*** Saturday
Ayden arrived shortly after my parents had left, which gave us plenty of time to work on our project.
We spent the next few hours working together on a slideshow for our upcoming presentation-- which wasn't due until Wednesday next week.
I couldn't help but feel a bit awkward being around him, especially after I had kissed him so suddenly the first time we met; even if it didn't mean anything, I couldn't seem to get it out my head. I wonder if he was going through the same thing. He was honestly so hard to read, so I never knew how he was actually feeling or thinking.
"I think it's about time we take a little break." Ayden says as he stretches his arms above his head, leaning his back against the bedframe.
"What did you have in mind?" I asked curiously, sitting across from him.
I watched as he pulled the same weed pen from before out of his hoodie pocket before taking a drag from it and then offering it to me.
"Want some? No pressure or anything-"
Although I liked the feeling of it, I worried what it made me feel and do around him more than anything. I mean, come on... last time, I literally kissed the dude!
Being around him all the time could be... dangerous for my emotions. I was normally not so impulsive and forward, but ever since he's been around, it's like I have no filter.
I don't know if I can resist feeling this way about him. No matter how hard I try to shove it down, it's going to keep coming back up.
I have to distance myself from him. As much as I don't want to.
"Nah, I'm okay," I replied after giving it thought.
There was an awkward feeling in the air now. I wasn't sure if he felt it too, but then he broke the silence.
"I'm sorry if I made you do something you didn't want to."
"Hm?" I look over at him, but his eyes are focusing on anything but me.
"On Monday.. I shouldn't have made you cope with your feelings that way." He sighs. "I'm not always the best when it comes to emotions... so I may not always handle them the right way."
Ayden looked at me, and for the first time since we've met-- I saw how he truly felt. He had this somber expression on his face and looked like he was on the verge of tears.
"Ayden..."
Before I could say anything, he moved to sit closer to me, hesitantly leaning down and resting his head on my shoulder.
"You didn't make me do anything I didn't want to." I say reassuringly.
I rested my head against his, and we sat in silence for a while until I realized what we were doing. I couldn't shut my brain up about it.
Is this what friends do? I've never seen him act this way before... No, it's fine. We're just friends. Yeah, this is what friends do.
Naturally, my face was beat red and hotter than the surface of the sun.
See, this is what I mean. Why am I like this?
"I should probably get going." Ayden says as he stands up. "I'll see you at school, Ez."
His demeanor had completely changed, and I couldn't read him anymore. It's like his wall was put back up.
"Yeah, see you then.."
I walked him out and watched as he skated away on his skateboard.
*** Monday (1 day later)
We had got most of the project done on Saturday so luckily we could finish the rest of it during class.
When I arrived at my second period, Ayden was already there and talking to a guy with short ginger hair. He had dark eyebags underneath his eyes, which made him look like he hadn't slept in weeks. My seat was sat further away from them, so I couldn't get a good idea of what they were talking about.
"Alright, class, everyone settle down. You have important presentations to be working on with your partners! Remember, these are due on Wednesday, so please make sure to have them completed by then." Mrs. Kyle announces from the front of the room. "I'll give you the hour to work on them today and tomorrow!"
Everyone scatters across the room to their partners-- including Ayden, who walked over to me, pulling a desk over to be closer to mine.
We both took out our laptops and pulled up the project. As we worked, we split up the slides. That way, both of us would be doing a fair amount of the work.
After the bell rang, I proceeded to my next class, social studies. On the way there, I had passed by Phoenix, who proceeded to shoulder check me on the way past.
"Watch it." He threatens, glaring at me.
Back to his normal self, it seems.
Fucking weird.
After the next hour had passed-- slowly at that-- I headed towards P.E.
Today's activity was kickball, so the class was split in half to make teams. Ayden ended up being on the opposing team, while Phoenix ended up playing on mine-- great.
During the game, Phoenix did nothing but get in my way. Apparently, even on the same team, he still continues to provoke me even if it risks everyone from winning.
The teacher abruptly blew his whistle, making everyone freeze in their tracks.
"Archer! You know you're supposed to be working with your team, not against it, right?" Mr. Anderson questions from across the gym.
I almost didn't realize who he was referring to, but then remembered the teacher used everyone's last names instead of their first.
He groaned under his breath before replying back, "Got it, teach."
It didn't stop him. Go figure.
When class ended, I went to take a quick rinse in the locker room shower. I wasn't the only one who had the same idea because when I got out, Phoenix was standing in front of his locker with his shirt off again-- yet this time, water droplets were sprinkled all across his tanned shoulders and chest. My eyes couldn't help but admire his physique.
Whether I wanted to say it or not-- he's attractive, and he knows it.
I walk by to get to my locker, and it's not long before Phoenix says something.
"You must really want my attention again since you can't seem to get your eyes off of me." I don't even have to look at him to see the huge smirk plastered on his face.
"Aw mannn, I could've swore that was you, considering you can't go a day without being on my ass." I sneered, rolling my eyes.
He scowls at me, but his eyes have that same look as before-- undeniable lust.
His expression is so complex that I can't tell what his next move is going to be.
I think to myself what I should do in a situation like this. My bully, who, as far as everyone knows; despises me-- actually desires me more than he wants to admit.
And as much as I'd like to deal with my emotions for Ayden in a healthier way, this was my next best option. I couldn't just ghost him after all of this. He didn't deserve that, but these thoughts I have can't be helped. I wanted to feel loved even if it was just pure lust.
"If you want something from me, just come get it already." I teased, turning towards his direction.
He stared at me in complete shock, evidently not expecting me to be so blunt.
All of a sudden, Mr. Anderson walks in from the gym, humming to himself.
Without a word, Phoenix and I finished putting on our clothes.
I swear, it was the quickest change of my life.
As we walked out together and went our seperate ways, I didn't even turn my head to look back, smirking to myself.
Maybe next time, huh?