Secrets, Lies, and Deception

Chapter 6: Comeback Party!

7:00 PM, 4th of August.

You could hear the sound of relief in the entire room when the bell rang for dismissal. Everyone was exhausted from the afternoon classes.

"Don't forget to find your partner for a documentary report on The Social Dilemma. Submit it at the next meeting. Class dismissed," the professor said.

No one cared about choosing a partner for the report. All they cared about was getting home. I organized my stuff back into my bag when the girls came up to me saying to go home together. I refused and told them that I had to get something from the locker at the gym before heading out, which is on our building's other side. They said their goodbyes and headed out of the room.

I was the only one left in the room, so I turned off the lights but saw a guy leaning by the door with his bag on his shoulder and his other hand in his pocket.

"Nate," I said, coming up to him, and we've locked eyes.

"Luna," he said. There's something about him when he calls out my name. "Are you heading out?" he asked, taking a few steps away for me to close the door of our room.

"I have to go to the gym lockers to get something," I answered, locking the door and making sure it's locked. "Okay," was his only reply.

Nate followed me until I got to the gym. The school gym is enormous. Our university sometimes hosts regional games here. When you arrive at the gym building, there are two big courts—one for the basketball court and the other for volleyball. On the second floor of the building is where student-athletes train most of the time. They even got rooms for them to take a rest in between training. Our sports center is massive, and this building is just a part of it.

He opened the door at the gym while checking the area if there are any other people around. I can't help but let out a chuckle, which caught his attention.

"I'm sorry," I said, still silently laughing.

"What's gotten into you?" he asked, obviously annoyed with my reaction.

"It's just that... You..." I keep on laughing that I can't complete my sentence. So, I breathe in deep and composed myself. "You're checking if there are any other people around, am I right?" I asked, and he nodded as a reply. "Well, it's just like we're sneaking here to make out," I said and laughed again.

He pulled me and closed the door behind me. He deliberately stepped in closer, closing the distance between us, now my back is lying by the door. He put his hands on each side of my shoulders, telling me that he's not permitting me to move.

"Wh-what do you think you're doing?" I stammered. I felt suddenly nervous and self-conscious. I wasn't like this before. Whenever someone does the same act like this, I turn the tables. Yet right now, I don't think I can.

"You know Luna... it's hard to control it whenever I'm close to you," he said while looking at me directly. I cannot help but look away. His stare makes me uncomfortable.

"C-control what?" I keep stuttering as I feel confused with everything that is going on. Now I regret laughing and thinking about the thought earlier. I just want to get my PE clothes from the locker.

"This," he replied. I look at him, and his face is almost an inch away from me. He isn't looking at my eyes but my lips. I pushed him away with all my might and rushed towards my locker room. Now, it was his turn to laugh.

"Why so flustered?" he teased. I didn't bother to answer him. I got the first try on my key lock wrong, which frustrated me because I want to be out of this place as soon as I can.

He tried calling out to me, but I didn't answer. What's wrong with me? Why am I like this with him? He's nothing but a transferee guy with some scholarship. If I am to compare, he's nothing like Chase Jimenez. Chase is a better catch.