Fate

Chapter Five: Closeness

Ann had spent the last few days avoiding Demian—not because she hated him, but because she didn’t trust herself.

Something was changing between them, and she wasn’t sure if she was ready for it.

She had spent years convincing herself that Demian was just a part of her past, a lingering crush that would fade with time. But now, with every unexpected encounter, every stolen glance, and every casual conversation, she felt herself slipping.

It was becoming harder to pretend that her heart didn’t race when he was near.

And that terrified her.

---

Two days later........

It was a quiet afternoon when Joy barged into the room, grinning from ear to ear.

"Guess what?"

Ann, who was lying on her bed reading, glanced up. "What?"

"Luke invited us to a party this weekend!"

Ann frowned. "Luke? The same Luke from our literature group?"

"Yep!"

"And why would he invite me?"

"Uh, because we’re friends now? Besides, Sarah and Demian will be there too."

Ann stiffened at his name.

Joy smirked. "I knew that would get a reaction."

Ann rolled her eyes. "I don’t care if Demian is going."

"Liar," Joy sang, flopping onto her bed. "Come on, it’ll be fun. You can’t keep avoiding him forever."

"I’m not avoiding him," Ann muttered.

Joy gave her a knowing look. "So you’ll come?"

Ann sighed. She wanted to say no, but something in her chest tightened at the thought of Demian being there.

Maybe it was time to stop running.

"Fine," she said. "I’ll go."

Joy squealed in excitement. "That’s my girl!"

Ann just hoped she wouldn’t regret it.

---

The party was louder than Ann had expected. Music blasted from the speakers, and the living room was packed with students laughing, dancing, and drinking.

Ann immediately regretted coming.

"This is a terrible idea," she whispered to Joy.

Joy waved her off. "Relax, have fun!"

Ann sighed, stepping further inside. She spotted Luke chatting with Sarah near the kitchen. And then—her breath caught—Demian.

He was leaning against the wall, dressed in a simple black T-shirt and jeans, looking effortlessly cool as he laughed at something Luke said.

Ann swallowed hard.

She needed a drink.

She headed toward the kitchen, grabbing a cup of whatever was available. She took a sip and nearly gagged. Too strong.

"Not a fan of the drinks here?"

Ann turned to find Demian standing beside her, a teasing smile on his face.

She forced a casual shrug. "It’s… okay."

Demian chuckled. "You don’t have to pretend."

Ann huffed. "Fine. It’s terrible."

He laughed. "Better."

There was a pause, a silence that felt heavier than it should have.

"You’ve been avoiding me," Demian finally said.

Ann froze. "No, I haven’t."

"Really?" He raised an eyebrow. "Because it sure feels like it."

Ann looked away. "I’ve just been busy."

Demian studied her, then smirked. "If you say so."

Before she could respond, someone called his name.

He glanced over, then back at her. "I’ll see you later, Ann."

And just like that, he was gone.

Ann exhaled, her grip tightening around her cup.

What was happening between them?

---

TO BE CONTINUED