There was a break between classes. I was sitting in the classroom, unable to stop laughing at Sebastian, who was taking full advantage of my friend's inattentiveness and even begging me to help him escape her relentless attention. People had been pitying him for quite some time now, ever since he'd fallen prey to that hungry vixen, so no one even glanced his way when he suddenly dropped to his knees in front of me, arms crossed in a dramatic plea. His big eyes reminded me of that famous cat scene from Shrek—so wide and vulnerable that it made him seem unexpectedly sweet.
"You're my only hope," he begged in a soft, desperate voice. "Please, Selena, persuade this madwoman to give me some peace."
I wasn't amused by his helplessness, but by the fact that my friend had already given up on him, clinging instead to Hannah as if she believed our classmate was chasing her. Still, I couldn't bring myself to tell Sebastian the truth when he looked so innocent and pitiful.
"You should be happy someone's even coming after you," I teased gently. "Isn't Eve a cool chick?"
"As I said before," he grumbled, "she's a vulgar girl, not cool."
I was so caught up in Sebastian's torment that I didn't notice Felix standing in the doorway with Mike. Felix's gaze lingered on me for a long moment, and it was only the soft whispers of my classmates that made me realize I was being watched.
Turning toward the entrance, I couldn't hide my surprise at the sour expression on Felix's face. He forced a smile as I stood up from my chair and walked over to him.
He looked confused, probably unsettled by the sight of the school's star caught up in some silly scene.
"Flirt with other boys, and I'm sure I'll be visiting my best friend in prison," Mike joked from behind Felix.
I shot Mike an offended look.
"Don't add things that aren't true. I'm not flirting with anyone. A classmate asked me for help because Eve won't give him a break."
"So that's why he won't leave you alone?" Felix's tone was cool, and it unsettled me for a moment. I met his eyes, which flashed with anger.
"It was just a joke. Sebastian didn't do anything wrong." I wasn't sure why I was explaining myself, but I feared Felix would be upset about the scene he had just witnessed. I felt the curious eyes of my classmates burning into me, like invisible flames.
I shifted my gaze to Mike, who was rubbing the back of his neck and staring off to the side, deliberately avoiding eye contact. It seemed like he was trying to escape the tension.
What was going on?
Felix took my hand gently and led me out into the hallway, probably annoyed by the lingering stares of our classmates. He leaned against the wall and held my hands tightly.
"I want you to come with me somewhere after class," he said quietly. I didn't take my eyes off him.
"My team is putting on a special musical performance," he continued. "They want to donate the proceeds to a sick child. The younger brother of one of our friends is seriously ill, and the operation costs a lot."
Concern washed over me as I looked at Felix's worried expression.
"Of course, I'll go," I said softly. "I want to help if I can. Can I tell people in my class about it?"
He nodded.
"We're trying to get the word out quickly, but we just got permission today. Before that, we didn't want to make a fuss without being sure. We've already put up flyers in the display case and on the playground gates. We hope to raise at least part of the amount. We want the school to come together to help."
"What time will it be?"
"At 5 p.m. in the gym. The administration and teachers already know and will participate too."
I only needed to let my parents know I'd be late, and then everything would be fine.
"I'll tell the people in my class."
Felix leaned down and kissed my cheek softly, making me blush. I didn't know how much longer I would be so nervous around him, but since we were officially a couple now, I knew I should open up a little more.
Before walking away, he stroked the cheek he'd just kissed.
"See you after class," he said.
"So long, sister-in-law," Mike called out cheerfully, raising his hand.
I watched Felix's retreating back, my heart pounding wildly. It still felt like a dream — that my crush had liked me long before I liked him, and now he was officially my boyfriend.
It was so unreal, yet so true.
*
It was so heartwarming to see how many people from our school showed up when they heard the child needed surgery. Everyone bought a ticket from the school president before entering the gym. Honestly, I thought there'd be more heartless people here, but clearly, I was wrong. No one seemed to regret the money they spent — I even heard that some who didn't have any cash that day borrowed from their classmates just to help out.
That kindness really meant something.
I stood in the middle of the crowded room beside my best friend, scanning the faces to find Felix, who had disappeared without a trace some time ago. I had no idea where he could be, but I guessed he must be with his teammates, preparing for the performance.
"Why don't I see my future girlfriend anywhere?" Eve muttered, clearly frustrated as she desperately searched for Hannah in the crowd. I rolled my eyes, fed up with her endless amorous pursuits.
"I'm not surprised he's hiding from you," I said coolly.
The blonde threw me a sharp look.
"It's important to be honest in friendships, but sometimes, Selena, it's better to bite your tongue. Your words are like long, thick pins you drive straight into my heart."
"Enough with the cheesy lines," I sighed loudly, looking away.
She didn't reply, but I was certain she was just teasing me. I didn't need to look to know it.
Suddenly, the sound of a guitar filled the room. I looked up at the stage in surprise and spotted Felix standing with the band. I blinked at the microphone he held in his hand. Nearby, Mike sat at the drums, flashing a charming smile that clearly had the girls swooning.
"Two vocalists?" Eve asked, raising an eyebrow. "Can your guy even sing?"
"I'm as surprised as you are," I admitted. "Felix and I are still getting to know each other. There's a lot we don't know yet."
The girls squealed in excitement, the boys cheered as the first notes played, and the lead singer launched into the song. Felix stood next to him, waiting patiently for his part. Right from the start, I had to admit—they'd done an amazing job. No doubt they'd been practicing for a long time, even without knowing if they'd get permission to perform.
Felix probably wanted to surprise me, which was why he hadn't told me he was part of the group.
A wide smile spread across my face as Felix's part came up. But instead of singing, he began to rap. The crowd went wild, and a warm glow blossomed inside me, especially since I was standing near the stage and he easily found me with his eyes. Every word he rapped was aimed straight at me. One line, in particular, struck a deep chord:
"But it's a risk I have to take.I'll run all day and night,'Cause even if it kills me,I'll never let you go, I'll never let you go.I won't give up until I see the light.I'm coming. There's no turning back."
I glanced at my friend. She looked jealous. My cheeks flushed deep red, and my heart somersaulted with happiness.
"You're a lucky girl. All the chicks in this hall want to claw their eyes out," she whispered in my ear.
"You're right. I am a lucky woman," I agreed.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed someone standing next to me. It was Sebastian, nervously glancing toward my friend.
"Cover me," he whispered. "Don't let that crazy woman say a word to me."
Eve spotted him and leaned over me, grinning cockily at Sebastian. Clearly, she was planning to give him a hard time after the show.
I thought she'd given up on him, but apparently, her urge to bully the poor guy had returned.
Felix's face shifted when he saw Sebastian next to me. I hoped he wasn't the overly jealous type. It was sweet that he cared about other guys hanging around me, but every woman had the right to have friends—so long as she stayed true.
The song ended, and during the next one, Felix left the stage. Without a word, he took my hand and pulled me along, leaving my friend alone with a visibly terrified Sebastian.
I preferred not to know what might happen between those two for a while.
We stopped by the side of the stage, alone. Felix still held my hand tightly, unwilling to let go.
"Why did you bring me here?" I asked, smiling at him.
"I don't want you lost in the crowd. I'm worried you might get hurt," he said softly, locking eyes with me.
"Hurt? No one's going to kill me here," I teased, but he said nothing.
"You really gave the green light back there. Your rap brought everyone to their knees. They went crazy. It's amazing you have so much talent. How many more surprises do you have hidden?" I teased, my mind shifting.
He lifted his hand and gently stroked my hair, a sweet smile curving his lips.
"Only one," he said.
"Really? What is it?"
"I managed to turn my six-year crush on you into something real. I think it's a talent to make an unattainable girl yours exclusively."
How did he manage to make my heart race every time? I felt like I was on the edge of completely falling for him.
I closed my eyes as he leaned in, tenderly kissing me. Pleasant butterflies fluttered through my body, and I felt indescribably happy.
Is this how it feels to be truly in love? Not just a crush, but something deeper, something real. It made life feel brighter.
I just wanted this moment to last forever.