Three Kisses, One Christmas

Chapter 4.

The next few days blur into a confusing mix of school and the aftermath of the Christmas party. I can’t seem to shake the memory of that night, or the lingering emotions that I can’t quite identify. The triplets keep appearing in my life at the most unexpected moments, and every time they do, my heart does this strange little dance—pounding too fast, fluttering, then settling into something more like anxiety.

I’ve never been the type of girl to get caught up in things like this. Never really cared for the drama, the “will they, won’t they” tension that seemed to define so many of my peers’ relationships. But this... whatever this is... feels different.

And I don’t know what to do with it.

I walk into the school the morning after the party with a sense of dread gnawing at my gut. I was hoping to escape the whole thing—slip back into my normal routine and forget about the fact that I’ve suddenly become the center of attention for three of the most charming, frustrating, and confusing guys in school. But as soon as I step into the hall, it’s impossible to ignore them.

Liam is leaning against his locker, his usual calm demeanor in place, though there’s a flicker of something in his eyes when he sees me. Alex is on the other side of the hallway, chatting animatedly with a group of people, but his gaze flicks toward me every few seconds, like he can’t help himself. And Nathan... Nathan is just walking into the school building as I make my way down the corridor, and for a split second, I swear I can feel the weight of his gaze on me even though he hasn’t said a word.

It’s unnerving. The way they all make me feel like I’m being pulled in three different directions, each one of them wanting something different from me, but none of them saying it outright.

I try to keep my head down as I make my way to class, but I can feel their eyes following me, and it’s like every step I take is leading me deeper into something I don’t understand.

---

The day drags on, each class feeling longer than the last. I can’t focus on anything, my mind constantly drifting back to the triplets. What do they want from me? Why do I feel like I’m caught in a game I never agreed to play?

It’s lunchtime before I finally get a chance to breathe. I make my way to the cafeteria, hoping for a few moments of peace. But as soon as I walk through the door, I see them again.

Liam is sitting at a table by the window, his usual serious expression softened by the way he’s looking at his phone. Alex is sitting across from him, his feet up on the chair, as if he owns the place. And Nathan is talking to a few of his friends, but his eyes keep flicking over to me, even when he’s in the middle of a conversation.

I hesitate by the door, unsure of whether to walk over and join them or find a quiet corner to sit alone. It’s ridiculous, really, how nervous I’m getting over something as simple as lunch.

“Debby!” Alex’s voice rings out across the cafeteria, loud and unmistakable.

I cringe, the attention of everyone in the room suddenly shifting to me. I glance at Liam, who gives me a small smile, and Nathan, who seems to be waiting for me to make a move.

“Come sit with us!” Alex calls again, waving me over like he’s trying to coax a dog into following him.

I roll my eyes but can’t suppress the grin that forms on my face. Alex has this way of being completely exasperating and completely charming at the same time.

I make my way over to their table, trying to ignore the stares of my classmates. When I sit down, the three of them fall into an easy rhythm, joking and laughing, their easy camaraderie something I’ve never been a part of. It’s clear they’ve known each other forever, and they’re comfortable in a way that I don’t yet feel with them.

“You sure you’re okay?” Liam asks, his voice quiet but full of concern. I look at him, surprised by the question. I’ve been trying to act like everything’s fine, but maybe it’s obvious that I’m not entirely myself.

“I’m fine,” I say quickly, though it sounds a little too forced even to my own ears.

Alex doesn’t buy it. “Liar,” he teases, flashing that grin that always seems to make my heart race. “You look like you’re a million miles away.”

“I just have a lot on my mind,” I admit, glancing over at Nathan, who’s watching me with an unreadable expression. There’s something about the way he looks at me that makes me feel both seen and vulnerable, and I’m not sure how to handle it.

“Yeah, I bet,” Alex says, leaning back in his chair, his eyes twinkling. “It’s probably something about us, huh?”

I laugh, trying to play it off. “You wish,” I say, but there’s a part of me that wonders if he’s right.

Liam gives Alex a pointed look, but Alex just shrugs, clearly unfazed by whatever unspoken tension exists between them.

I can’t help but feel like I’m being pulled into something much deeper than I’m ready for. The way they interact with me, the way they look at me—it feels like they’re all waiting for something. Waiting for me to make a choice. And I have no idea what that choice is, or if I’m ready to make it.

---

The bell rings, signaling the end of lunch, and as the guys get up to leave, I’m hit with a sudden wave of panic. I don’t want them to go, but I don’t know how to stop them either. It’s like they’ve taken over my world in the past few days, and I can’t decide if I like it or hate it.

“See you after class?” Alex says with a wink as he gathers his things. “We’ll keep the seat warm for you.”

I nod, a little too quickly. “Yeah. I’ll be there.”

I watch them walk out, Liam and Nathan talking quietly, while Alex is already making plans for whatever comes next. And for the first time, I realize that I’m not just caught up in something that’s happening to me—I’m choosing it.

---

The rest of the afternoon is a blur, and by the time school ends, I’m both mentally and emotionally exhausted. As I step outside, I see the triplets waiting by their bikes, talking among themselves.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. The reality of this situation is settling in, and I don’t know if I’m ready for it. But when they spot me, all of that anxiety fades away, replaced by something else. Something that makes my heart race and my palms sweat.

“Hey, Debby!” Alex calls, waving at me with that usual enthusiasm. “You coming with us?”

I hesitate for just a moment, my heart thundering in my chest. They’re all here. Together. Waiting for me.

“I—” I start, but I can’t finish. The words are stuck in my throat, and for the first time, I don’t know what to say.

Liam steps forward, his gaze steady but warm. “It’s okay. You don’t have to decide anything right now.”

But even as he says it, I know that I’ve already made my decision.

“I’ll come,” I say, my voice quiet but firm.