Ethan's presence in the school had begun to create ripples. He didn't just charm Annarosé—other girls noticed him too. Some openly flirted, giggling as they brushed past him or asked him for favors. Yet, he always gave Annarosé a little extra attention, just enough for her to feel special—but not enough for anyone else to notice clearly.
One afternoon, while waiting for class to begin, Ethan leaned casually against Annarosé's locker. "You know," he said, his voice smooth, "most girls would jump at the chance to spend time with me."
Annarosé frowned. "I'm not most girls."
Ethan smirked. "I know. That's why I'm talking to you."
Just then, a group of girls from their class giggled as they walked by, brushing their hair back and sneaking glances at Ethan. He waved them off casually, but Annarosé couldn't help noticing how easily he drew attention.
Nick, standing a few steps away, watched the entire scene with his fists clenched. His heart ached as he saw Annarosé's eyes following Ethan's every movement, a soft blush coloring her cheeks. He wanted to step forward, to grab her hand, to tell her how he felt—but he didn't.
"Why can't I tell her?" he muttered under his breath. "Why does it feel like she's slipping away?"
Later that evening, Annarosé sat in her room, her mind swirling. Ethan's charm was undeniable, his attention intoxicating. Yet every time she thought of Nick, she felt a strange warmth—something safe, something real.
Meanwhile, Ethan's plan was working perfectly. He had no intention of confessing yet. First, he would weave a small web of fascination and curiosity, keeping her off balance. And somewhere deep down, even he couldn't deny the strange pull he felt toward Annarosé—something beyond charm or desire.
Nick, unaware of Ethan's inner conflict, resolved silently to himself:
I won't let him take her like that. I'll find a way. I just… have to wait for the right moment.
The stage was set. A triangle of emotions—desire, confusion, and unspoken love—was beginning to form, and none of them could see how tangled it would become