Almost Mine

Chapter 4

ROWAN

There was something about her—something that pulled at my attention in a way I wasn’t used to. And as I stood there with a book in my hands, completely forgetting why I’d even come to the shelves in the first place, I realised one thing far too clearly.

Running into her wasn’t part of the plan.

Her hair was tied up in a messy bun, loose strands escaping and framing her face in a way that felt effortlessly natural. She wore casual clothes—nothing loud, but the loose jeans did little to hide her curves. There was a quiet confidence about her, the kind that didn’t demand attention yet somehow commanded it.

When our eyes locked, I felt it.

Her emerald-green eyes caught me completely off guard. They were mesmerising—bright, expressive, and dangerously attractive. The kind of eyes that told stories without saying a word.

I knew I was staring.

I didn’t mean to.

But I couldn’t help it.

She noticed. I saw it the moment her fingers tightened around her pen. Her gaze flickered away quickly, as if staying any longer would expose something she wasn’t ready to show. Without another glance in my direction, she gathered herself and left.

As she passed by, I heard her release a breath.

Almost at the same time, I let out a long sigh of my own.

I smiled.

At least now I knew one thing—she felt it too. Whatever this was, she wasn’t immune to my presence. That thought alone sent something warm and unfamiliar through my chest.

I took the book I’d been holding and returned to my seat, glancing around to see where she’d been sitting.

Nothing

No sign of her.

I leaned back in my chair, letting my thoughts wander longer than I should have. Eventually, I forced myself to focus and started working on the assignment. Time passed slowly, the library growing quieter as the evening settled in.

After about an hour, I stood up to stretch, rolling my shoulders and scanning the room out of habit.

That’s when I saw her again.

She was walking past, a small smile on her face.

Even from a distance, it was the kind of smile that lit up her entire face. I couldn’t see it clearly, but I didn’t need to. It made something tighten in my chest, curiosity blooming as I wondered what—or who—had made her that happy.

Before she reached the exit, she stopped.

Turned around.

And walked back toward the shelves.

Toward me.

My heart stuttered.

She slowed, eyes darting around as if she were searching for something—or someone. It took me a second too long to realise she was looking for me. By the time it clicked, she had already turned away, disappointment flashing briefly across her face before she walked out of the library.

I wanted to follow her.

I really did.

But my feet froze to the floor as doubt crept in.

What would I even say?

That hesitation frustrated me. This wasn’t like me. I’d never been nervous talking to a girl before. Usually, they approached me—not the other way around.

So why was this different?

Was it because she had actually caught my attention? Because she intrigued me in a way I couldn’t explain?

I didn’t know.

My phone buzzed, breaking my thoughts. A message from Mum telling me she was outside to pick me up. I packed my things and left.

In the car, Mum tried to start a conversation, but my mind was elsewhere—still stuck in that quiet library, replaying a moment that felt far too significant for how brief it was.

“You okay, champ?” she asked gently.

“I’m just tired, Mum. It’s been one hell of a first day,” I replied, forcing a smile.

At home, Dad was seated at the dining table reading the newspaper. I greeted him quickly before heading to my room. After dropping my bag, I went to the kitchen to grab supper, barely tasting the food.

Back in my room, I threw myself onto the bed. My phone buzzed again.

A message from Jason

It was nice knowing you, man. I’m glad we’re friends.

I smiled.

For the first time in a long while, it felt like I might actually make a real, genuine friend here.

Eventually, I drifted off to sleep—with emerald-green eyes and a quiet library lingering in my thoughts.

THE NEXT DAY

Jason was waiting for me by the entrance when I arrived on campus. We walked to class together, joking around. Since not many students were around yet, we took seats and talked aimlessly, killing time.

My eyes scanned the room on instinct.

The corner seat.

Empty.

“Jason,” I said casually, nodding toward it, “who’s the girl that usually sits there?”

“Oh, that’s Aria,” he replied without hesitation. “Our star student.”

My attention sharpened instantly.

“She’s pretty reserved,” he continued. “Rarely talks to people—except her best friend who's cute too, by the way.” He winked.

I rolled my eyes.

“What do you mean, reserved?” I asked, curiosity slipping into my tone.

“She’s like… living in her own world,” he said thoughtfully. “Participates in school stuff—clubs and all—but never puts herself out there. Always takes the backseat. People barely notice her until results come out, and she’s topping the class again.”

Something about that made me respect her more.

“I tried talking to her in second year,” Josh added. “Eventually gave up.”

“Why?”

“Dude, every girl’s obsessed with the basketball team. Most of them, at least. I found it weird that she wasn’t interested at all. Kind of shook me.”

“I see,” I said quietly.

“Honestly, it’s a waste of time,” he shrugged. “I know she’s intriguing, but don’t bother.”

But his words had the opposite effect.

I was interested—more than before.

ARIA

Stacey arrived to pick me up that morning, music blasting as usual. The moment I told her Josh was back, she nearly screamed.

She had the biggest crush on him—and had since first year.

I didn’t blame her. Josh was good-looking, charming, and easy to like. Still, her obsession bordered on dramatic. I’d introduced them back when Stacey and I first became friends, and ever since then, she’d been hopeless.

She talked nonstop the entire drive, planning imaginary outings for the three of us. I laughed, shaking my head as she daydreamed out loud.

“Stace,” I said casually as we walked onto campus, “did you hear about a new guy?”

She frowned. “New guy?”

“I don’t know. People were talking yesterday.”

She shrugged. “Campus gossip. Ignore it.”

I nodded, letting it go.

But later, during lunch, Stacey slid into the seat beside me, eyes gleaming.

“Okay,” she whispered, “remember that guy you asked about?”

I froze just a little. “Yeah?”

“He’s in your class.”

My heart betrayed me, skipping a beat.

“In my class?”

She grinned. “Transferred this semester. Sits somewhere in the middle. Hard not to notice.”

I looked away, pretending to focus on my food, but my thoughts had already drifted.

Back to the library.

To silence.

To a pair of blue eyes and a moment that felt like the beginning of something I wasn’t ready to name.