Say I love you

09

As I find myself leaning against my table in class, I try to follow Mr. Hall's lecture attentively despite my great fatigue. Having returned home late the night before, I haven't had a chance to recuperate enough sleep, which is reflected in an obvious drop in form. What's more, my mind is constantly preoccupied by Bradley's enigmatic proposal. His offer, though attractive, raises deep questions in my mind. How can I believe his statement that I'm a "good distraction" and that he wants to help me? For me, this statement remains fraught with doubt and mystery, leaving me perplexed as to his real intentions.- Kimberly?While I'm lost in thought, the sudden touch of Anna's hand on my shoulder brings me back to reality. I slowly emerge from my reverie to look at her, a little bewildered."It's been over five minutes since the class cleared out, what are you staring into the void for?" she asks me with a curious smile.I shake my head to compose myself. "I... no nothing, let's go," I reply, rising from my chair. I quickly pack my things into my satchel and we head out of the classroom together. Once in the high school corridors, Anna and I plunge into a lively discussion about the previous night's party."But I didn't see you at the party, where have you been?" she asks, clearly intrigued.Suddenly, I receive a message on my phone. The words appear in flashing letters: "My proposal has an expiry date, I advise you to think very quickly in order to give me an answer. You know where to find me." Distracted by the notification, I realize I've completely lost track of the conversation with Anna."Kimberly? Are you even listening to me?!" she exclaims, abruptly bringing me back to reality.I jump in surprise and give her an apologetic smile, trying to make her understand that I was somewhere else. She shakes her head with amusement and teases me by gently patting my forehead.- So where were you last night?- I was with Bradley... - You were with Brad- I quickly cover her mouth with my hand to prevent her from blurting out something stupid: - Yes, but I don't want the whole world to know.She rolls her eyes exaggeratedly and I release her mouth: - Okay, but what were you doing with him?- It's a long story, I'll explain it all later, I've got to go home, it's my shift today.- Okay, I'll come over later.She places a tender kiss on my cheek before heading off in the opposite direction to me, on her way to training at the swimming club to which she belongs. I walk slowly towards the school exit, my heart heavy, when I catch sight of Jordan. There he is, in front of his locker, exchanging kisses with the same girl as the day before. A painful twinge invades my chest, causing me to change course abruptly. My steps take me instinctively towards the boys' locker room, my mind tormented by the images racing through my head.Seeking shelter, I stop abruptly in front of the locker room door, hesitating. Then, almost as a sign of fate, I meet Alexander's gaze. He's about to step out, but stops in surprise when he sees me. His curious gaze catches mine, and a moment of heavy silence settles between us:- Kimberly? He wonders, "What are you doing here?- I'm here for Bradley," I stammered.Alexander arches an eyebrow, clearly showing his astonishment, and crosses his arms defensively against his chest."You're here for Bradley?" he asked incredulously."Y-yes..." I stammered.Suddenly, the redhead I'd bumped into the day before appeared behind Alexander, staring at me with equal surprise."Kimberly?" he exclaimed.An embarrassed smile stretches my lips, and my heart misses a beat as I see almost the entire basketball team emerge behind them. It's obvious they're not here by chance, but have come en masse for a specific reason."Moor? What are you doing here?" asks Ethan, his scrutinizing gaze on me."She's here for Bradley," interjects Alexander for me.One of the teammates turns his head back and calls Bradley's name into the locker room. The sound of his voice echoes through the room, and seconds later, Bradley emerges from the locker room toward his friend who had called him."Yes?" he drops in a confident voice, his casual tone betraying his natural arrogance. He slips his T-shirt back on with a careless gesture, revealing his tanned skin and mysterious tattoos. His still damp hair frames his angular face, testifying to the shower he's just taken."There's a girl for you," his friend announces, and Bradley looks up, his piercing eyes meeting mine in a magnetic connection."Is that true?" he retorts, arching an eyebrow, striding confidently toward me. His friends instantly dissipated to make way for him."You wanted to see me?" he chuckled as he planted himself in front of me, his imposing stature towering over me. His emerald eyes pierce me, capturing my attention effortlessly, while he continues to arch his eyebrow arrogantly."Y-yes..." I stammered, completely overwhelmed by his charismatic presence and mesmerizing aura. His magnetic charm and insolent assurance leave me speechless, plunging me into a whirlwind of conflicting emotions.He arches an eyebrow, a smirk stretching his perfect lips, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Why?" he asks nonchalantly, as if openly mocking me, aware of his irresistible charm. He knows very well why I'm here, and he takes a malicious pleasure in making me look like a fool."You know..." I stammered, embarrassed by the curious looks we were receiving. Even the students passing by the changing rooms had stopped to observe the scene. "I'm here... for the thing..."A small laugh escaped him, and as if he'd just remembered it he let out an "Oh, the thing," he repeated with mocking amusement. "Shall we do it at your place or mine?"I feel my cheeks flush as I answer weakly, "At your place..."He nods confidently and asks me to wait for him. He turns around and disappears back into the locker room, only to reappear a few moments later with his backpack. We leave the school together, walking side by side, his confident gait contrasting with my palpable nervousness. His arrogant attitude and natural charisma drew all eyes to him, making me a mere shadow beside him.