Hot Mess

The Boy Behind the door

Chapter Two: The Boy Behind the Door

I ran until I reached the back of the school building, the place nobody ever bothered to go. I pressed my back against the wall and let the tears fall without holding them in. My glasses were fogged, my hands were shaking, and my chest felt heavy. I hated that they could make me feel this small with just a few words. I wiped my eyes, trying to collect myself before anyone found me.

I thought I was alone until I heard footsteps. I quickly turned away and tried to pretend I was fine, but my breathing was still uneven. Someone stopped a few feet away from me. I did not look up at first.

Are you okay?

The voice was calm, low, and nothing like the mocking ones I was used to. I hesitated before raising my head. That was when I saw him. A boy I had never seen before. Tall, clean haircut, shirt slightly unbuttoned like he did not care what anyone thought. He had this relaxed confidence that felt almost unreal. He looked like the type girls whispered about and boys wanted to be like.

I swallowed. I am fine. I just needed fresh air.

He didn’t look convinced. He took a step closer but not enough to make me uncomfortable. I think those people back there were being jerks.

My heart jumped a little. He had seen it. My embarrassment rushed back. Please forget you saw that.

He shook his head lightly. Why? They were out of line. You were just reading.

I did not know how to respond because nobody had ever defended me before. Not even in a small way like this. I wiped my face again and tried to calm my trembling hands.

He leaned against the wall beside me, keeping some space between us. I’m Noah, he said like it was the most normal moment in the world.

I blinked. I had heard the name earlier that morning. A transfer student. Rumors had already started that he was “too fine” to be in this school.

I’m Ashley, I said, my voice soft but steady.

He nodded.