The Popular Boys And Me | ✔

Chapter Ten

Ashanti POV 

"It’s time for school!" Harden knocking reverberated through my door. This was his daily routine whenever I didn’t get moving early enough and it was starting to wear thin.

"Yeah, yeah, calm your cherries before I pop them." I called out, slipping on my heels.

"Oh, come on. I thought we were becoming friends." I heard him reply from the other side. 

I stood up, grabbed my bag, and swung open the door to find him waiting there, a football jacket slung over his shoulder.

"What gave you that idea?" I asked, my curiosity piqued. He chuckled, his gaze lingering on me.

"Maybe because we live in the same house and go to the same school." He shrugged, hands tucked into his pockets.

"And that was supposed to mean something?" I nearly laughed, closing the door behind me.

"Doesn’t it?" His brows knitted together as he looked at me.

"Does what?" I asked, brushing my hand casually against his ginger hair.

"Us." He smiled, holding onto my hand. I waited for him to continue. "Being acquaintances since we see each other daily." 

"Oh." I briefly glanced away, feeling his touch linger on my hand. "Is that what you want, cherry?"

He nodded.

"Okay." I shrugged, watching his smile waver as I slowly withdrew my hand.

"But, I guess that’s too bad." I chuckled softly, observing his smile turn into a frown as I walked away.

"What?" His voice echoed as I continued down the hallway, waving him off dismissively.

>>>>>>>>

"Hey?" I heard a voice and turned to see the student president taking the seat beside me in the cafeteria. "Ashanti, right?"

I simply nodded, glancing away as I continued eating my apple. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Harden staring at me from across the room.

I turned my gaze as he continued to speak, "It’s nice to formally meet you." He said, holding a cup of coffee. "I’m Ethan, the student president." 

We sat in silence for a moment and I could tell he was waiting for me to respond. He studied me, but I had nothing pleasant to offer.

"So, how’s the school been treating you?" He finally asked, his tone low and awkward as he took a sip of his coffee.

"Good question." I replied, my face lighting up as I gestured to him with a finger. He nodded, a small smile forming.

"The school isn’t the problem, but the students are." I let out a small groan and he chuckled softly.

"Everyone’s been invading my personal space since I got here, including you right now." I added, watching as the amusement in his eyes dimmed.

"And when I express myself, speak my mind, or even tell the truth, I know some people secretly call me a bitch and trash talk my attitude." I continued, giving a small chuckle. He narrowed his eyes on me.

"Do I even care?" I sassed, leaning back in my seat. "Maybe I don’t. Maybe I do."

"To be honest, I’m not a bad person." I told him, rolling my eyes. "Do I seem like a bad person, Ethan?"

I focused on him, noting his concerned expression and curious eyes. Then, I reminded myself that these popular boys are all womanizers.

"But why would you care?" I scoffed, rising from my seat just as he opened his mouth to respond. His gaze followed me as I tossed my trash in the bin.