my heart was beating fast with his every move
What did he know?
"Let's go, Nami. Decent people don't belong in places like this," I said sharply, giving Arin a pointed look.
"Yeah, co on, hop on," Nami said to , already seated on the scooty with Teru.
I climbed on, ready to leave, when Arin's voice ca from behind.
"Be careful."
Sothing in his tone made pause for a second. As we rode away, I glance back just once to find him still watching.
The streets were quiet as we neared my neighborhood, but my mind was anything but. Thoughts still rembering the chaotic ss all revolving around one thing—Arin.
Why was he there? He shouldn't have been.
I clenched my fists, trying to shake the thought away. What does it matter? He can do whatever he wants. It's none of my concern.
the realization hit hard. Tenzin and Suhina... they're dating? And I had no idea?
Not that it should bother . Why would I know? Why would they tell ?
We reached my street, and as I stepped off the scooty, I speak in a forced casual tone. "Alright then, see you both at school tomorrow."
Nami and Teru nod . "Bye." Their voices sounded distant ,they were still a little shaken.
I watched as they sped off, disappearing into the night. Then, I turned toward ho, my thoughts still tangled in knots.
Would Arin go to places like that too? Just like them?
despite knowing him for so long, I had never really figured him out. No matter how much I wanted to, he never gave the chance.
Does he even like ? Or am I just another na in the background of his life?
The thought was frustrating. Annoying.
And then, impulsively, an idea sparked in my mind.
A small stone lay near my feet. Without thinking, I picked it up, rolling it between my fingers.
Alright... let's decide this.
If the stone lands on this side, he likes . If it lands on the other... then he doesn't.
I smiled to myself at the ridiculousness of it. What kind of childish ga was this?
But still, I threw it into the air.
Before I could see how it landed—
A sharp sound cut through the silence.
A bike a stop behind .
I froze.
"Who is it that you wish would like you?"
A deep, teasing voice. Smooth. Familiar.
I quickly looked back and in the process I stumbled a little.
Arin.
He was sitting quietly on the bike, just looking at
,I was a bit surprised to see him.
How long had he been there? Had he seen
"Did I scare you?" His voice was softer now, almost amused, as if he already knew the answer
"Yes..., if you suddenly co from behind and speak like that anyone will be scared ..."
No words were coming out of my mouth. My heart was beating very fast...
Why is he here at this ti?
I looked around—there was no one.
We were just... alone.
Arin got off the bike and ca straight to . He extended his hand toward . "Co on, stand up properly."
I hesitated before taking it. "Thanks," I said in low voice still trying to steady myself.
He tilted his head slightly. "Walking ho alone at this hour?"
I smiled , slipping back into my usual self. "No, of course not. Can't you see? I have four people with ." I gestured dramatically to the empty street.
Arin barely blinked. "Guess they're only visible to you."
His deadpan response made purse my lips. "You're so—" I started but stopped midway.
Arin raised an eyebrow, stepping closer. "I'm so... what?"
His voice was low, teasing, and his gaze locked onto .
Before I could step back, he leaned in.
The space Between us close in an instant.
His face was very close to ... very close. So much so that I could clearly see the slight smile on his lips. His breathing, his eyes staring at —I could feel everything
My heart beating fast
He bent slightly, aligning his gaze with mine. "What were you going to say, Aira? Tell ..."
Just by him saying this, my breathing, my mind, my heart... everything felt numb. I couldn't rember what I was going to say. His voice... I didn't know when I started sounding so sweet. Controlling myself, I took a step back a little... His proximity was unsettling, his gaze sharp yet I Can't understand
"N-Nothing. Why are you here? Are you... following ?" My voice ca out with more breath than I intended, and I hated how weak it sounded.
Arin didn't even flinch. His expression remained calm, almost amused. "I'm not following you." His tone , leaving no room for argunt.
Then why does it feel like he is?
I crossed my arms, trying to mask my nerves. "Then what?"
There was a silence before he finally spoke.
"I wanted to talk to you."
His voice beco quieter now. The casual air he carried had shifted slightly, and that alone made my heart race.
Talk to ?
I started looking away, with a slight smile... as if I was avoiding his gaze. As if if our eyes t, then sothing... sothing unsaid would happen. What would happen, I don't know... but sothing would definitely happen.
'Well, what was the matter that couldn't wait till morning? That you had to follow at this ti? I challenged, hoping to bring back the distance between us.
But Arin didn't back down. "Do I need permission for that?"
Why does he do this every ti?
Such confusing things that completely confuse ... I don't know what to think!
It was like feelings were racing in my heart; every feeling seed out of control. "I—uh... fine. Go ahead."
My words ca out more rushed than I wanted, and I cursed myself internally.
Calm down, Aira.
He looked at carefully, then slowly moved towards . Close enough that I could feel his presence in my breath... but still far enough away that he couldn't touch . The night air was cold, but with him around I couldn't feel the cold.
His actions left perplexed
what did he want?
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