Chapter 2: A Touch Too Close

He looked at me with a frown before nodding.

“Whatever,” he muttered in a deep tone and walked past me.

As he moved away, I closed my eyes, the scent of his cologne lingering in my memory. It hit me then that was the first time we had ever spoken.

“Hey, Nerdy. Sitting all alone? Don’t tell me you thought anyone here sees you as a pretty loner,” a boy sneered, pausing beside me.

I didn’t say anything. I never did, not because I agreed with them, but because I feared confrontation. If I said the wrong thing, they might twist my words and complain to the dean. That would only make things harder for my mother.

Aside from my three close friends, I kept to myself.

“Robin, stop that. We don’t have time for your nonsense,” a voice called out from a short distance away. I turned to see Ian, his gaze fixed on the boy next to me.

Robin scoffed and walked over to Ian. “You shouldn’t have stopped me. I was just messing with that nerd.”

Ian brushed his fingers through his damp hair and replied, “Still don’t have time for your crap.” Then he walked away.

“Why did Ian defend her?” I heard a few girls whisper behind me.

I kept my eyes on his back until he turned a corner and disappeared from sight.

“AVA”

I turned and saw Luke waving me over, so I walked to him.

Luke was a top student in his third year, same year as Ian, and the captain of the basketball team Red Flamor. Ian led the rival team, Black Diamonds.

“I’ve been waiting for you,” Luke said, slinging his sports bag over his shoulder.

“I bumped into someone and got delayed,” I replied.

“You said you needed help with stats, right?”

“Oh yeah, thanks for reminding me.”

“Let’s head to the library.”

“Good idea. I’ll text Abi.”

Together, we walked toward the library. That’s how it had all started, months ago.

I had been struggling with math problems, and he offered to help me. After that, we started hanging out. He met my friends, and we all grew close, though he still had his own circle too.

We studied together in the library, and later Abigail joined us. Debra, my other friend, came along too. She was sweet, fashionable, and always on trend.

“I’m throwing a party tonight,” Luke announced.

“Where?” Debra asked.

“At my guest house.”

“Nice!”

Then he turned to me. “You have to come tonight.”

I blinked. “What? You know I’m not allowed to go to parties.”

“Why not? I’ll talk to Aunt Angela.”

“No, don’t. She won’t approve. Besides, I’m not interested—”

Before I could finish, Abigail jumped in. “Don’t worry, Luke. I’ll make sure she comes.”

Later, they both convinced me to attend.

That evening, Abigail showed up at my place.

My outfit, black T shirt and baggy jeans, was simple but comfy.

“Please, wear something nicer,” Abigail said as she went through my closet. “These aren’t bad, but you need a real party outfit.”

She sighed in disappointment. “You don’t even have a single party dress?”

“I told you, parties aren’t my thing. Maybe I shouldn’t go.”

“Hey, no! I didn’t mean to sound rude. You’re my best friend. I just wanted to help you stand out. You already look beautiful.”

I laughed at her flustered apology and tied my hair into a low ponytail, leaving two thick strands to frame my face. I reached for my glasses and put them on.

“Why do you always hide yourself? You’re stunning,” Abigail said softly.

I turned and smiled. “I’m not hiding. This is just who I am.”

She took off her long black coat and handed it to me.

“Wear this.”

“I’m fine.”

“Come on. It’s just a coat, and it’s cold outside.”

I slipped it on and glanced at myself in the mirror.

“What about you?” I asked.

“I’ll be fine without it,” she shrugged.

We headed out and got into her car. Abigail came from a wealthy family. Her dad was a successful businessman, so owning an expensive car was nothing unusual. But she never acted superior about it.

As I leaned against the seat, I looked out the window. An hour later, we reached Luke’s guesthouse. The driveway was packed with cars.

Inside, the house was already buzzing with noise. Music, lights, and smoke filled the air like a nightclub.

I held Abigail’s hand tightly as we navigated the crowd. People were dancing, drinking from red cups, and chatting loudly.

“Ava, Abigail”

Debra rushed over, hugging us both. She looked as radiant as ever.

“I’m so happy you came! Abigail really knows how to work her magic. How did she get past your mom?”

“My mom wasn’t home,” I admitted.

“Girl, don’t say that! Let them think I’m a miracle worker,” Abigail laughed.

We all giggled.

“Let’s go find Luke. He’s probably by the pool,” Abigail said, leading the way.

Debra had already been to Luke’s place a few times.

“There he is!” Abigail said when she spotted Luke near the poolside, talking with a group of guys.

I followed her until something caught my eye and made me freeze.

A group of people were gathered, cheering and laughing. In the middle of the circle was a boy, blindfolded in black.

It was Ian Dawson.

Dressed in black jeans and a sleeveless jacket that showed off his tattoos, his half zipped top exposed his chest. The girls around him were giddy with excitement as he stumbled around, trying to catch someone in a game of blind man's bluff.

His friends were clearly enjoying it, egging him on as part of some dare.

And then he moved toward me.

I took a few steps back, but he kept coming. I turned, intending to leave, but before I could escape, a hand grabbed my wrist and pulled me into a firm chest.

The crowd went quiet. I stood frozen, overwhelmed by his closeness. His grip, his scent, it made my heart race.

He chuckled, biting his lower lip, as if he could hear it pounding.

And that lip... I noticed a small mole in the center of it. Somehow, it felt like the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen.

He slowly reached up and removed the blindfold.

But as soon as his eyes met mine, his playful smile vanished.

“You.”