Lose Me Again

Fire & Ice

Chapter Three

Fire and Ice

(Esha’s POV)

It had been a few weeks since my first encounter with Andy, but I hadn’t been able to shake the memory of our argument. It lingered in the back of my mind like a dull thorn. I’d tried to bury it under a mountain of coursework, throwing myself into my studies, sitting in the front rows during lectures, and spending hours in the library. My top priority was establishing myself academically—there was no way I’d waste this opportunity after everything I’d gone through to get here.

Since that first day, I’d built a steady circle of friends. Maya and Cassandra had become my closest companions—Maya with her endless enthusiasm, and Cassandra with her sharp wit and quiet confidence. We spent most afternoons together, whether studying, hanging out at cafés, or venturing into the city to explore.

It was a crisp autumn afternoon when Cassandra and I were strolling through the quad, arms wrapped tightly around ourselves to ward off the chill. The leaves had turned vibrant shades of red and gold, carpeting the ground in a patchwork of color that crunched under our feet.

Cassandra was in the middle of a story about one of her professors when I saw him—a familiar figure across the courtyard. My stomach tightened, and I instinctively slowed my pace.

Andy.

He was leaning casually against one of the stone pillars, laughing with a group of people. His blonde hair was tousled, and he wore that same leather jacket I’d seen him in the first time we met. It seemed like he always had an audience, people drawn to his effortless confidence and magnetic presence.

“Esha?” Cassandra’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts. “You okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine,” I said quickly, glancing away from Andy and picking up my pace. I wasn’t about to let him ruin my afternoon. I’d managed to avoid running into him for weeks, and I wanted to keep it that way.

But, of course, fate had other plans.

As we approached the central fountain, Andy’s group began to disperse. Just as we were about to pass each other, he looked up and spotted me. His eyes lit up with recognition, and that familiar smirk tugged at his lips.

“Esha,” he greeted me like it was some private joke between us. “I was wondering when I’d run into you again.”

I stopped, turning slowly to face him, my jaw tightening. “Don’t sound so pleased about it.”

Cassandra raised an eyebrow, glancing between the two of us with a growing interest but kept quiet.

“I’m not,” Andy replied smoothly, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Just surprised it took this long. You’re usually so… confrontational. I figured you’d have hunted me down by now.”

I let out a sharp breath, crossing my arms. “Please. I’ve been doing just fine without you lurking around.”

He stepped closer, that grin of his widening. “You know, it’s funny. I’ve been hearing about this fiery Indian girl who doesn’t take crap from anyone. Can’t imagine who that might be.”

“Maybe because I don’t waste my time around arrogant pricks,” I shot back.

Cassandra snorted quietly, clearly enjoying the exchange, while Andy just raised his hands in mock surrender.

“Arrogant? I thought we were over that. I’m a delight once you get to know me,” he said, his tone teasing but his eyes locked onto mine with a challenge.

“There’s not enough time in the world for me to want to get to know you,” I replied sharply, even as a small part of me hated how easily he could rile me up. “Besides, I’ve seen all I need to see.”

“Judging a book by its cover?” Andy asked, leaning in slightly. “I expected better from someone who prides herself on being so… thorough.”

My eyes narrowed as my pulse quickened with frustration. Why does he always manage to twist everything? There was something about the way he looked at me, as if my reactions were the most amusing thing in the world, that made my blood boil.

“You don’t know anything about me,” I said, my voice low and controlled, though there was an undeniable edge to it.

“Oh, I think I’ve learned enough,” he replied, his smirk still in place, though his eyes flashed with something more. “You’re uptight, always on edge, and… incredibly stubborn.”

“And you’re unbearable,” I retorted, stepping closer, my face flushed with anger.

We stood there, locked in a silent face-off, our words hanging in the air like static electricity. Neither of us broke eye contact, and for a moment, the rest of the world seemed to blur away, leaving just the two of us caught in this ridiculous, infuriating tension.

Cassandra, who had been watching the whole thing with a barely concealed smile, finally decided to intervene. “Okay, I’m sorry, but… is anyone else noticing the ridiculous amount of s****l tension going on here, or is it just me?”

My eyes widened, and I whipped my head around to glare at her. “What?”

Andy, for the first time, looked genuinely taken aback, though that damn smirk didn’t fade completely. “s****l tension? Really?” He glanced at me with an amused, almost curious expression.

Cassandra shrugged, laughing. “I mean, come on. You two bicker like an old married couple. It’s a bit obvious.”

I felt heat creeping up my neck. “There is no s****l tension,” I snapped, my voice more defensive than I intended.

Andy chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “I don’t know, Esha. Maybe Cassandra’s onto something.”

I shot him a glare that could have melted steel. “In your dreams.”

“Oh, it’s definitely not in my dreams,” he said, his voice low and teasing, causing a new flush of anger—and embarrassment—to rise in my cheeks.

Cassandra was fully laughing now, and a few students nearby had started to glance in our direction, clearly entertained by the scene unfolding. I felt like I was standing in the center of a circus, with Andy as the ringmaster, always finding a way to make me feel completely out of control.

“I’m done with this,” I muttered, turning on my heel to leave before I said something I’d regret.

As I walked away, I could still hear Andy’s voice behind me, calling out casually. “Looking forward to our next argument, Esha. I’ll make sure to bring more charm next time.”

I didn’t turn back. I kept walking, my hands clenched into fists at my sides. How does he do this to me? Every encounter with him left me more flustered and angry than before, as though he had some sort of key to unlocking all of my emotions—emotions I’d rather keep buried.

When Cassandra and I were finally out of earshot, I groaned, dropping my head into my hands. “Please tell me I don’t look as insane as I feel.”

Cassandra grinned, nudging me playfully. “Oh, you definitely look insane. But it’s a good kind of insane. You and Andy… well, there’s something going on there, even if you refuse to admit it.”

“There is nothing going on,” I insisted through gritted teeth. “He’s just… aggravating.”

“He’s hot,” Cassandra countered, laughing at my horrified expression. “What? You can’t deny it. You two have some weird chemistry.”

“It’s not chemistry. It’s oil and water,” I grumbled, though the blush on my cheeks betrayed me.

Cassandra gave me a knowing smile. “Whatever helps you sleep at night, Esha. But I’m telling you—this is far from over.”

I groaned again, running a hand through my hair. “God, I hope you’re wrong.”

But deep down, I knew Cassandra was right. There was something between Andy and me—something volatile, frustrating, and completely unpredictable. And as much as I hated to admit it, I had a feeling I hadn’t seen the last of him.

Not by a long shot.