4
1142 Words
~MYRA
I rested my head against the car seat, snuggling deeper into it as sleep slowly crept over me. The soft music playing in the background was soothing, pulling me into a peaceful haze.
One thing I loved about sleeping was how everything disappeared.
The worries.
The pain.
The endless thoughts.
For a little while, it felt like none of it existed.
I wasn't sure how long I had been asleep when someone shook my shoulder.
My eyes fluttered open, and the first thing I saw was Emily glaring at Riley and me.
Uh-oh.
I bit my lip nervously before nudging Riley, who was still lost in dreamland. She jolted awake and immediately met Emily's irritated stare.
A sheepish smile spread across her face.
"You two are unbelievable," Emily said, shaking her head.
She slammed the car door shut before walking toward the apartment.
Riley and I exchanged guilty looks before quickly following her.
"We're sorry, Em," I said, giving her my best puppy-dog eyes.
"Yeah, Emily, we're sorry," Riley added, holding onto her arm.
Emily sighed dramatically.
"I swear, taking care of you two feels like babysitting children."
I winced.
"We were supposed to grab drinks together, but thanks to you sleeping beauties, that plan is ruined."
"We can still get drinks tomorrow," I suggested hopefully.
Emily pretended to think about it before nodding.
"Fine. Tomorrow."
A smile spread across my face.
Crisis avoided.
---
Jogging had always been part of my Wednesday routine.
Back home, my granny used to drag Mum and me out of bed every morning to jog with her.
At first, I hated it.
Now, I couldn't imagine my life without it.
A small smile touched my lips as I thought about her.
My granny was one of the strongest women I had ever known.
She always pushed me to do things I didn't think I could do.
God.
I missed her so much.
After my morning jog, I decided to stop by the small diner near my apartment for coffee.
The moment I stepped inside, I noticed someone unfamiliar standing behind the counter.
A guy.
Definitely new.
I'd never seen him before.
His eyes landed on me immediately, lingering long enough to make me uncomfortable.
I cleared my throat awkwardly.
"Welcome, pretty girl," he greeted with a smile.
Heat rushed to my cheeks.
"Um... I'd like a black coffee with a little sugar."
"Coming right up."
A few moments later, he placed the cup on the counter.
"That'll be—"
"Actually, it's on me."
I blinked.
"What?"
He chuckled.
"The coffee. It's free."
"Thank you."
His smile widened.
"So, are you new around here?"
I laughed softly.
"Shouldn't I be asking you that?"
"Fair point."
We ended up talking for a few minutes.
His name was Ian.
He was a transfer student and currently in his final year.
He seemed friendly enough.
Maybe even friend material.
"I should probably get going," I said eventually.
"Yeah," he replied with a grin. "Enjoy your coffee. And nice jogging outfit, by the way."
I rolled my eyes playfully.
"Thanks."
Waving goodbye, I left the diner.
When I got back to the apartment, it was empty.
Riley had classes.
Emily was helping her professor with a research project.
Meanwhile, I had absolutely nothing to do.
Which led me to making a very questionable decision.
Rhys.
Specifically, going to watch him train.
I knew soccer was his passion.
I also knew his parents hated it.
That's why he practiced in secret.
After changing into a hoodie and sweatpants, I headed toward the training field.
I wasn't dressing up.
I wasn't trying to impress him.
I was only going to watch.
From a distance.
Without getting caught.
At least that was the plan.
---
The moment I arrived, I spotted him.
He was alone.
The field stretched around him while he moved effortlessly across the grass, dribbling the ball with practiced skill.
I couldn't look away.
Sometimes I felt bad for him.
Having every part of your life controlled by your parents couldn't be easy.
I sat down quietly and used a book to cover part of my face.
Perfect.
There's no way he'll—
The soccer ball flew toward me.
SMACK.
It hit the book directly.
My eyes widened.
Shit.
He saw me.
Rhys walked toward me with an annoyed expression.
"At least if you're going to stalk me, try hiding properly."
Before I could react, he grabbed the back of my hoodie and pulled me to my feet.
My heart immediately betrayed me.
His dark hair looked soft beneath the sunlight.
His black eyes were sharp and intimidating.
And unfairly beautiful.
God.
I needed help.
"Daydreaming about me again?" he asked.
His deep voice sent an embarrassing shiver down my spine.
"I think I've seriously underestimated how obsessed you are."
"I-I was just walking around."
His eyebrow lifted.
"Liar."
I sighed.
"Fine. I wanted to see you."
For a brief second, something flashed across his face.
Then it disappeared.
"I already know that."
His voice turned cold.
"You always want to see me."
My chest tightened.
"Myra, I don't want you."
Every word felt like a knife.
"I don't want anything to do with you."
I swallowed hard.
"You aren't even my type."
The familiar ache settled inside my chest.
But I forced myself to smile.
"I'll make you like me someday."
He scoffed.
As he turned to leave, I instinctively grabbed his arm.
The moment I touched him, he froze.
Then he violently pulled away.
His eyes darkened.
"Don't touch me."
The harshness in his voice stunned me.
"You hear me?"
I nodded slowly.
"You're nothing but a desperate girl chasing after someone who doesn't want you."
My heart cracked a little more.
But I refused to cry.
Not in front of him.
"If you tell anyone you saw me here," he continued coldly, "I'll make sure you regret it."
Then he walked away.
Just like that.
I stared after him until he disappeared from sight.
The tears I'd been holding back finally slipped free.
Quickly, I wiped them away.
"You'll like me one day, Rhys," I whispered.
"Maybe then this won't hurt so much."
Then I turned and left.
---
Click.
A camera shutter sounded from nearby.
Click.
Hidden behind a line of trees, a man wearing a black face mask lowered his camera.
Several photographs of Rhys now sat safely in his possession.
And judging by the smile beneath his mask—
He had plans for them.
---
✔️ "I'll destroy you." — Rhys
✔️ "You'll like me one day." — Myra
✔️ My girl refuses to give up.
✔️ Rhys secretly loves soccer.
✔️ He's still a jerk.
And yes...
He'll get worse before he gets better.
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Thank you for reading ❤️
- Writer
