020

Astrid’s POV

Avoiding someone should have been easy, at least, that was what I told myself when I woke up this morning.

It was a simple plan; go to class, keep my head down, don’t look around too much and most importantly avoid places where I would bump into Ocean.

Because after last night, after that call, after the way I completely embarrassed myself, there was no way I was ready to face him.

I groaned softly into my pillow before forcing myself out of bed.

Dawn, who was on her phone, set it aside only to start watching me from across the room, her eyes sharp with curiosity.

“You’re quiet,” she said, causing my heart to skip multiple beats.

“I’m always quiet.” I bit out, making sure to keep my gaze straight ahead.

“I know but not like this,” she said, smacking her lips.

Ignoring her, I went about getting ready for school and when I was done, I grabbed my bag.

“You’re avoiding him, aren’t you?” she asked as I headed towards the door.

“I have class.” I replied over my shoulder.

“That’s not an answer.”

“It is today.” I snapped back.

Narrowing her eyes, she called, “Astrid…”

“I’ll be late,” I cut her off quickly, already pulling the handle.

“This isn’t over!” She yelled after me.

I didn’t doubt that but for now, I had escaped and that was all that mattered.

As usual, the hallway was buzzing with early morning energy. Students moved in clusters, voices overlapping and laughter bouncing off the walls.

Gripping the strap of my bag, I continued walking, making sure not to keep any eye contact.

“Astrid.” The moment I heard my name, my heart dropped but I didn’t stop walking.

Suddenly, a hand grabbed my wrist and I froze. With a racing heart, I turned around slowly only to see Ocean.

He stood there, slightly out of breath like he had just caught up to me, his grip still around my wrist.

My pulse spiked immediately.

“Why are you running from me?” he asked.

“I’m not,” I said too quickly, avoiding his gaze but it was of no use.

Raising his eyebrow, he tilted his hips slightly. It was crystal clear that he didn't believe me.

“You literally sped up the moment you saw me.”

“I have class.”

“So do I.” He replied immediately.

Silence stretched between us for a second.

His grip softened, but he didn’t let go.

“Are you okay?” he asked quietly after a while.

The question caught me off guard but I was quick to say, “I’m fine.”

“You hung up on me.”

Heat rushed to my face at once as memories of the previous night flooded my head.

“I told you… I didn’t mean anything by it.”

“That’s not what I asked.”

I swallowed hard, Ocean wasn't giving up anytime soon.

God, what have I gotten myself into.

This was all because of Dawn. She was the one who pushed me into this.

Ocean stepped a little closer, his voice lowering slightly. “I was worried.”

It was just a word but why did it make my chest feel strange?

“I’m fine,” I repeated, forcing a small, awkward smile. “Really.” I added.

He studied my face like he was trying to read something beneath the surface.

For a moment, neither of us spoke, then I gently pulled my hand free.

“I have to go,” I said quickly.

“Astrid…”

“I’ll see you later,” I added, already stepping back.

Before he could stop me again, I turned and started walking faster this time as my heart pounded loudly in my chest.

It was just a conversation, why did it feel so intense?

“Ocean.” A feminine voice called and I halted at once.

I was going to ignore it but something about it made me turn.

And that was when I saw her standing beside Ocean.

She looked stunning. She had the kind of beauty that didn’t need effort.

Long, glossy dark hair cascaded over her shoulders in effortless waves, catching the light as she moved.

Her skin was smooth and sun kissed. She was glowing like she had just stepped out of a photoshoot.

Her eyes, which were sharp and expressive, held a quiet confidence that made it impossible to look away.

She was dressed simply, but everything about her screamed expensive taste. A fitted top, high-waisted jeans, and heels that clicked softly against the floor when she shifted her weight.

Overall, she looked elegant, composed and dangerous in a way I couldn’t explain.

Seeing her standing close to Ocean made my stomach twist.

“You didn’t tell me you had class this early,” the girl said lightly, her gaze flicking to him.

Her voice was smooth and I felt something sharp settle in my chest.

“Yeah,” he replied shortly.

That was all he said but it didn’t make anything better.

I didn’t wait, I turned around and walked away faster than before.

My heels were clicking against the floor as I moved through the hallway while my grip tightened around my bag.

All I could think of was the identity of the girl and her relationship with Ashton.

I pushed away the thoughts making rounds in my head aggressively but they still found a way to come back.

By the time I reached class, my breathing was ragged and uneven.

Ignoring everyone, I slipped into my seat quietly, trying to steady myself.

Students around me buzzed with excitement but I wasn't a part of it.

My mind kept replaying the face of the girl and how close she was standing next to Ocean.

“…did you see her?”

“She just transferred today!”

“I heard she came from…”

“She’s so pretty…”

I stilled, my ears picking up every word.

“She’s in the hockey circle already.”

“Of course she is.”

“They said she knows Ocean.”

My fingers tightened around my pen.

“She was literally with him this morning.”

“Wait, seriously?”

“Yeah!”

My chest felt tight as every description and detail matched the girl I just saw.

Biting the corner of my lip, I stared down at my notebook, but the words in front of me blurred.

Why was I bothered when I shouldn't?

Ocean and I weren’t real so why did it feel like something had shifted?

Like I had just been replaced?

Dragging in a deep breath, I shook my head slightly.

“Stop it.” I muttered but the whispers around me didn’t stop.

“…I heard her name is Caitlin.”

“…she transferred just for him.”

“…they used to be something.”

My heart skipped multiple beats as the grip on my pen tightened.

Before I could process that thought a shadow fell over my desk and when I looked up, I froze.

Reis was standing in front of me with a bright smile.