She’s Dating The Star Player

Crush

“What did my brother say to you?” I asked as Garett came up to me.

“He said if I try to make a move on you, he’s gonna punch me,” he replied casually.

My eyes widened. “He said that?!”

He laughed. I scowled once I realized he was just joking.

Why do I always fall for this guy’s nonsense?

I started walking again, and he fell into step beside me.

“Your brother just asked when our next game is.”

Oh, right—my brother used to be on the varsity team. But he quit in third year. It was never really his focus. He just plays basketball for fun, usually with Josh and Peter.

“How did you even know Elliot’s my brother?” I asked, puzzled.

We’re never really seen together on campus. Honestly, no one in my class would know we’re siblings if Elona didn’t keep spreading it. We’re total opposites—my brother’s popular, and I’m a nobody.

“Monica told me,” Garett said with a shrug. “Are you feeling better now?”

Was that something Monica told him on her own, or did he actually ask?

I nodded. “Yeah.”

“Are you sick or something? Why do you keep passing out?”

I couldn’t tell if it was concern in his voice or just plain curiosity.

“This is actually your fault,” I blurted out, blaming him.

“Huh? How is it suddenly my fault?” he said, clearly surprised. “I was the one who brought you to the clinic, remember?”

I looked at him with a frown. “I freaked out when you called out to me.”

“Why is that such a big deal?”

“Why?” I echoed. “I hate being the center of attention. And you don’t just put your arm around someone you’re not even close to. Do you want to get charged with s****l harassment?!”

“Whoa, whoa!” he said, raising his hands in defense. “I didn’t know some people were that sensitive about being touched.”

“Well, now you do. So if you don’t want to end up in jail for no reason, don’t do that again to someone you’re not close with,” I warned him.

I expected him to laugh or brush it off—but when I glanced at him, he was silent, looking like he was actually thinking about it.

Well, maybe the thought of going to jail scared him straight?

*****

As soon as we entered the classroom, I went straight to my seat. I took out a pack of tissues and a bottle of alcohol from my bag and started wiping everything—from the backrest of the chair to the surface of the table.

I glanced across the row of seats and noticed Garett watching me. He looked at me like what I was doing was the most interesting thing in the world.

I shook my head and ignored him, finishing up what I was doing.

My classmates and the people I’m usually around are already used to the fact that I’m a clean freak. But someone like Garett, who I only share one class with, probably thinks I’m either high-maintenance or just weird.

Well, I don’t really care what anyone thinks. I do what I need to do to feel comfortable. For all I know, someone carrying a thousand kinds of germs could’ve sat in this seat before me.

“Did you give Garett my number?” Monica asked.

“I did. He was looking for a group to study with for the upcoming retake exam.”

“Group study, huh? Then why were all his questions about you?”

I frowned, but I didn’t get a chance to respond because our professor, Mrs. Dorothy, walked in. She immediately began her lecture and reminded us about the special exam next week.

“This will be your final chance. We’ll compare your previous score and your retake score—whichever is higher will be your final result. Those who passed the last midterm don’t need to take the retake.”

Everyone who passed the last exam—including me—was pretty happy. I could just focus on our next lecture now.

“Okay, class dismissed. I’ll see you next week.”

As soon as Mrs. Dorothy left, my classmates broke off into their own little conversations. Some headed out for lunch. I packed up my things and placed them back into my bag.

I noticed I had messages from both Elona and Elliot. I opened them.

Elona: Ugh! I was late!

Elona: Wait—your brother told me you were taken to the clinic. Are you okay?

I typed my reply:

Iris: Just got a little dizzy from the weather.

Elona: Are you sure? Or was it another panic attack?

She knows about my panic attacks and anxiety. She’d seen it happen a few times back in high school.

Iris: Nope. It was really just the weather.

Elona: Alright. Drink lots of water! Stay hydrated, b***h!

I laughed.

Iris: Yes, bish.

Then I opened older brother's messages.

Elliot: I told your friend you were brought to the clinic.

Elliot: Told her to check up on you.

Me: Thanks, E. No need to worry. I’m fine now.

Elliot: Just wanted to make sure you’re okay.

I didn’t bother replying—I just reacted with a thumbs-up before slipping my phone back into the pocket of my skirt. I was just about to step out of the classroom when I saw Dustin by the door again, this time with his friends from the soccer team.

I took a deep breath and slowed my pace, hugging the books I was carrying tightly against my chest. The closer I got to where they were standing, the faster my heart started to beat.

“Hey, someone’s passing through,” one of his friends said as he nudged another to the side.

I glanced at Dustin, hoping he’d notice me again like he did last night. But no luck. My heart sank when I saw him talking to a girl from a different department.

With my head down, I hurried past their group.

Is that his girlfriend? No way—Elona would’ve known by now and definitely spilled the tea. Maybe they’re just in the talking stage?

I shook my head. Just as I was turning into the hallway, I looked back and saw the group leaving. Dustin was a few steps behind, still chatting with the girl.

I watched them for a moment. My shoulders dropped with disappointment. They looked good together. What chance did I even have? She was taller and carried herself with so much more confidence.

“You’ve got a crush on Dustin?”

I quickly turned around, startled by the sudden voice. I looked up—and nearly gasped when I saw Garett.

He was standing behind me, one arm propped against the wall, leaning down and looking straight at me…