Lucas's POV
Just then, Amy glanced over at me, catching me completely off guard. I blinked, my breath hitching as she leaned in, her lips so close I could feel the warmth of her whisper tickle my ear. The sensation sent a shiver racing down my spine, every nerve suddenly on high alert.
"Hey, focus on class. Don't stare at me," she teased, her eyes glinting with mischief, a sly smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.
My heart skipped a beat at how close she was-her scent, her voice, the spark in her gaze. It was impossible to ignore how intoxicating she was. I smirked, letting my voice drop to a playful murmur. "Well, you're definitely more interesting than the class."
She chuckled, the sound soft and low, her fingers toying with her pen. "I know that, Lucas. I also find myself way more attractive than this subject."
Her confidence was magnetic. I couldn't help but laugh, leaning in just a little, drawn to her like gravity. "Well, I can't deny that, Amy."
She rolled her eyes, but I caught the smile she tried to hide. "Stop that! Focus on class, or I'll pull out your eyes, Lucas."
I clutched my chest in mock horror, feigning heartbreak. "Ouch! Such violent threats! You're really breaking my heart here."
"Oh please," she shot back, nudging my arm with her elbow. "If you want an education, you need to pay attention. I can't have you being distracted by my irresistible charm!"
I grinned, feeling the tension between us coil tighter. "Touché. I promise I'll focus," I said, putting on my most serious face. "But just know, no matter how hard I try, it's really difficult to look away from some spectacular competition."
She leaned in, her voice a sultry whisper. "Keep it up, and I might just give you a front-row seat to my next 'lecture.'" She winked, her eyes daring me to keep playing this game.
The thrill of our banter wrapped around me, warm and electric. Every look, every word, made the air between us hum with possibility.
As soon as class ended, we walked out side by side, our laughter and teasing still hanging in the air. Girls smiled at me as we passed, but I barely noticed. Everyone assumed it was loyalty to Anne, but the truth was, I only had eyes for the girl next to me.
"Lucas, are you heading straight back to the apartment? I guess Anne's still in her room, huh?" she asked, breaking the comfortable silence.
I shrugged, my gaze lingering on her, searching for something real. "I don't know... You got anywhere you want to go?" I asked, hoping she'd say yes, hoping she'd choose me.
Her cheeks flushed, and for a second, I imagined closing the distance between us, kissing her right there in the hallway. But she shook her head, her tone casual but resolute. "Hmm, actually, I was thinking of looking for a part-time job after this. So you go ahead first, okay?"
I stopped, frowning, my brows knitting together. "What?! You want a part-time job? You do know we're still in our first year, right? Isn't it better to focus on your studies?"
She laughed, but I saw the determination in her eyes-a stubborn spark I both admired and feared. "Lucas, I just want to gain some work experience. It's not like I'll be working back-to-back shifts or anything. Plus, there's nothing wrong with a part-time gig!"
Frustration prickled beneath my skin. "But what about all that time you'll miss with your friends? Or hanging out with me?"
She softened, her voice dropping. "Lucas, I can't just sit at home while you and Anne are getting cozy."
That hit me harder than I expected, a dull ache settling in my chest. "Why is it always about Anne? Why can't you think about how I feel? I'm right here too, you know." My voice was rough, edged with something I couldn't quite hide.
Her expression faltered, guilt flickering across her face. "I don't mean to… I just…" she started, but I could see the conflict in her eyes.
I shook my head, the tension between us thickening. "I just thought...maybe I could go with you to find a job. I mean, it could be fun, right?"
She hesitated, her gaze dropping. "But I don't want you to feel obligated to tag along."
I felt the hope drain out of me, replaced by resignation. "Fine. Do what you want, Amy. I'll just head home then."
"Lucas, wait…" she called after me, but I waved her off, already turning away, the sting of disappointment burning in my chest. I left her standing there, the silence between us heavy with all the things we didn't say.
When I got back to the apartment, my steps quickened, a restless energy pushing me straight to the bedroom. But as soon as I opened the door, I froze-my room looked like a hurricane had hit it.
Anne's clothes were everywhere-draped over the bed, spilling onto the floor, even hanging off the back of my chair. She sat at the makeup table, her reflection focused and serene as she brushed blush across her cheeks.
"Babe? What is this? Why are your clothes everywhere?" I tried to keep my voice steady, but the irritation bled through. I was tired-tired of picking up after her, tired of feeling invisible.
Anne rolled her eyes, barely glancing at me. "Baby, I was just looking for something to wear. Most of my clothes are off-season now. You know I can't wear stuff that's out of season!" She waved her hand, dismissing my frustration like it was nothing.
I bent down, gathering her clothes with an exasperated sigh. "I'm tired, babe! Can't you at least look for your clothes properly? No need to throw everything all over the place."
She sighed, her tone growing sharp. "Sorry, baby, but I was in a rush. Sasha texted me-she invited me to the bar tonight. Let's go together, okay?"
I ran a hand through my hair, the tension coiling in my shoulders. "No. You know I hate noisy places! I'm overwhelmed already-and now I have to clean up all your clothes?"
Anne stood up, smoothing her dress over her hips, her eyes flickering with annoyance. "Baby! I got all dressed up for tonight. I want you to come with me!"
I shook my head, jaw tight. "Ask Amy to join you! I won't go anyway."
She scoffed, crossing her arms. "You already know her well! She never goes to bars. She's too boring-just like you!"
I clenched my teeth, folding another dress and tossing it onto the bed. "Whatever, I already said I won't go tonight. I want to rest. And we have a lot of assignments, Anne."
She bit her lip, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "Relax, baby. We can pay someone else to do our assignments. Don't be such a nerd like Amy! Come join me for some fun."
When she tried to hug me, I stepped back, gently pushing her hand away. "Sorry, babe, I won't go. Please respect my decision."
Her eyes turned cold, her lips curling into a smirk. "Fine! If any guys flirt with me, I won't reject them! So you better come with me."
I stared at her, my chest tight with frustration and something close to heartbreak. The space between us felt wider than ever-a chasm of unmet needs and unspoken words.