Chapter 11: Crossing the Line

Zay’s POV

College was supposed to be a fresh start for both of us. A new chapter, where I could finally leave behind the jerk I was in high school and become someone she could respect—maybe even like. But every time I saw Vee, it was like all the old battles replayed in my head, and the war was just getting started.

I spotted her one rainy afternoon, stepping out of the library with her umbrella barely holding against the wind. Her head was down, eyes glued to her phone, like it was the only thing keeping her tethered to reality. She looked so vulnerable, but also stubborn as hell. Just like always.

That’s when I decided—I had to stop running from how I felt. I wasn’t just going to be the guy she hated anymore. I wanted to be the guy she could trust, the guy who had always secretly cared, even when I showed it all wrong.

I cleared my throat and called out, “Hey, Vee.”

She startled and looked up, eyes wide with surprise and a little bit of wariness. “Zay.”

I stepped closer, trying to sound as honest as I could. “Listen, I need to be straight with you. No more games. No more acting like I don’t care. This time, I’m serious.”

She raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. “You? Serious?”

I cracked a small smile, hoping she’d see the truth behind the smirk. “Yeah. Believe it or not, I can be serious when I want to.”

She rolled her eyes but didn’t walk away. That was a win.

“I’ve been an idiot for years,” I said, voice quieter now, more real. “Made your life miserable. But I’m done with that. I want to make it right—if you’ll let me.”

Her eyes searched mine, like she was trying to decide if I was for real or just saying what she wanted to hear. The silence stretched between us, thick and heavy.

“Why now?” she asked softly, barely audible over the rain.

“Because I’m sick of pretending I don’t care,” I admitted, feeling exposed. “Every time I see you, my world flips upside down.”

She looked away for a second, biting her lip nervously, then back at me with a faint, reluctant smile. “I don’t know if I can just forget all the crap you put me through. It’s not that simple.”

“I know,” I said honestly. “I’m not asking for forgiveness overnight. Just give me a chance.”

Her gaze softened, and for a moment, I thought maybe this was the turning point—the moment when everything changed.

“You’re impossible, Zay,” she said, a teasing edge to her voice.

I grinned. “Yeah, but you’re still here.”

I reached out, my fingers brushing a wet strand of hair behind her ear. The touch was electric, raw, and made my heart pound.

“Tell me what you want, Vee,” I whispered. “What do I have to do to prove I’m different?”

She hesitated, eyes searching mine. “Just… don’t mess this up.”

“Challenge accepted,” I said, smiling wide.

The rain kept falling, but somehow it felt like everything was clearer now. Maybe the future wasn’t so dark after all. Maybe, just maybe, there was a chance for us.