10. Video Kiss With Noah

Casey's POV

Noah wasn't kidding. He was typing something on his phone, about to send that video. No. I couldn't let that happen. I looked at him, standing tall in his usual denim jacket. For some reason, the slightly messy combo of his jacket and jeans just worked for him. His masculine scent hit my nose, bringing back memories of last night's dream. I was lost in thought, staring at Noah's lips, which were red but a little pale. He probably smokes a lot, so they weren't bright anymore.

"Alright, alright. Don't send that video!" I finally gave in. I didn't want to be the center of attention on campus. I just wanted a peaceful life, free from drama.

"Just delete the video," I told him.

Noah smiled, that smug smile that showed he loved teasing me. He leaned down, bringing his ear close to me.

"Say again."

"Just delete the video."

"Say it nicer."

I glanced behind me. My classmates were gossiping, staring in my direction. Noah noticed, too.

"Are they bullying you?"

"No, no. Don't do anything!" I immediately panicked at Noah's reaction. "Don't involve anyone else!"

"Casey," Lucas called out. When I turned, he was walking toward me. "What's up?"

I don't know why Lucas came over. Noah pulled my hand, making me step behind him. In a flash, Noah was facing Lucas.

"What's up?" Noah asked in a challenging tone. "Don't get involved, dude."

"No. I just wanna make sure Casey's okay. Plus, class is about to start soon."

I tried to walk away, but Noah blocked me. He held my hand tightly, his body following my movements.

"Casey looks uncomfortable, Noah. You shouldn't force her."

"Oh, really?" Noah wasn't scared at all. "That's none of your business. Go back to your seat. Casey and I have something to talk about."

Lucas tried to look at me. I didn't want him to get caught up in my mess.

"Casey, are you okay?" Lucas asked. "Come here. Class is about to start."

Noah looked at me, waiting for my answer.

"Answer," Noah prompted, tilting his head.

Honestly, I didn't want to lie, but I didn't want to make things more complicated.

"I'm fine, Lucas. You don't need to worry. I'll be right back. There are a few things I need to talk to Noah about."

"Are you sure, Casey?"

"Yeah, I am."

Lucas was still there, not moving an inch. Noah gave a slight flex of his fist, and Lucas finally gave up, leaving us.

"Looks like you have a superhero in the class."

"Lucas just wanted to help. Don't mess with him. Please, let's just finish our business. What else do you want, Noah?"

"Nothing," Noah replied. "I was just passing by and realized I needed to send you that video. I gotta get to my class. Bye."

Noah was totally random. He just walked off after managing to make me the subject of my classmates' gossip.

I went back into class. Their stares seemed to demand an explanation from me.

"Are you dating Noah?" Selly, one of the girls in class, asked without hesitation, as if I had to tell her.

"No," I replied.

"Then why was he looking for you? Are you one of the girls who's slept with him too?"

I didn't like those words. I hadn't even thought that far. If I could, I wouldn't want anything to do with Noah.

"I haven't done anything with Noah. Don't ask again!"

I went back to my seat, annoyed. Noah made everything so complicated. Lucas looked at me, but he didn't ask anything else.

***

I was at the bookstore downtown after classes. The lecturer assigned us some tasks, but the material was limited, so I sought additional references. Luckily, Lucas was kind enough to drive me. Lucas said I shouldn't be wandering around the city alone, considering the situation with the biker gangs wasn't good.

But in the corner of the store, instead of reading the blurbs of the books I was looking for, I was staring at my phone, more specifically at the video of my kiss with Noah, which was ready to be sent to Anthony. However, I was honestly hesitant about whether to send it or not.

Initially, I didn't want to extend my problems with Anthony. If we had to break up, then so be it, but after that phone call, Anthony started sending me a lot of curse-filled messages, blaming me. He was suspicious of me. It hurt so much. He tried calling me several times, but I didn't answer. I just wanted to end this, but was I doing the right thing?

I watched the video of me kissing Noah, or rather, Noah kissing me like he was devouring his prey. Noah was super experienced. His lips were captivating. His movements left me speechless. I just realized Noah had an amazing kissing ability. I even felt a strange flutter in my chest when I looked at it.

"Casey, have you decided which book you want to buy?"

Suddenly, Lucas appeared behind me. I was startled, trying to hide my video, but I accidentally sent it to Anthony.

"Oh, shit!"

"Casey? What's wrong?"

"Oh, no…" I was confused about how to explain. "Nothing wrong.Just a small problem with someone?"

"Who? Noah?"

"No, not him. I don't have any problems with Noah."

My mind raced to the video that had been sent to Anthony. And in an instant, my phone rang. Anthony was calling me. What now?

"Answer it. I'll wait," Lucas said.

I had made Lucas wait for too long. This wasn't good.

"Lucas, if you're in a hurry, I'll just go home with my mom. She's coming to pick me up. Sorry, but I still need to look for a few books," I replied, lying. I felt bad making Lucas go through trouble for me.

"Oh, it's okay."

"No, Lucas. You can go. You have other priorities. My mom will pick me up. Don't worry."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah."

"Okay. I'll go first. If you want me to accompany you next time, just call me."

"Okay. Thanks, Lucas."

"Anytime."

Lucas left me in the bookstore. My phone was still ringing. I quickly answered it in a quieter area.

"You're a real bitch, Casey! So you really were cheating on me? Who's the guy kissing you?! You've never even kissed me like that! I can't believe you're so cheap!"

Anthony's words were so harsh, without any empathy for me. He was the one who cheated first, and now he was saying things like that. I was annoyed, hurt, but I was satisfied that I could make him feel the same anger I felt.

"I'm done with you, Anthony," I said. "I wanna break up. Don't bother me anymore.”