Chapter Two: The beginning of us

"Who was that guy beside you?" I asked, smiling secretly.

"Who?" Bianca looked at me cluelessly.

"The one you were standing next to. Isn’t he your friend?"

"I don’t even know who you’re talking about. I was just standing there searching for you," she said, smiling.

"What guy are you talking about?" Bianca asked again, trying to understand.

"Let me show you."I turned her face toward him, subtly pointing at the guy in question. He stood there, looking uninterested—like he'd rather be anywhere but here Jayden, 

Biance barely spared him a glance

"I don’t know who that is, madam. Focus on your assignments," she said, giving me a funny, judgmental look.

"Never mind," I responded and went back to my seat, still smiling.

I had arrived at school early and was waiting for Bianca. Every time I called, she claimed she was almost there. When I turned to look behind the hall, I finally spotted her standing—but someone beside her immediately caught my attention.

Thump... thump... thump... My heart pounded faster. He was beautiful. I felt like I was a character straight out of Hotel Transylvania—because I swear, I just zinged. It was as if an invisible electricity crackled between us.

He wasn’t even looking at me—he was searching for someone. Maybe a friend. Or his girlfriend, I thought, biting my lip.

Bianca sat beside me, and I leaned in, whispering in her ear.

"I'm gonna talk to him before the end of today," I giggled, like an excited child admiring a new dress.

"Who?" She turned to me, looking confused.

I gently turned her face toward Jayden and pointed. "Him."

She stared at me as if I had grown two heads, then shook her head.

"Good morning, class," the lecturer greeted as he walked in.

I picked up my bag and moved to sit beside Bianca. One last time, I turned back to check if Jayden was still there. He was. And I smiled.

Pulling my book out of my bag, I shifted my attention to the lecturer.

****

The afternoon sun filtered through the classroom windows, casting golden streaks across the desks. I was exhausted and just wanted to be in bed, but I had another class at four.

I sat at the back of the hall, trying to study. Bianca, as usual, had disappeared. I had no idea where she went, but I was sure she’d show up when it was time for class.

I was writing notes when someone sat beside me . I turned thinking it was bianca but it was my course mate.

I didn’t remember her name, but I knew we’d spoken once or twice.

To my surprise, Jayden was sitting next to her. They talked like best friends.

What's their relationship? I thought silently

It was like fate had decided to bring us together.

 What were the chances he'd sit beside me on the same day? I knew this was my perfect chance.

"Hey, girl," I greeted, my go-to when I didn’t remember someone's name.

"Hi, Sharon," she responded.

I wasn’t the best student in class, but I was popular—not because I was loud, but because I was pretty and smart. People liked me for that. I was glad she knew me

"Who's the cute guy sitting beside you?" I asked shyly.

"He's my friend. Why?" She smiled knowingly, as if she had figured out my plan.

I had to think fast and bring my best game to the table.

"What's his major? Is he in our department?" I asked.

I had never seen him up close before, so I wondered if we were in the same department.

"Yes, same department and same major," she responded.

I was surprised. I had never seen him before, and I never missed lectures.

"Really? Are you sure?" I asked, confused.

There was no way I would miss a face like his, even if I had only seen it for a second. I glanced at him again.

The entire time we spoke, Jayden remained completely uninterested. He didn’t say a word. I doubted he even heard us, but considering how close we were, I knew he did—he was just acting like he didn’t

"What's his name?" I asked, my heart hammering three times faster.

What if he rejects me?

I had never approached a guy first before. What if he made a fool out of me?

The what-ifs made me sweat profusely.

"Why don’t you ask him yourself?" she said with a teasing smile before turning to Jayden and tapping him.

"Someone’s interested in you," she added.

This is it.

Our eyes met, and I felt my blood freeze.

It was like floating in the clouds and seeing the most handsome man ever. My heartbeat pounded like a hip-hop track. His eyes were warm, pulling me in.

He looked at me with slight curiosity, as if silently asking, What are you doing?

"Hi, Jayden," I said. My voice was so shaky I barely heard it myself.

He raised an eyebrow. "That’s unfair. You know my name, but I don’t know yours."

"Debby, why did you tell her my name?" he asked, smiling and looking slightly flustered.

Oh. Debby! That was her name. If only she knew I had completely forgotten.

Jayden turned back to me, waiting for an answer.

"My name is Jidenna."

What?! I mentally slapped myself. Is that the best you could come up with?

He smiled. It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. His teeth were perfect, like he was born to be a toothpaste model.

"Stop... Be serious," he said with a grin.

"If my name was Jidenna, would you still let me get close to you?" I asked, holding his gaze.

He looked so shy, so flustered. "I......"

"I’m Sharon," I finally admitted.

I wished Debby would stand up so I could sit beside him, but thankfully, she leaned forward, resting her head on the desk. Jayden leaned back against his chair, giving me a clear view of his face. I leaned in slightly.

"Sharon..." he repeated, as if savoring how it rolled off his tongue.

"But you can call me baby," I said, staring at him intensely.

I had no idea where this confidence came from, but I was loving it.

He burst into laughter.

"I like this. I can’t remember the last time I met a girl with a good sense of humor," he teased.

"I can make you laugh every day if I become yours."

Internally, I was cringing. Sharon, have some shame! Please !

But he's cute... let’s risk it all. What’s the worst that could happen?

"This is getting spicy," Debby chimed in, clearly entertained.

Her comment gave me an ego boost.

"Please stop," Jayden smiled shyly.

"Is this how women feel when they’re being wooed?" he asked, furrowing his brows.

"I can’t lie—I enjoy it. It’s refreshing," he admitted, his voice so low I barely heard him.

"Did I mention you have a beautiful smile?" I grinned, knowing I was on the right track.

"Your smile is like the first ray of sunshine touching my face when I wake up—bright, warm, and impossible to ignore."

"Damn, you’re good," he said with a wicked smile.

"Where did you learn this? Is this how you talk to every guy?" His hooded eyes probed for an answer.

I had to think fast. I didn’t want him thinking I did this with every guy.

"I’ve never done this before. But with you, it comes naturally—just like our connection."

I leaned in slightly, meeting his gaze.

"You win," he chuckled. "Please set me free. I feel like I’m under a spell."

He stood up abruptly.

"Sorry to cut our little chat short, but I need to grab food for my friends. You can join us," he offered, stretching out his hand.

"No," I shook my head, smiling.

A small part of me wanted to say yes. To follow him out, sit beside him, learn more about him. But something held me back. If he was interested, he’d come back. I wasn’t going to chase him.

I tilted my head slightly, offering a knowing smile. "If you want to see me again, you’ll have to come back."

His lips parted slightly, his gaze locking onto mine, as if trying to decide if I was serious or just playing a game. For a moment, he didn’t move.

His expression was unreadable. Would he return or not?

Then, without turning around, he said loud enough for only me to hear—

"See you soon, Sharon."

My breath hitched.

Did he just—?

I turned quickly, but he was already gone. And for the first time, I wasn’t sure if I was the hunter or the prey.

I watched as he walked out of the hall and disappeared around the corner.

Just before he disappeared around the corner, I swore I saw the faintest smile tug at his lips.