Ava didn't move.
She couldn't.
Nicholas stood in front of her, hands in his pockets, eyes locked on hers like he was waiting for something she wasn't brave enough to say. For a second, Ava genuinely forgot the rest of the world existed.
Her heartbeat wasn't just loud — it was violent.
Nicholas exhaled slowly, the kind of breath that meant he'd been holding back too much for too long.
"Say something," he murmured.
Ava tried. Her mouth opened, but nothing came out except a small, broken sound.
His gaze softened, dangerously. "Ava…"
He stepped closer, slow and deliberate, as if giving her enough time to stop him — even though both of them knew she wouldn't. The air shifted instantly, warm and electric, pulling her in.
He reached up slightly — not touching her yet, but close enough that she felt his warmth brush her cheek.
Her breath hitched.
He wasn't going to kiss her fast this time.
Not like the party.
Not like a mistake they'd pretend didn't matter.
This was slow. Intentional.
Real.
Ava's fingers trembled on her cup.
She should walk away.
She should say something clever or defensive or cold.
But all she could think about was the way he'd said I'm done chasing. I'm waiting.
And she realized she didn't want him to wait.
Not anymore.
Her chest tightened. "Nicholas…"
The moment cracked open between them — fragile, breathless, perfect. Nicholas' eyes dropped to her lips, once, then lifted back to hers with a heat that made her knees weaken.
He leaned in—
And Ava didn't back away.
Not this time.
His forehead almost touched hers, breath mingling with hers, his hand hovering near her jaw like he was scared to rush it—
Her phone rang.
Loud.
Sharp.
Violent enough to break the moment in half.
Ava jerked slightly, pulse stumbling. Nicholas froze, jaw flexing with a frustration he didn't bother to hide. His eyes stayed on hers, intense, almost pained.
"Don't answer it," he said quietly.
Her heart jumped. "I… I have to."
"Ava—"
"It might be my sister."
Nicholas pressed his lips together, stepping back just enough to let her breathe — but not enough to break the tension still strung tightly between them.
With shaky hands, Ava pulled out her phone.
MAYA calling…
Of course.
Nicholas saw the name. His expression shifted — not angry, not jealous, just… resigned. Like the universe had decided to humiliate him.
Ava swallowed and answered.
"H-hey?"
Maya's voice exploded through the speaker, panicked.
"Ava! Where are you?! Have you seen the group chat? Something happened—"
Ava stiffened. "What happened?"
Nicholas' eyes narrowed instantly at the fear in her voice.
He stepped closer again, not touching her, but protective in a way that made her throat tighten.
Maya continued, frantic.
"You need to come to the quad. Now. It's serious."
Ava's stomach dropped.
"Serious like what?"
"I can't explain. Just come."
The call ended before she could ask anything else.
Ava lowered the phone, hand trembling.
Nicholas studied her carefully. "Ava… what's wrong?"
She forced herself to meet his eyes.
"I don't know. But Maya sounded scared."
He nodded once — sharp, decisive.
"I'm coming with you."
Ava blinked. "You don't have to—"
"I'm not letting you go alone when you're shaking."
Her breath stalled.
He didn't wait for her to agree.
He didn't smirk.
He didn't tease.
He just stepped beside her like it was the most natural thing in the world.
"Let's go," he said quietly.
And somehow, walking away from him in that almost-kiss moment felt harder than anything she had ever done.
But one thing was clear—
Whatever was waiting for them in the quad…
was going to change everything.