Kiss Don't Tell

Chapter Three

The cafeteria buzzed with the chatter of students, the clinking of trays, and the aroma of various foods mingling in the air. Jack and I navigated through the crowd, clutching my tray with a mix of excitement and nerves. My heart raced as I searched for an empty seat, and then I spotted him—Colby—sitting at a table nearby with a few friends.

Taking a deep breath, I willed my legs to carry me toward the table. My palms felt clammy, and I had to remind myself to keep breathing. It was now or never. As I passed by their table, my pulse quickened, and I hoped that my face wasn't as red as it felt.

I know I've said I always had a crush on him, but that was very much lowkey. Ever since that moment of our lips being close to each other at that party, it seemed like things had escalated way more than they were supposed to. .. at least for me.

To him, things were the same. He never even acknowledged me or said hi. It was like that conversation I had with him never really existed.

I set my tray down, my heart still thudding in my chest. My eyes stole a glance at Colby but still, there was no glance back. Jack and I began to chat about classes, the weather—anything to keep the conversation going. Jack was very easy to talk to, his warm and genuine nature always made me feel comfortable, which is why we became extremely close friends.

"So, I heard there's a movie night at the student lounge this weekend. Are you planning to go?" he asked as our topic shifted to another again.

I took a sip of my orange juice before responding. "Yeah, I heard about it too. I'm thinking about going."

Who would want to miss a free movie? Plus, I heard they're featuring a film by Blum House Productions-- I love most of their work.

During the conversation with my friend, I stole another glance towards Colby, his smile sent my thoughts to veer off course, like a ship in a storm. It would have been better if that smile of his was for me.

My heart somersaulted, and I quickly looked down at my tray, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. I was sure he had caught me staring, and the thought made my stomach flip with nervous energy.

As the lunch period neared its end, Colby's friends began to gather their things, signaling that it was almost time to leave. Just as I was about to stand up, he turned to me with a smile. At first, I thought I was imagining things, but then Jack reacted with a woah, so I figured that it was real.

Finally. My heart jumped, actually skipped a beat.

The final bell of the day rang, signaling the end of another round of classes. I gathered my books and walked out of the school building, the afternoon sun casting a warm glow across the campus. Jack had a club meeting, so I decided to go ahead. A light breeze rustled through the trees, and I adjusted the strap of my backpack, eager to start my journey home.

Just as I reached the main entrance, a voice called out my name, causing me to turn around. There stood Colby— a few feet away, his head gesturing me to come to him.

Hesitant, I shyly walked towards him. I couldn't help the flutter in my chest as I paused and stood before him.

He shifted slightly, his expression nonchalant. "Where's your friend?"

"Oh uhh... he has a club meeting," I replied.

"I see. I was wondering if we could talk, you know, privately," he whispered.

I blinked in surprise, not expecting this turn of events. "Sure, yeah. What's up?"

Colby motioned toward a quieter corner of the schoolyard, away from the bustling stream of students making their way home. We ended up somewhere at the back of the school building. As we got there, my heart raced, my mind pacing to guess what he might want to talk about. Had he noticed my nervousness around him? Was there something important he needed to discuss?

Once he made sure we were in a secluded spot, Colby took a deep breath and looked at me with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine. "I've been wanting to talk to you for a while now."

"O-okay. So why haven't you?" I asked bluntly. He didn't give me a direct answer though.

He hesitated for a moment, his eyes searching mine. He took another deep breath. "I noticed that after we talked last time, you know, like I'd started to get to know you a little bit. I feel a certain... connection. It's like we understand each other, you know?"

My cheeks warmed, and I managed to nod, my heart racing even faster.

Colby's smile was soft, almost vulnerable. "And I was wondering if you'd be interested in maybe going out sometime. Like, on a date?"

My heart seemed to pause for a moment as his words sunk in. This was unexpected, and yet, it was a moment I had secretly hoped for. My small crush on Colby had been a mix of longing and uncertainty, and now, he was standing in front of me, laying his feelings bare.

A flabbergasted smile tugged at the corners of my lips, and I replied, "W-what? Are you serious?"

"Y-yeah," he smirked. "Please?"

"You want to go on a date with me?" I asked again. "If this is some kind of prank, find some other naive girl."

He chuckled, reaching for my hand and raising it to his chest. "No, it's not. I really would want to go out with you."

I bit the corner of my lip, trying to gather up my thoughts. Eventually, I ended up saying yes.

Relief flooded his expression, and a genuine grin broke through. "Great! How about this Saturday? We could catch a movie or grab some coffee?"

"T-this Saturday?" my eyes widened in worry. I remembered it was the same day Jack and I decided to attend the movie night.

"I don't think I can make it that day," I replied. The smile on his face dropped and he let go of my hand. The obvious look of disappointment that was marked on his face made me feel guilty.

I nodded reluctantly, my smile widening. "Saturday sounds perfect."

"Great!" alas, his smile returned, followed by a hug. This man never fails to send my heart on a rampage.

Now all I have to do left is to think of an excuse on why I can't make it to the movie night with Jack on that same day. Don't get me wrong.

I'm pretty sure he'd understand, but I'm also sure that if I tell him I'm ditching him for a date, I wouldn't hear the end of it. I'm sure the next time he'd invite me out, he wouldn't take no for an answer.

And he always make plans my lazy self could not handle.