Destined to be with you (MXM)

Chapter 5

We met in the library after school. Nathan sat beside me, as comfortable as ever. He never seemed to care what other people thought about how close we were.

I glanced over his recent calculus test, where he had earned a C, and began figuring out which concepts I needed to review with him before his next exam.

As I studied the paper, I cleared my throat and looked up. Nathan was staring directly at me.

"Is there something on my face?" I asked.

"You've been avoiding me."

His directness caught me completely off guard.

"N-No, Nathan. I've just been busy with classwork and projects."

"Okay, if you say so."

I found myself looking into his bright green eyes for a moment longer than I should have.

I spent the next hour explaining the mistakes he'd made on his exam. He listened carefully, nodding along, and I was fairly certain he understood everything. Every time our hands accidentally brushed while reaching for the paper, a wave of goosebumps spread across my skin, and butterflies fluttered wildly in my stomach.

Once I finished, I gathered my books, ready to leave for art club.

Suddenly, Nathan reached out and gently grabbed my hand.

I froze.

"Thanks for today," he said with a smile. "Would you like to grab something to eat? I'm starving."

I blinked in surprise.

No one had ever really asked me to hang out before. Sure, Thea and the rest of our team spent time together, but that was usually for homework or projects.

"Okay."

"Okay?" He laughed softly. "Thanks. I honestly thought you'd say no."

Nathan led the way, and I followed him outside. We walked toward the parking lot, and my eyes widened when I saw his car.

It looked expensive, polished to perfection, and completely out of place next to me.

I hesitated beside the passenger door, wondering whether I should get in. I wasn't sure I belonged in his world.

Nathan opened the door and looked at me.

"What? Get in."

"I-I..." I struggled to find the right words. "Can't we just walk somewhere nearby?"

A familiar sense of unease settled in my chest. Was this some kind of prank? Was he planning to humiliate me? My experiences with wealthy boys had never been pleasant.

"There's a great café nearby," he said. "It's a little far to walk, though. If you don't mind, we can drive."

I nodded and climbed into the car.

He closed the door, walked around to the driver's side, and started the engine.

I spent most of the drive looking out the window. I didn't trust myself to look directly at him. Sitting this close to Nathan made me painfully aware of how flustered I was. My cheeks felt hot enough to be glowing.

It was hard enough being near him.

Looking at him was even worse.

Nathan kept his attention on the road, though every now and then I caught him glancing in my direction.

A few minutes later, we arrived at the café.

Nathan ordered a coffee, and I ordered the same. When he asked if I wanted anything else, I shook my head.

"Thanks for helping me today," he said after we sat down. "You're really good at calculus."

I smiled.

"Thanks. Honestly, you understood everything I explained and answered all my questions correctly. I don't know how you got so many answers wrong on the test."

The corner of his mouth lifted into a smirk.

"What are you doing after this?" he asked.

"Probably just going home. Art club is almost over anyway."

Nathan leaned back in his chair.

"There's a football game this Friday. You should come."

I stared at him, unsure what to say.

"Come and cheer for me."

The invitation felt strangely personal.

"I'll try," I replied. "Thanks for inviting me."

Our drinks arrived along with a blueberry muffin. I automatically reached for my coffee.

Nathan pushed the muffin toward me.

"Take it."

"Oh. Thanks."

I broke off a small piece and took a bite.

For a moment, neither of us spoke.

Then Nathan's voice softened.

"I know you've been feeling alone."

I looked up.

"I know you miss your mother. You don't have to carry that by yourself. You can talk to me whenever you want."

My eyes instantly filled with tears.

He knew?

I hadn't realized anyone had noticed.

I'd always assumed Nathan was just another rich, popular boy. Maybe a little arrogant.

But sitting here now, I could see something different.

He had a kind heart.

"Thank you," I said quietly. "That means a lot."

To keep myself from getting emotional, I quickly changed the subject.

"So, what time are you free tomorrow for our statistics session? I'm available after two."

Nathan took a sip of his coffee.

"I have football training after class. Would it be possible for you to come to my house after six?"

I nearly choked on my drink.

"Your house?" I repeated.

He nodded.

I set my coffee down.

"Would you mind if we met in the library instead?"

A look of confusion crossed his face.

"Why?"

I forced a small smile.

"I don't want to trouble you."