Ara’s POV
"Let me go," I protest, trying to push him away, even as part of me longs to stay.
"Why are you avoiding me?" he demands, his voice a mix of frustration and something deeper, something that pulls at my heartstrings.
"I'm not," I insist, my voice betraying me with its slight tremble.
"You're not?" he challenges, relentless. "You avoid eye contact in class, bolt out of the room the second it's over, and pretend not to hear me calling you."
I'm left speechless, caught in the truth of his words.
"Let me go!" I demand again, but weaker, knowing he sees through my bravado.
"Not until you tell me what's going on," he growls, his eyes searching mine. "Is it the fight with Harry? Did it scare you? Or does being seen with me embarrass you?"
"Jack, no," I say, shocked at the very id
