The state I'm in COMPLETED

Unexpected

The night and the next morning felt endless, the memory of that kiss haunting me.

It wasn't just the kiss itself—it was how he kissed me.

Like he needed it more than he wanted it. Like it was inevitable.

I could still feel the imprint of his lips, the warmth of his touch, the taste of him lingering on mine. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw him—his intense gaze, the way he held me like I was something precious yet dangerous at the same time.

There was no way I could concentrate on my studies.

Thank God I had always been organized, revising each chapter as soon as the next began—otherwise, I would be screwed.

I tried to push him out of my head, but his jade-green eyes were everywhere, watching me. What is wrong with me?

He was just a guy. A guy I had only seen a handful of times.

But something about him refused to let me go.

My phone beeped, breaking through my thoughts.

Leo: When are you leaving?

Valerie: I'm leaving tonight. Why?

Leo: Someone wants to know xx

Valerie: That someone should call me xx. Anyway, I'm leaving because I need to get ready for exams.

Leo: Good luck with that. Talk soon.

Valerie: Thanx!

My heart raced.

He wanted to know when I was leaving.

But why didn't he text me himself?

I thought my response to that kiss had been clear enough—he had no reason to be distant now.

Even though I barely knew him, the thought of not seeing him all week made my stomach sink. If I had to work on the weekend, I wouldn't see him at all.

I already missed him.

I packed slowly, gathering my clothes, notes, and snacks. I checked everything twice, even though I wasn't thinking about any of it.

At around seven, I was loading the last of my bags into my car when my phone rang.

I froze when I saw the name on the screen.

Harry.

My fingers hovered over the screen before I finally answered.

"Hey," I said, my voice sounding awkward even to my own ears.

There was no hesitation. "Val?"

"Yeah?"

"Are you leaving now, or can I see you before you go?"

Straight to the point. No hello, no how are you?, just a direct question in his usual quiet, unreadable way.

I swallowed. "I'm leaving now. I just loaded my car, actually. I'm getting in as we speak."

There was a pause. A hesitation.

"Oh. Okay, then."

Something about the way he said it made my heart sink further.

"When is your first exam?" he asked.