I Just Can't Stop Loving You ~ MJ Fantasy

Chapter 29 ~ Not As Easy

(Michael's POV)

"What's your deal, man? Go out there and tell her! You know, I've seen how that professor wanna-be looks at her, all the time, I swear if you don't—" Chris tries to explain to me as one very certain title catches my attention.

"Professor wanna-be?" I give him a rather confused look, completely unaware.

"Yeah, that new guy that - hold on, a minute. You see! That's your deal, you pay attention to these things that are totally outta the box, Mike. All I'm trynna say is go out there and get your girl, man, how is that so hard?!" he puts emphasis on his word to signify me that he's indeed being serious about this one.

Taken aback, I bring my palms up to my chest in defence, nodding, "Okay, okay, fine, I'm leaving, I'm leaving."

This was the first time I was experiencing nervousness to such extent, Annie is my best friend, though, I'm afraid telling her would mean taking that away but Chris isn't the kind of guy you say 'no' to especially when he's as onto you like your own elder brother. Perhaps he does have a point.

Life is in fact short. If I never tell her, I would never know how she feels. I would never know what could have been if I had told her. I would never know how finally saying those right words for the right one feels. It was time, I told myself. I couldn't let my nervousness take away what was right in front of me.

The only girl who I have eyes for. The only girl who makes me weak in the knees and my heart to beat as if it's never known how to, before. The only girl that I've grown to love. Even thinking about that blows my mind. I would've never known love would find me this way but it indeed did.

I finally take a deep breath and muster all my courage, taking one step after the other, I could hear Chris cheering for me from behind me but it was the last of what I heard, everything else fell silent as I neared closer. She turned around not to see me.

But someone else.

(Annie's POV)

I turned around after a familiar voice called my name and gave him a short smile, as I spoke, "Jack?"

He smiled as his eyes lit up, his hands held onto the books from the class before while he continued, "I was actually meaning to ask you, what are you doing later, tonight? Any plans?"

"I. . uhm." I tilted my head to see just behind him and I could've sworn I saw Michael there not moments ago but he wasn't there, any longer. It was my name being called out again that snapped me back to reality, "I.. yeah, nothing, studying, actually." I nodded with a slight nod.

"I was thinking maybe. . you could stop by at my place? We could study, together and maybe watch a movie, later? If you don't mind, that is." he asked.

I was dumbfounded. I didn't know what to say or what to think. Jack is a nice guy and as much as a friendly visit to his place couldn't hurt, I, for some reason didn't know what to say.

"I mean. . I don't know, I'm not really as fun beyond homework and all." I tried to cover up thinking that'd make him cancel.

"If you don't want to be there, you can tell me, Annie, I wouldn't mind that, you don't need to feel bad or make excuses."

"I. . No, Jack, I. ." I finally sighed and gave into my instincts. "Fine, I'll be there." I gave him a smile and nodded, reassuringly.

He returned the smile as he pulled me into a small hug before speaking, "Right then, see you at my place at 5?"

"Of course. I'll see you, then." I spoke before finally waving him a goodbye, walking back to collect my belongings from class while an a familiar feeling of discomfort settled inside my stomach. Why did that feel so wrong? I go out and hang with Kate and sometimes, Chris, too, then what's different this time?

I sigh before running a hand through my hair before finally picking up my bag and leaving the classroom. It was then that I remembered.

I had to tell Michael about how I feel.

(Michael's POV)

I stood, frozen against the wall that I'd decided to hide behind, letting the sight I'd just witnessed sink in. I was so stupid, I really thought I had a chance when she has someone right there. He's good looking, he's smart, upfront and everything a girl would look for. And he just called her over for a date that she accepted.

A flood of emotions consume my senses as I took slow steps towards the classroom, trying my best to not let my frustration or how defeated I feel show until I bump into someone.

"Woah, woah, woah that is NOT what a guy who's just confessed his feelings to a girl looks like until she's said no. Wait, did she say no?" I hear Chris speak over me while my head hung low.

I gently shake my head in response.

"So she said yes? MIKE, she said YES! But wait, why are you sad, then?"

"It's because the conversation never happened Chris and she's going on a date with someone she's interested in." I snap back at him and before he can say another word, I head to the classroom, refusing to meet anyone's eyes, simply packing my belongings.

I should've never let feelings get the best of me. I should've known. God, why did I.

"Michael?" I stop in my tracks, immediately as I hear the sound of that one voice I couldn't go without.

There she stood, right behind me, my arm gripped in the small of her palm.

A/N: NOW, THIS! is what I know none of you were expecting, neither was I, to be fair. But it's a start! What do you think the future has in stores for Michael and Annie? Would Jake be that one barrier that keeps them apart or break them completely? Stay tuned to find out!