I stepped onto the rooftop, my eyes locking onto Ethan's figure. He was leaning against the railing, his gaze fixed on me with an intensity that made my heart skip a beat. I felt a flutter in my chest, thinking he had been waiting for me, seeking my presence.
"I saw you looking down at me, so I thought you were seeking my presence," I said, my voice calling to his attention. My words hung in the air, a gentle probe into his thoughts.
Ethan turned around, his movements relaxed, almost lazy. He didn't seem surprised to see me, as if he had known I was coming all along. His expression was neutral, giving away nothing.
"If that's what you thought, then I'd say you've got a problem in the head," he said, his tone blank and void. His words were like a slap, stinging my skin.
I felt a surge of emotions: hurt, frustration, and disappointment. But I tried to brush them off, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of seeing me riled.
"I think I'll be leaving then," I said, turning around to walk away. I hoped he would call me back, show some sign of interest, some glimmer of emotion.
"Yeah, that's the right thing you should do. Walk away," he said nonchalantly, his voice dripping with indifference. His words were like a cold shower, dousing my hopes.
I turned back around, hoping to see some spark of emotion in his eyes. But he had already returned his gaze to the distance, staring out at the world below with a detached air.
I felt defeated, my heart sinking like a stone in a bottomless pit. He definitely hadn't changed his mind. He still saw me as just a physical distraction, nothing more.
"Fine," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'll leave you to your thoughts."
Ethan didn't respond, didn't even acknowledge my presence. He just kept staring out into the distance, lost in his own world.
I turned and walked away, feeling a sense of rejection wash over me like a tidal wave. I couldn't help but wonder if I had misread the situation entirely. Was I just a fool, chasing after someone who didn't want me?
As I descended the stairs, I felt a lump form in my throat. I pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on the determination that still burned within me. I would prove to Ethan that I was more than just a physical connection. I would reach his heart, no matter how long it took.
With each step, I steeled myself for the challenge ahead. I would not give up, not yet. I would find a way to break down his walls, to reach the real Ethan beneath the surface.
As I walked back into my room, Rachel looked up from her book, concern etched on her face. "Hey, how was your conversation with Ethan?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity.
I sighed, flopping onto my bed, feeling the weight of our encounter settle in. "It was...enlightening," I replied, choosing my words carefully.
Rachel raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued. "What happened?" she pressed, closing her book and giving me her full attention.
I hesitated, not wanting to complain, but needing to share my frustration. "He basically told me I was crazy for thinking he wanted me around," I began, reliving the sting of his words. "Said I should just walk away."
Rachel's expression darkened, her eyes flashing with anger. "That jerk!" she exclaimed, her voice rising. "I'm so sorry, Amanda. No one deserves to be treated like that."
I shook my head, feeling a mix of emotions: hurt, frustration, and disappointment. "It's not your fault, Rach. He's just...broken," I said, searching for the right words to describe Ethan's complexities.
Rachel's curiosity was piqued. "What do you mean? How did he get broken?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with interest.
I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. Ethan's secret was safe with me, and I wasn't about to share it with anyone, not even Rachel. I felt a pang of loyalty to him, despite his harsh words.
"It's complicated," I evaded, trying to brush it off, but Rachel's persistence was unwavering.
"Come on, Amanda, you can trust me," she urged, her voice gentle but insistent.
I appreciated her concern, but some secrets were meant to remain hidden. "I'm not trying to be rude, Rach, but some things are between Ethan and me alone," I explained, hoping she'd understand. "I'm not sharing that particular detail."
Rachel nodded understandingly, though her eyes still sparkled with curiosity. "Okay, I get it," she said, respecting my boundaries. "But promise me one thing?"
"Anything," I replied, grateful for her support.
"Be careful around him, Amanda," she cautioned, her expression serious. "He sounds like trouble, and I don't want you getting hurt."
I nodded, knowing Rachel was right. Ethan was trouble, but I was willing to take that risk to reach his heart, to understand him.
"Don't worry, Rach," I reassured her. "I can handle myself."
Rachel smiled, though her eyes still held a hint of concern. "I know you can, Amanda. Just remember, I'm here for you, no matter what. You're not alone in this."
As I sat in the lecture hall, scribbling notes and trying to focus on the professor's droning voice, my phone buzzed discreetly in my pocket. I pulled it out, hoping it wasn't something urgent, and my eyes widened as I saw Ethan's name flashing on the screen.
My heart skipped a beat as I opened the message, my curiosity piqued. "Come join me at the back," the text read, simple and direct.
I turned around, scanning the crowded lecture hall, my eyes locking onto Ethan's figure seated at the back. He was expressionless, his eyes fixed on me with an unnerving intensity. He didn't seem interested in the lecture, his gaze never wavering from mine.
I felt a shiver run down my spine as our eyes met, the air thick with unspoken tension. The professor's voice faded into the background as I packed my belongings, my movements slow and deliberate.
As I made my way to the back, Ethan's eyes never left mine, his expression unreadable. I felt like I was walking into unknown territory, my heart pounding in anticipation.
Reaching the back row, I slid into the seat beside him, our thighs touching, sending a spark of electricity through me. Ethan didn't acknowledge me, his gaze still fixed on some point ahead.
The lecture continued, but I was lost, my attention focused on the enigmatic figure beside me. What did he want? Why had he summoned me to the back?
As the minutes ticked by, Ethan remained silent, his presence both captivating and unnerving. I was trapped in his orbit, unable to look away, my senses heightened.
The lecture hall faded into the background, leaving only the two of us, suspended in a world of our own. I waited, my breath bated, for Ethan to make his move, to reveal the purpose behind his mysterious summons.