Ava's POVThe moment the lecturer finished speaking and walked out of the classroom, I shot up from my seat like I was on fire. I couldn't bear to stay there another second with everyone still stealing glances at my feet and whispering among themselves. The embarrassment was suffocating me, and all I wanted was to escape before anyone else could make another comment about my ridiculous mistake.I practically ran toward the door, clutching my books against my chest and keeping my head down. My face was still burning with shame, and I could feel tears threatening to spill over. I just needed to get somewhere quiet where I could collect myself and figure out how to salvage what was left of this disaster of a day.But as soon as I stepped out, I nearl
Ava's POVI couldn't believe Steve had actually left. Even after Zayne and Irish had spent what felt like hours trying to calm me down, trying to explain that he just needed space, I still couldn't wrap my head around it. How could he just walk away like that? How could he leave me standing there, confused and hurt, without even trying to work things out?The drive home felt like it took forever. My mind kept replaying the scene over and over again. The way Steve had looked at me with those pained eyes, like he was carrying some enormous weight on his shoulders. The way his voice had broken when he begged me to let him be alone. The way he'd pulled his arm away from my grip and walked away without looking back.I tried to push the thoughts away wh
Steve's POVI stared at Ava, trying to process what she had just said. "You all have the right to have me." Those words kept playing in my head over and over again.Truth was, I wasn't really angry that Irish and Zayne had been with Ava before me. That wasn't what was bothering me at all. I was angry at myself. I was angry for being such a fool and making a big deal out of everything.I knew it was right for Irish and Zayne to have her. We were all her mates. But why was I getting so upset about it? As I stood there looking at Ava's confused face, I started to understand why I was really angry.It was because I had so many opportunities to be with Ava before this. So many chances when we were alone together. All those times I took her to the library to study. All those private moments we shared.I remembered how we used to sit together at the same table in the back corner of the library. Sometimes our hands would touch when we reached for the same book, and I would feel electricity sh
Ava's POVIrish and Zayne just sat there looking at me. They didn't say anything when I asked where Steve was. I looked at them again, waiting for an answer, but they both just looked away from me.I was getting worried. Why weren't they talking to me? Their silence was making me feel scared. Something bad must have happened. Maybe they couldn't find Steve at all. Maybe something terrible happened to him in the woods."Please," I said, my voice getting shaky. "Just tell me what happened. Is Steve okay?"Irish looked at Zayne, and Zayne looked back at Irish. It was like they were having a conversation with their eyes, but I couldn't understand what they were saying to each other.
Ava's POVI went to sit beside Vanessa's bed, my mind still spinning from everything that had happened. I could not believe that Steve had seen Irish and me together last night. The thought made my stomach feel sick with worry. What if he was hurt? What if he was angry and did something dangerous? I kept thinking about him out there somewhere, probably feeling betrayed and alone.I wished with all my heart that he was okay. Steve was such a good person. He didn't deserve to be hurt like this. I felt so guilty for what had happened, even though Irish kept telling me I had nothing to feel bad about.I was so lost in my thoughts that I jumped when Vanessa suddenly spoke."Are you going to stay here with me, or do you want to go search for Steve?" She asked quietly.I turned to look at her, shocked that she was awake. Her eyes were open, and she was looking at me with a small smile on her face."Vanessa! You're awake!" I said, feeling relieved. "How are you feeling? Are you okay? Do you n
Irish's POVI was the first to wake up. The morning light was starting to creep through the trees, and I felt surprised that we had slept outside all night. I looked down at Ava, who was still sleeping peacefully on my chest. Her face looked so calm and beautiful in the soft morning light.I gently brushed her hair back from her face, wishing that when she woke up, she wouldn't regret what we had shared together last night. The memory of how she had responded to my touch, how she had whispered my name, made my heart race all over again.After a few minutes, Ava started to stir. Her eyes opened slowly, and she looked around, confused for a moment. I could see the shock in her eyes as she realized where we were and what had happened. But when her gaze met mine, she seemed to settle down."Good morning," I said softly, giving her a gentle smile.She smiled back at me, though I could see a blush creeping up her cheeks. "Good morning.""Do you remember what happened last night?" I asked ca