Chapter 4: Between Annoyance and Connection

After the school bell rang, I decided to head to the field just outside the school grounds. I figured some fresh air would do me good, and I was right. The weather was cool despite the harsh sun. Sitting on the bleachers, I watched a few students play soccer. They seemed to be arguing over a goal that wasn’t counted. I was lost in their little quarrel when suddenly, a hand appeared in front of my face.

"Hey!"

It was Emma.

"Seriously, no hello? Don’t think your cute face lets you get away with everything," she said sternly, though a small smile crept onto her lips.

"What are you talking about?" I asked, confused.

"You know, you and your adorable baby face. Anyway, are you coming or not?" she pressed.

"Coming where?" I replied.

"I sent you a message last night—"

She was cut off by a shout from the field.

"Hey Jimmy! Toss us the ball!"

Looking around, I noticed there was indeed a ball near us.

Emma turned toward them.

"Get your own damn ball, Son. You're so annoying," she snapped.

"Oh hey, didn’t see you there, shorty," the boy replied mockingly.

"Screw you," Emma shot back.

"Yeah yeah, whatever, hahaha."

They all started laughing.

"Ignore them. They're just losers," she said. "Anyway, I'm starving. I could die right here."

"Alright, let’s go," I answered, still unsure why she kept asking me to hang out with her.

We walked along the cobbled streets. One question had been bothering me since the field, so I finally asked.

"What’s Son’s problem? ‘Shorty’? Seriously, what the hell’s his deal?"

"Yeah, losers like him always have a thing for tough girls. They eventually end up asking me out," she said casually.

"I guess you’re used to it. You’re the experienced one, after all. Anyway, thanks for standing up for me—even though I could’ve handled it myself," I added.

"Then buy me lunch. I’m hungry."

Everything seemed to revolve around her. I suppose being a popular girl isn’t always sunshine and roses either.

We finally arrived at a restaurant near the school. Emma's eyes lit up when her hot meal arrived. It was a plate of spaghetti and meatballs drenched in red sauce.

"Damn! Look at this. I’m dying to dig in," she said, visibly excited.

"You really like food, huh?" I asked.

"Who doesn’t like food? What are you, some kind of vegan freak?" she replied.

"No," I answered.

"If you want to get along with me, just know that the way to my heart is through food," she said, blushing slightly.

I stayed silent, but her comment made me smile a little inside.

We left the restaurant, and for some reason, I found myself staring at her. Maybe I was trying to figure out who she really was—and why she was hanging out with me at all. She had a pretty serious expression, and I started wondering if I’d done something wrong.

"What is it?" I finally asked.

"Pfff. Why are you looking at me like that? Are you already in love with me or something?" she teased, grinning.

"Seriously?" I replied.

"Whoa. What’s with that attitude? You’re lucky you’re cute. Otherwise, I wouldn’t even be talking to you," she said with another smirk.

Me neither, I thought. I didn’t even know why she acted this way with me.

"So where do you want to go now?" she asked. "The least you can do is hang out with me some more."

"You’re really starting to get on my nerves with that attitude," I muttered.

"Oh really?" she replied, still smiling.

We parted ways in the school hallway. Honestly, she was starting to seriously get on my nerves. Maybe I should just avoid her for a while. Also, I hadn’t seen Caël or the others since thi

s morning. Weird. I guess I should just head to class for now and see what happens.