NEVER GONE SEASON 1

CHAPTER 17

The Next Day...

MYCSEEN'S POV:

I won’t lie, I felt jealous when I saw James talking to Brittany yesterday. Don’t get me wrong, James and I have been buddies forever, and I know he’d never do anything to hurt Dwayne. He loves her too much for that. But still... something about the way he and Brittany were laughing together made my chest tighten.

I don’t think I’d be able to handle it if another guy got too close to Brittany. I’ve noticed the way the boys in our class stare at her, and it’s only a matter of time before someone else makes a move. I need to act fast. I told myself I didn’t need distractions, but what’s the worst that could happen?

I spotted James sitting with Dwayne and walked over, trying to act casual.

"Hey, buddy," I said, dropping into the seat next to him.

James glanced at me. "You're late to school."

"Yeah, I know," I replied. "I need to talk to you about something."

James raised an eyebrow. "What, are you finally ready to admit your feelings for Brittany?"

Dwayne perked up. "Wait, what feelings?"

"Yeah, James," I said quickly, trying to play it cool. "What feelings?"

James smirked. "Don't act like you don't have a crush on Brittany just because Dwayne is here."

Dwayne gasped dramatically. "Our almighty Mycseen is in love with my pretty best friend?" She clapped her hands excitedly.

I sighed, knowing there was no way out of this. "Okay, fine! Yes, I like her. A lot. But I have no idea what to do, which is why I came to ask for help."

James leaned back. "It’s simple, ask her out."

I blinked. "That doesn’t sound simple."

Dwayne grinned. "It actually is, and I can help!"

I rolled my eyes. "Dwayne’s acting like I’m about to propose or something." Then I smirked at James. "Maybe I should propose to her instead?"

"Don’t even try it," James warned, giving me a playful glare.

I winked at Dwayne, and we both burst into laughter.

Dwayne and I had been close friends for a long time. She was the only girl in my class I really hung out with, and now that she was dating my best friend, we’d grown even closer. And now... I was about to ask out her best friend. Hopefully.

In Class...

After getting some very questionable advice from James and Dwayne, I decided it was now or never. As I walked into the classroom, I spotted Brittany sitting at her desk, completely absorbed in a book.

She looked up as I approached. "Hey, have you seen Dwayne?"

I hesitated. "Uh... no," I lied. Obviously, I had seen Dwayne, but we’d agreed she’d stay away for now to give me a chance to talk to Brittany alone.

"Okay, thanks," she said, turning back to her book.

I swallowed hard. This is it. Just say it.

"Can I ask you a question?" My voice came out a little shaky.

Brittany glanced up again. "Yeah, sure."

My heart pounded. Don't overthink it.

"Uh... will you be my girlfriend?"

The words left my mouth before I could second-guess myself.

Silence.

Brittany's eyes widened, and she just... stared at me. Her expression was unreadable, giving me zero clues about what she was thinking.

Was I too fast? Did she not like me that way?

The suspense was killing me.

And then... she opened her mouth to speak.