I haven't seen you smile like this since that TikTok celeb encounter at Coachella during sophomore year," Shay chimes in, and I chuckle.

"The smile's all about being thrilled to be back in the school grind and ready to tackle the day with my dynamic duo. Does that work as an answer?" I quip, and they exchange playful eye-rolls.

"Seriously, on a Monday? Did you forget your reality-check pill?" We share a laugh as Joanna teases.

"Oh, Josh is here. Finally." She goes dreamy-eyed, and we all look over to see Josh's car pulling in, closely followed by Tristan's.

My heartbeat starts to race. I instinctively run my fingers through my hair.

They park in their usual spot, stepping out and sauntering over. My gaze locks on Tristan, who's strolling towards us with a small smile. He greets some of the football guys with fist bumps before finally reaching us.

"Hey, Josh! Hey Tristan!" Shay greets me with gusto, and then sneakily glances at me.

"Morning ladies. Hey babe," he nods, giving me a quick peck on the lips as he sidles up to me.

Heat rushes to my face. I catch Shay and Joanna's expressions and nearly burst into laughter.

Their jaws practically hit the floor, eyes wide with shock. Their reactions are absolutely priceless.

"Babe?!" They exclaim in unison, and I barely suppress a grin.

"Wait, are we missing something?" Joanna asks, attempting to regain her composure.

"Nah, you're not missing a thing," Tristan smirks. Joanna playfully smacks Josh's arm in mock annoyance.

"Ow! What's that for?" he protests, and Joanna shoots him a mock glare.

"You knew about this?" He shrugs, pulling her close to his side.

Sensing a potential drawn-out argument, Tristan whispers in my ear, "We better move before they get into it." 

I chuckle and nod, and off we go to class, side by side. His fingers entwine with mine, and I glance down, smiling at our joined hands.

Around us, eyes are wide, expressions ranging from confusion to excitement, maybe even a hint of envy.

At my locker, I quickly grab my needed books. Tristan leans against the locker next to mine, twirling a strand of my hair. It's become his thing – playing with my hair when he's close.

"Want to grab lunch together today?" he asks, and I slam my locker shut, grinning at him.

"Yeah, sure. But first, I need to rally the girls before lunch for a quick meeting about our upcoming competition and—"

Tristan interrupts, flashing a flirty look my way.

"Tristan?"

"Hmm?"

"Stop looking at me like that." He smirks and leans in closer.

"Like what?" I roll my eyes.

"Like you're planning to do something.....bad."

"Oh, but I am planning something for you," he murmurs in a low tone, pulling me closer.

His arms encircle my waist, fingers interlocking at my lower back. I glance around – others are definitely staring.

"Who cares if they're watching?" he dismisses.

Arguing seems pointless when he's grinning mischievously, biting his lip. He knows how much that affects me.

"Tristan," I caution, but he shoots me a lopsided smile.

"What?" He leans even closer until our lips are inches apart, and I catch my breath as he kisses me, slowly.

My knees practically turn to jelly. I respond eagerly, but the bell interrupts, and we break apart, sharing a smile.

"Class or do you want to continue this somewhere more private?" he suggests, wiggling his eyebrows playfully.

I roll my eyes, "Let's go, Romeo. Your favorite subject awaits."

He groans playfully, drapes an arm around my shoulder, and scoops up my books. We head to class, side by side – lucky for us, it's one we share.