Solangelo Highschool

3: Tardy Slip

Nico POV

I didn't even make it halfway across the hall without the blond boy chasing after me.

"Nico!" Will shouted. 

My heart stopped. Blush rushed up to my pale cheeks because he said my name. As I turned around to meet him, his chin ran straight into my nose.

"Ow!" I exclaimed, rubbing my now red nose. 

I fumbled backwards a few steps so that my balance was maintained.

"You know, I think I would have preferred your car ramming into me rather than your chin." I glanced at him.

"Sorry," Will said sheepishly. 

He stepped forward and examined my face. My heart raced as his eyes focused on me. Then, without warning, he reached out and caressed my face. His hand was warm against my cool skin. I felt heat rise to my cheeks as I forgot how to breathe. Will's thumb glazed over the top of my nose.

"My chin may be pointy, but didn't do that much damage. Just a bit red, not much to worry about." He chuckled. 

It dawned on me how intimate this moment was, with his face just inches from mine. Suddenly I was snapped back into reality. My hand reached up and forcefully shoved his arm away from my face. I may be mistaken, but for a brief moment, Will looked taken aback.

"What... Why'd you...?" I couldn't even form a complete sentence. 

Will's touch paralyzed my tongue the moment his fingers touched my face. How pathetic of me.

"Uhhh... you forgot this" He had seemed to remember his purpose as his hand jutted out to me, in it was a blue tardy slip for my Italian class.

As I took it, our hands touched momentarily and an electric current ran through my body. Our eyes met, and he genuinely smiled at me. Instantly my body felt warm with renewed energy. Then I remembered what had happened in the classroom, and what he witnessed. That feeling soon left my essence.

"You know I'm perfectly capable of doing things myself." 

My words had more ice in them than I intended them to. Silence filled the space between us for longer than it should have. I cursed myself for being so harsh. Finally, Will chose to speak.

"I know." Will's whisper was fragile.

"It's just, well... sometimes things are easier when someone is there along the way." Will's small smile melted whatever cold remark I was about to say. 

Maybe, I thought. Maybe Will is facing his own uphill battle that is unknown to me. I instantly felt regret for trying to push him away.

"That, and you can't seem to stop running into me, quite literally." 

Will's face turned smug, no doubt recalling our past encounters. Just like that, things between us were back to normal. I sighed.

"So... you don't mind tutoring me?" I eyed him suspiciously. Will shrugged.

"Tutoring you will also help me retain the material. That and..." Will bit his lower lip before continuing. 

"I know some ways that can make you stay focused while I teach." Will looked at me in a way that no one has ever looked at me. I gaped at him.

"Where... where will we- uhh..." I stammered. 

Will came forward until our chests were touching. His right hand went onto my shoulder and pushed me back into the wall. I stood there, motionless. Will leaned towards me.

"We can do it in the library." Will's lips brushed my ear as he spoke. Unable to speak, I simply nodded. Will pulled back, and looked into my eyes.

"See you after school?" Will's face angled down to meet me.

"After school." I whispered. Will nodded, patted my shoulder, then turned on his heel to leave. I stood paralyzed until his silhouette was out of sight.