CHAPTER 3 - NEXT TIME
980 Words
NEXT DAY AT SCHOOL
It was another normal day at school. Students filled the hallways, some glued to their phones, others chatting or rushing to class. Everything looked calm… like nothing had ever happened.
I walked through the hallway with my bag slung over my shoulder, observing everything around me. Some students whispered, some pointed, some laughed.
I couldn’t tell if they were mocking me or admiring me.
If it was mockery, I understood.
But admiration? That part confused me. Maybe it was what happened at the Haven… or my powers… or maybe just my looks.
I smirked slightly, waving at a few students who waved back, then quickly straightened my face and continued walking.
I reached my locker and was about to open it when a voice cut through the noise.
“Coward.”
I turned instantly.
Mike.
He was walking toward me with that annoying I-know-everything look on his face.
“I’m not a coward,” I said as he stopped in front of me.
“Oh really? Then why were you hiding at Moorie’s place for three days? You think she didn’t tell me?”
“Even if she did, staying there doesn’t make me a coward. Besides, it was the weekend.”
“Whatever,” he shrugged, then leaned closer with a grin. “So… did you sleep in her room? What did you guys do? Kiss? Or did you go all the way?”
I stared at him.
“What did you have for breakfast?” I asked.
“Rice,” he replied casually.
I nodded slowly. “That explains it. Who eats rice in the morning? It’s affecting your brain. You should try coffee next time.”
He burst out laughing. “You’re a terrible doctor.”
“Better than being your patient,” I shot back, and we both laughed.
“Come on,” he said. “Let’s get to class. Exams are coming.”
“I’m ready,” I replied confidently. “This one will be easy.”
“And after that—summer holiday,” he added excitedly.
“Now that’s what I’m really waiting for.”
---
The exams came and went faster than expected.
Everyone passed with impressive results—including me and Mike.
There was no way we were letting those guys outshine us.
Moorie did well too. Even the YAN boys passed.
This term felt different… lighter.
The celebration after the exams?
Absolutely wild.
---
Two weeks into the summer holiday, life felt even better.
I stayed in touch with both Mike and Moorie. I visited Moorie twice, and each time was… fun.
One afternoon, I met Mike at the railway, and we decided to head to his place to play video games.
As we walked through a quiet back path, a voice called out from behind us.
“Hey, English boys… come here.”
We turned.
A guy stood near the corner, looking rough and aggressive. Definitely trouble.
Mike and I exchanged a glance before stepping closer.
“How can we help you?” Mike asked.
“Simple,” the guy said. “Give me your wallets and phones.”
We looked at each other again.
“Are you joking?” Mike asked.
“You think I’m playing? Hand them over.”
“That’s not happening,” I said calmly.
The guy cracked his knuckles. “Then I guess I’ll take them the hard way.”
“I’d like to see you try,” Mike said.
The guy didn’t hesitate. He shoved Mike hard, sending him to the ground.
Big mistake.
I stayed calm, watching him step toward me.
Just as he moved closer, I sidestepped quickly, slipped behind him, and pushed him forward.
Mike got up instantly and landed a solid punch to his face, sending him stumbling back toward me.
I swept his legs out from under him, and he hit the ground hard.
That was it.
We didn’t hold back.
A few punches later, he was down and completely outmatched.
Mike and I bumped fists and walked away like nothing happened.
“Wrong guys,” Mike muttered.
---
We spent the rest of the day at his place playing video games, watching movies, and messing around online.
I left around 5 p.m., knowing my mum would be home soon.
---
Four weeks into the holiday… things were still going smoothly.
Mike had traveled. Moorie was visiting her cousin.
Which meant I was bored.
So I decided to visit Katrina.
I rang the doorbell and waited.
“Hold on, I’m coming!” her voice came from inside.
A few seconds later, the door opened—
And for a moment, I forgot how to breathe.
She looked… incredible.
“Are you just going to stand there staring, or are you coming in?” she teased.
I snapped out of it quickly and followed her inside.
“Have a seat,” she said, pointing to the couch.
“So… what do I offer you?”
I smirked. “You.”
She laughed softly. “Be serious.”
“Alright… milk is fine.”
She nodded and headed to the kitchen, returning shortly with two glasses.
We sat close, talking about school, the holidays, and random things.
But slowly… the conversation shifted.
The air between us changed.
She leaned closer.
Too close.
“You know what happens next, right?” she whispered playfully.
Before I could respond, she kissed me.
And this time—
I didn’t hesitate.
The moment deepened, charged with tension and unspoken desire, both of us getting lost in it… until—
A car engine sounded outside.
She pulled away instantly.
“That’s my mum,” she whispered urgently.
Within seconds, she fixed herself and moved to the other couch, acting like nothing had happened.
I leaned back, exhaling slowly.
“Next time,” she mouthed quietly.
I just smiled.
Yeah… definitely next time.
- Writer
