S M I T T E N ( Kuroo Tetsurou x OC )

『 24 』

I applaud myself, really. It took every fiber of my being to not vomit and I succeeded.

"Did you hear that? Those two are clearly fighting!"

"Do you think Kuroo is going to choose Ishihara?"

"I'm still rooting for Sakurai!"

Was I feeling nauseous from the sick display of affection? Or was it from the pressure from being watched like a movie?

For some reason, my chest tightened. Maybe I was actually getting sick.

No matter the reason, I had to leave this place.

"Aya, wait! Ugh, get off of me!"

"Kuro- kyaa! Where are you going? Kuroo-kun! Come back!"

Their cries became muffled as I left the cafeteria.

The hallways were a lot less crowded than usual. I found it strange that the cafeteria was so congested but now I know the reason.

Everyone came to watch us.

"I said wait!" Kuroo's exasperated voice resounded throughout the empty hallway.

Why does he sound so irritated? It's me that should be frustrated!

I took a deep breath, composing myself.

"Oh my, Kuroo, is that you?" I turned around with a fake smile, my hand cupping my cheek.

Pretending I'm fine is my specialty.

"Stop acting like this. I said you don't need to pretend anymore."

Oh.

But of course, only Kuroo can see through me.

My smile dropped as my hand fell to my side. I glared at Kuroo who was standing a few steps before me.

"Pretend?" My voice shook. "Who's the one pretending here?"

My heart clenched and my stomach churned.

What is this feeling? I hate it.

This unpleasant feeling of irritation and anxiety filled my being.

"Wasn't it you who pretended to get along with Ishihara? Walking around school with her, eating lunch, and-"

"Are you...jealous?"

JEALOUS?!

I lost it.

My body instantaneously grew hot.

Jealous? Me? You've got to be kidding me!

"Jealous? Can't you see that I'm angry? Or are your eyes for show too?" I yelled.

The emotions I bottled up inside finally erupted.

"You know I keep rejecting her advances."

"That's exactly why I'm not jealous! Why would I be jealous of someone who keeps getting rejected?" I threw my hands in the air for added effects.

"You're oddly defensive for someone who claims they're not jealous."

Kuroo crossed his arms, not backing down.

"You should know more than anyone that I hate to be wrongfully accused."

I'm not jealous! I'm not!

"Alright, you win." Kuroo lifted both arms in surrender. "You're not jealous."

He then winked at me.