Chapter 16:
I was excited. Truly excited. This trip felt like a change of air, of scenery, of everything that had been weighing on me lately. I needed that. I wanted that.
I sat beside Lily on the bus, already in tourist mode, unfolding the map and circling popular spots like our lives depended on it. That's when we heard the soft click of a camera.
Matt.
He had volunteered to be the photographer for the entire trip, claiming it was "for the memories." He leaned forward from the seat behind us, smiling.
"This one came out nice."
"Really?" I said, immediately leaning closer. "Let me see."
I didn't realize how close my face was until I was already there.
"Are you going to show me or what?" I asked, half-laughing.
For a second, the world went quiet. His eyes met mine, and something passed between us, something unspoken but heavy. I pulled back instantly and sat straight, suddenly aware of my heartbeat.
Lily turned around. "Was it good?"
I nodded. "Yeah."
He always has this unexplained stare, and I notice it is always directed at me alone. The rest of the ride passed peacefully. Outside, everything looked like a winter postcard: white rooftops, muted skies, bare trees dusted with frost. We arrived at the inn in the afternoon. It was only a one-night stay, but it felt like its own small world.
In the lobby, teachers started assigning rooms and groups for sightseeing. I caught a glimpse of Jack across the room, but Lily grabbed my wrist and dragged me off, determined to secure the best room before anyone else.
We explored the area, hopping from pastry shops to warm drinks, laughing as steam fogged the air. Matt wasn't really with us; he was everywhere, capturing everyone.
Lisa Bell was there too. And because I wasn't talking to Jack, she was… tolerable.
"I think our little lesson worked," she said sweetly. "We like people who listen. Keep it up."
She left before I could answer.
And if you are wondering where Faye went, she said that she visited this mountain too many times and since it was one night, she preferred staying back.
Later, we soaked in the hot springs at the inn. I was so relaxed I could've stayed there forever, until Lily decided to turn it into a social event, hopping in and out, inviting students from other classes.
I escaped.
I went to the vending machine for something cold, and that's when I saw him.
Jack stood in the hallway, drinking water like he hadn't had any in days. His white sleeveless shirt clung slightly to his skin, his hair damp from the shower. He looked effortless. Untouchable. Too handsome.
I froze.
When he noticed me, he paused.
"Cold or hot?" he asked.
"Cold."
He bought it for me and handed it over.
"I hope you're enjoying the trip."
I nodded, unable to trust my voice. He hesitated, like he wanted to say something more, then walked away.
I sat down hard on the bench beside me, hand pressed to my chest.
Why was it only him?
Why was it only Jack who could make me forget how to breathe? Everything was okay until he decided to show up and talk to me. I realize one thing...
I stood up, ready to follow him—
and ran straight into someone.
Matt.
"Why are you in such a rush?" he asked.
"No reason," I said quickly, while my thoughts screamed that he had just interrupted something straight out of a romantic movie and maybe needed to calm down before I made things worse.
I wanted to ask you something," he said.
He stepped closer. His voice lowered. Until I reach the wall. He put his hand on the wall behind me.
"Whenever our eyes meet, it feels like you're trying to tell me something. I am tired of just looking, Lea. Maybe I'm misunderstanding… but I want to name whatever it is we're both seeing."
My mind blanked.
Before I could answer, he added, "Tomorrow, during free time, there's a park with a Ferris wheel. I'll be waiting for you. Please come."
He touched my hair, turn and left.
My phone vibrated in my hand.
Jack's message.
Can I have your free period?
My heart dropped.
Just like that, I had to choose.
And I already knew, no matter what I decided, someone would get hurt.
Honestly, what do I do?
This is the time when I wished I were still at home, watching my shows, pretending life wasn't asking anything from me.