I Didn't Plan To Fall In Love.

Chapter 18 : Sweet, Shameless Wayne.

“He didn’t just steal my trust… he stole my heart. And somehow, I didn’t mind.” — Wendy

The first bell of the day rang, but Wendy barely heard it. Her mind was too busy replaying the small texts Wayne had sent her last night: a meme that made her laugh, a “good night” that made her heart skip, a silly “don’t let anyone steal my girl’s lunch” that made her cheeks burn.

By the time she reached school, Wayne was already there, leaning casually against the lockers, arms crossed, a small smirk on his face. He looked like he owned the hallway, but also like he’d been waiting just for her.

“Morning, beautiful,” he greeted without hesitation, tone teasing but warm.

Wendy froze. Beautiful? She felt her face heat up immediately.

“Uh… morning,” she stammered, fumbling her bag strap.

He chuckled softly, a sound that made her stomach twist in a strange, wonderful way. “You look sleepy. I should punch you. Just kidding.”

“You’re shameless,” she muttered, rolling her eyes but smiling.

“I know,” he said, winking. “But you like it.”

Her cheeks flushed brighter, and she tried to focus on walking. He fell into step beside her, closer than necessary, his arm brushing hers lightly. Every touch was electric, and she felt her heart start to beat faster than it had in months.

“Did you sleep okay?” he asked, his voice softening. “Or were you thinking about me?”

Wendy nearly tripped over her own feet. “I… uh… maybe a little?”

He laughed, low and shameless, and nudged her shoulder gently. “I like a little honesty. Makes my morning better.”

For the first class, they sat near each other, notebooks open, but their attention wandered more to small touches than lessons. A hand brushing over hers while passing a pencil. A shoulder lightly leaning into hers. Every tiny gesture screamed of Wayne’s shameless adoration, and Wendy couldn’t stop smiling, cheeks burning, heart racing.

During lunch, Wayne had something extra up his sleeve.

“Sit here,” he ordered, patting the spot next to him.

“Wayne…” she said, wary. “I don’t want to—”

“No arguments. Just sit.” He leaned back, looking smug but impossibly sweet. “You deserve to eat, and I deserve to stare at the prettiest girl in school while she eats.”

Wendy laughed, half exasperated, half melting. She sat down, knowing resistance was futile.

Throughout lunch, he teased her shamelessly:

stealing a fry and holding it just out of reach.

doodling little hearts on a napkin and sliding it toward her.

whispering, “I think my heart might explode if you keep looking at me like that.”

By the time she realized, she was laughing openly, cheeks red, heart pounding, completely under his spell. Every action — shameless, bold, loving — made her feel seen, adored, and cherished in a way she hadn’t thought possible.

After lunch, they walked to the library together. Wayne slipped an arm around her shoulder, a light, teasing gesture, making her squeak.

“You’re so shameless,” she said, giggling, trying to wriggle out of his arm.

“I’m in love with you,” he said softly, suddenly dropping the teasing tone. “And I don’t want to hide it. Not anymore. Not even a little.”

Wendy froze, her chest tightening. That simple confession, spoken so openly, so completely, made her knees weak.

“I… I like it,” she admitted, almost breathless. “I like it a lot. I just…” She paused, swallowing. “I’m still scared sometimes.”

“I know,” Wayne said gently, leaning closer, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “And that’s okay. Scared or not, I’m not leaving. I’ll be shamelessly yours, whether you’re ready or not.”

Her heart swelled. She laughed softly, leaning into him just a little. “You’re ridiculous.”

“I know,” he admitted with a grin. “But you love my ridiculousness, admit it.”

Wendy wanted to deny it, but couldn’t. She only smiled, squeezing his hand.

By the time the final bell rang, they were walking side by side, Wayne’s arm subtly around her shoulders, holding her close in that shameless, protective way that made her feel both giddy and safe at the same time.

That evening, Wendy wrote in her journal:

He’s shameless, bold, ridiculous. And somehow, he’s perfect. Every teasing smile, every gentle touch, every little confession… it’s all for me. I’ve never felt this way before. And I don’t want to let it go.

She closed her journal, her cheeks warm, her heart full. For the first time, surviving the storm didn’t feel like enough. She wanted this — him, his shameless affection, his unwavering love. She wanted to let herself fall completely.

And shameless Wayne? He would let her. Slowly, gently, and with all the sweetness in the world.

Because sometimes love doesn’t wait for perfect timing. Sometimes it’s bold, shameless, and overwhelmingly sweet — just like him.