I stare at his closed eyes, processing the sensation of lips against my own.They are soft, unchapped. He doesn’t open them, pressing our mouths together like puzzle pieces.It takes me a minute to realize what we’re doing. Even after I realize it, I’m frozen in place, my thoughts running wildly. A single thought sparks.I don’t feel the need to reject this kiss.When Alex backs away, his lashes rise to reveal warm brown eyes. The golden flecks astound me with their vibrance, my mouth dropping open just slightly. He gives me a smile and a wink.My face immediately heats like a furnace. Then I remember that we’re not alone and hide my mouth behind clammy fingers.Danielle seems to be turning an interestingly pale shade as Oliver’s expression darkens ominously.Alex meets their dissatisfaction smoothly.“Do you think this is a deal? What would even make you two lovebugs think that, huh?”They suddenly remember that they’re supposed to be dating, their expressions crumpling in embarrassm
I’m still frustrated by Alex’s insinuation by the time I’m home.Once I get to my room, I flop on it with a groan. After airing out some frustrations against the bedspread, I roll onto my back, grumbling, and start looking on Instapost… It would be better to more easily visualize the face of the person I’m angry at.I access my account, the icon being a doodle of a puppy I’d made at one point. It’s all just art rather than pictures, but Alex and I decided to follow each other anyway.As I go to click on Alex’s icon of his own face, I see that there’s a recent update from Charlie’s account. My anger subsides, curiosity taking over. Charlie always takes such nice pictures, whether with friends or simply showing off her breakfast.However, looking at the newest photo just brings back the frustration all over again.She and Alex pose together. She’s holding up a peace sign and he’s smiling like nothing’s wrong. Charlie has added stickers of stars and a little heart, having tagged him in t
Alex stops coming by as often as before.The hecklers aren’t motivated to come back, but it does cause a different disturbance.“Has anyone seen him today?” Charlie asks, fretting over him. “I tried to message him, but he didn’t reply…”The other club members look at each other awkwardly, glancing in my direction before answering her. I really wish they wouldn’t look at me. Whenever they do, Charlie always shoots me a dirty glare, like I’m at fault somehow.Dammit. This is exactly what I was afraid of.I’ve diagnosed Alex’s problem.He likes talking with people, which is fine. However, he fails to establish boundaries, especially toward girls. Then, because he doesn’t like uncomfortable situations, he callously blows things off.The girls get misled when he doesn’t staunch their flirting. Then, he gets tired of the drama and leaves. Then, hurt and angry, the girls fight each other and cause trouble.Rinse and repeat.The worst part is he doesn’t even seem to realize he’s most of the p
He doesn’t let me go like he did earlier today. Instead, he follows after me closely.“What’s wrong? Did something happen?”But I keep my head down, refusing to answer.He rushes forward and stops in front of me.“C’mon, Cynth. Look at me, would you?”Hah. I’m not sure when we’d moved on to the cutesy nicknames stage of our fake relationship, but it’s interesting to know we’re here now. Especially after he just dissed a girl who he’d let flirt with him for days.All the exhaustion and irritation that’s been building up finally boils over.Fine. He wants to see backbone?I’ll give him backbone.“Don’t get carried away, now. Falling in love is a no-go.”He blinks, surprised at the tone of my voice. It’s lower than usual, as it usually comes out when I’m beyond caring.“…What are you talking about? I’m not in love with you.”The laugh I let out is ugly.“Really? Running after me, always trying to protect me, hanging out with me…it’s all just kindness and friendship, huh? Well, if I could
When he and the other guys look to confront him, they all freeze up.Alex looks irritated again, his large hand starting to curl into his shoulder. The bully goes pale and starts to sweat, reaching up to try and dislodge it. But the instant his fingers touch Alex’s, the hockey player clenches further.“Ghh!”He whimpers. Honestly, fully, whimpers, and loses his balance, his right elbow supporting his weight on the table. Alex leans down, easily looking over everyone with his eyes narrowed.“It really takes six guys to bully a single person? What a pathetic pack.” He sighs, seeming genuinely disappointed. “Fuck off, will you?”The five guys he isn’t physically holding in place give each other looks before they decide to back off, none of them brave enough to try him. The one he’s clenching on tries to leave, but Alex shoves him down onto the bench attached to the table.“Before you leave, clean up that mess you made. Aight?”“Y-Yeah…”“Cool.” Alex hands him some paper towels, that unki
Jonathan smiles, all smarmy and ready to kiss ass.“Hey, Alex. I know you’re pretty busy with hockey and all, but…wouldn’t it be fun to hang out together? Like, during a performance. With a thorough explanation of the plot, I think you’d make a great lead!”Alex, unused to Jonathan’s salesman persona, lets out an awkward chuckle.“Here, I’ll talk about it a bit. So, there’s an alpha werewolf who has a—”“What do you think, Cynth? Think I could work it?”Alex cuts him off before he can really get into it, turning to me.Eh? Why ask me?He looks at me with undivided attention. When I glance away from him, I see the others holding their hands together in prayer as Jonathan mouths ‘Yes’ at me.I mean…I think he could be a good fit. I just suppose he’d be too busy to actually do it. Moreover, this could settle in his “bothersome” category, where he might decide to it blow off.Though, since he’s asking earnestly, I’ll answer honestly.“…You’d be a g-ood choice.”Alex nods then, walking ove
After auditioning 45 of the 79 applicants, we ended with a grand total of zero female lead candidates. The other 24 decided against trying after I refused Alex’s dating prospects for the 17(th) time.My throat still hurts from all that yelling.Tired and without any progress, the drama club members grumble in frustration. Alex also looks put-off, but he’s got his arm around me, using me as some sort of PDA squeegee.The club members give us a bit of a stink eye as I try not to self-combust in embarrassment. Hailey does, too, though she’s more playful about it. My phone vibrates as Jonathan start talking about another female lead plan.“‘won’t have anythin to do with him again’ you said. ಠ_ಠ”“shut up”“make me (╯°□°)╯︵ ┻━┻”I prepare to reply to Hailey, but Sophia speaks up, raising her hand. Apparently, Jonathan has been taking suggestions. I wasn’t paying attention—“Well, why not Cynthia?”…But I am now.“I mean, Cynthia and Alex helped us rewrite some of the plot, so she knows the
I keep staring at him, so he continues.“I mean, I’m pretty sure I’m gonna fuck up on stage a few times. Maybe it’ll cover if you freeze up a bit? I dunno, but I won’t leave you hanging up there. We’ll be a team, after all. Besides.”His smile turns sheepish.“I really do want to see you act. If I must be on the same stage as you to see that happen, then let’s do it… I’m pretty sure I’m going to fuck up a few lines though, hah.”Ah.The warmth in my chest and face boils red.…No wonder so many girls fall for him.--- --- ---When I return to the club the next day, I quietly tell Jonathan that I’ll do it.He still announces it to the others immediately after. Hailey grabs onto my arm and squeals with delight.“Aaah, I’m so happy you’ll do it! It’s gonna be great!” She balls her fist excitedly. “Don’t worry, I’ll help you with your lines!”“A-Ah…yeah…sure.”I’m really not sure how a stutterer like me will be able to get through it. At least when I stuttered during performances as a litt