Naked (Wattys 2022)

Part 20

I woke up to my alarm. I stretched my arms out as I stared mindlessly towards my right.

My cellphone began ringing and I scrunched my nose. It was quite early.

"Hey Eli?" Calhoun didn't sound very cheery.

"Hey Calhoun, what's wrong?" I asked as concern laced my voice. Calhoun was a very secretive person, so was I and I wondered who would give in first.

I didn't want to force him to be open, but I didnt like the way he sounded sometimes, and all I wanted to do was comfort him.

"No no! Everythings okay! I just need to talk to you and oh I kinda brought you breakfast but we can eat it outside. I'd rather not enter your house if Emily isnt there." Calhoun always reminded me how lucky I was. I didn't ask nor did I need him to. He was too kind towards me.

Did I deserve the gifts and kindness that was given to me?? I shook my head.

I took out a pastel blue beanie and paired it with a midnight blue comfy hoody. Some jeans and sky blue sneakers.

I left my goofy smily socks on. I chuckled at them and then proceeded to head to the bathroom in order to freshen up.

I opened the door and Calhoun gave me a half smile. His arms suddenly snaked around my waist. My arms hung limply and my eyes widened as my heart began racing.

"I'm sorry Eli. I should've asked you first. I didn't want to add you into the mess. I-I just hated seeing you with Kai. I know what I'm saying is weird i-I don't know what's going on anymore." my stomach grumbled and I groaned. My cheeks turned a scarlet colour, his words rendered me without thought or speech.

Everything inside me was now tingling as I heard the words exit his rose hued lips.

He was agitated almost scared. I could visibly see the fear that crossed his irises. That's how I felt about him as well. Fearful: that he'd use what I'd eventually tell him against me.

He continued to hold me tightly and I couldn't help but pull him closer.

"You look really good today." Calhoun whispered as he pulled away. What surprised me more was when Calhoun rubbed his nose against mine.

Once he left me in order to head to the car I stood there unable toove an inch. I was frozen in time.

These emotions Kai and Calhoun stirred within me was confusing.

This type of affection and delicate behavior was something I'd never experienced.

"Eli I heard your stomach growl earlier. Come here." Calhoun smiled brightly at me and it reminded me of when I first met him. So energetic and free.

I missed that Calhoun.

I missed him.

I walked over to the car and entered. I placed my seat belt over my body and as I turned my head towards Him Calhoun stuffed a strawberry in my mouth.

"Mm" I mumbled and he laughed as I began chewing.

As Calhoun began driving I couldnt help but rethink his words. Why didn't he like to see Kai with me?

Was he jealous in a romantic way? I didn't clearly understand Calhouns words and he was still a big question mark.

I sighed. I didn't know what exactly to do. And was I suppose to do anything?

I wanted to converse to Emily about my predicement however i was skeptical. I didnt exactly know what was happening to me but the way Kai and Calhoun made me feel wasn't in a friendly way.

Once we got to school Calhoun opened my door and took my hand in his and pulled me to a standing position a little too close to him.

I gulped.

"Here's your lunch. I'll see you." He smiled softly earning a widened gaze from me. The aura surrounding Calhoun had changed drastically.

I walked towards my class with little to no focus.

"Hey sleepy head." I looked up and instantly smiled.

"Kai." I groaned as I recalled the previous nights events. He chuckled at my facial expression and ruffled my hair.

"You look beautiful today." Kai finally stuck with the word. I didn't know how to respond as his hand found my cheek, caressing it softly.

I couldn't decipher what his eyes were saying as I was on cloud nine staring at him.

"Hey Eli." He poked my nose multiple times and I grinned whilst blushing.

***

I walked towards the cafeteria and both Kai and Calhoun were sitting at opposite tables. I looked between the two and nearly bit my tongue.

"Hey Kai and Calhoun why don't we just sit togwther?" I asked hoping they'd agree.

"no." they said simultaneously.

"PLEAAAAAASE." I whined and Kai chuckled shaking his head as he moved to sit next to me.

"not so close!" Calhoun got up and moved kais chair a little further away from me.

Calhoun offered me a some of his fries and held one for me to eat when Kai pushed his hand away.

"Keep your distance."

I couldn't help but chuckle awkwardly.

"Wendy!!!" I screamed and basically ran towards her.

"Would you come sit by me?" she chuckled and then nodded.

"Kai would you mind if Wendy sits there?" he shook his head and then moved immediately.

As we ate everything was silent until a guy called Christian recognized Kai. Christian was as tall as Kai and really good looking. Intimidatingly so.

He introduced everyone to him and Wendy stared at me. I looked at her with perplexity.

"I missed you Kai." I heard him say and suddenly I didn't have appetite. The way he stared at Kai was the exact same way I did.

"I'll head to my next class. You guys enjoy. I need to fix something."

I couldn't stand it.