Dear Love, I Hate You (Easton High)

And my heart does that thing where it slams against my rib cage so violently I wonder if it’s going to carve a hole through my chest just to prove it can. It’s almost nothing. A gesture so small I don’t even think it qualifies as “making a move.” Xavier just angles his head toward me a few inches. Barely, but enough to make me wonder if I’m crazy.

But the move he makes next…

Is one I can’t overthink.

His fist closes around mine, and I become very aware that I’m still holding the piece of string at his eyes’ level. I’ve been holding it this whole time. Without a word, he lowers my hand.

Slowly.

To get it out of the way.

He doesn’t make another move for long seconds.

I’m screaming so loud internally I’ll be lucky not to wake up with a headache tomorrow.

Our breaths mix.

Just an inch.

Just one and we’d be kissing.

He leans forward again, our lips almost touch—

“Rise and shine, motherfuckers,” a masculine voice blurts.

It takes me a second to realize Finn and Dia just waltzed into the classroom. Xav and I back away from each other at the speed of light. Seriously, if there’s some sort of world record for quickest withdrawal from a kiss, we just beat it, but it’s no use.

They saw us.

At least, Finn did.

Dia came in a second too late.

“We interrupting something?” Finn doesn’t even bother trying to conceal his smirk. I open my mouth, only to realize that I have no fucking clue how to answer his question.

Thankfully, Xavier takes one for the team and lets out a bored, “Nope” before rising to his feet. I blink at him, baffled by his carelessness. I’m a complete mess over here, and he’s just… okay?

Unaffected?

I hate boys.

“I’m guessing the cops are gone?” Xav drawls.

“Yep. Axel saw them pull out of the lot through the cafeteria window. We should get the fuck out of here, preferably before first p

eriod rolls around,” Finn jokes.

Dia pads toward me, holding out her hand and helping me to my feet. Her lipstick is smeared, her clothes wrinkled and her gorgeous black hair a wild, curly mess.

We were right.

They weren’t talking.

But she still looks… sad?

There’s this twinkle of pain flickering in the back of her eyes.

Are they back together?