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Part 46
The days rolled on, and the Nick–Kylie equation only deepened, to the point where no one in school could ignore it anymore.
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1. Classroom Moments
During lectures, Kylie always chose the seat beside Nick. If someone dared to sit there before her, she'd smile sweetly and say, "Mind switching? I can focus better next to Nick." Nobody argued with Kylie Sinclair.
She'd lean toward him with her notebook open, whispering things only he could hear. Sometimes Nick would smirk at her comments, sometimes shake his head, but he never moved away. Once, Anna caught Kylie sliding her pen toward Nick and saying, "Do it for me." Nick rolled his eyes but solved the question in her notebook anyway.
Their shared laughter during lectures — quiet, low, but genuine — made Anna's stomach twist.
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2. The Cafeteria Scene
At lunch, Kylie had practically claimed the spot next to Nick as her own. She brought her special imported salad boxes and sometimes slid them across the table toward him.
"Try this, Nick. It's from my chef back home," she'd say.
And Nick? He actually did. Anna couldn't believe it. Nick Carter, who used to hate sharing food, now casually took a bite from Kylie's fork without hesitation.
The whole cafeteria went wild at the sight.
"Did you see that? He ate from her fork."
"They're so comfortable with each other."
"They're definitely more than friends."
Anna looked down at her own tray, forcing herself not to react, but Ethan noticed the way her jaw tightened.
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3. Library Hour
One afternoon, Anna entered the library to return a book — and froze.
Nick was sitting at the far corner table, and Kylie was beside him, not across. Her chair was turned slightly toward him, their knees almost brushing. Kylie was pretending to read, but her hand rested casually on Nick's arm as she whispered something. He chuckled softly.
When Anna dropped her book at the counter, the sound startled them. Kylie glanced up, locking eyes with Anna, and for a split second, her lips curved into a knowing smirk — as if she wanted Anna to see this closeness.
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4. Gym Practice
The gym became another stage. Nick was working out, his shirt sticking to his toned frame, and Kylie was right there, sitting on a bench with her water bottle.
When Nick finished his reps, Kylie stood up, handing him the bottle like it was hers to give.
"Hydrate, Carter," she said with a playful grin.
Nick accepted it, his fingers brushing hers. Anna, watching from across the hall, felt her chest tighten. Kylie wasn't just present — she was claiming little parts of Nick's daily routine, weaving herself into his life seamlessly.
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5. The After-School Hangout
But the real shock came after school.
Anna and Ethan were walking out of the main gate when a sleek black car pulled up. The driver opened the backseat door, and there was Kylie — already inside, with Nick sliding in next to her.
They drove off together, laughter spilling out before the tinted windows shut.
Students at the gate murmured excitedly.
"They leave together now?"
"Of course. Kylie's car is like a second home for Nick these days."
Anna froze mid-step. Ethan reached for her hand, grounding her, but her heart was already racing.
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6. The Social Media Buzz
By evening, the whispers had turned into posts.
Pictures surfaced: Nick and Kylie spotted at a rooftop café, sitting close, Kylie adjusting Nick's jacket like they'd been together forever. Another shot: Kylie holding her phone, Nick leaning over her shoulder to see something on the screen, their heads almost touching.
#CarterSinclair started trending in their school group chats.
Anna scrolled through it all, her chest burning. She tossed her phone aside, but the images wouldn't leave her mind.
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7. Anna's Realization
That night, lying in bed, Anna admitted the truth to herself.
Kylie wasn't just close to Nick. She was everywhere. In class. At lunch. During practice. After school. And Nick wasn't pushing her away. In fact, the world around them believed they were the perfect pair.
Anna turned to her side, burying her face in the pillow. She had told Nick before that she didn't love him, that Ethan was her choice. But watching Kylie slowly wrap herself around his life made Anna realize something she'd never wanted to admit:
She still cared.
And caring hurt more than she could ever explain.
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