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“Pathetic.”

“Why would I do that?”

“Because I fucked Blake instead of you?” He rolls his eyes as if it’s the most obvious answer in the world.

Hide.

Memories flood back unbidden.

No, not now. My heart races as the hammering grows louder, reverberating through my skull. I cover my ears, trying to block it out. It’s not real. It can’t be real.

But the sound persists, an insistent hammering that drowns out everything else. I glance around, searching for the source. Mike and the other students in the library appear oblivious, heads bent over their books and laptops.

Please, please, please stop. But it only intensifies until it’s all I can hear, all I can think about.

“Seriously, what’s wrong with you? Are you even listening?”

Thud. Thud. Thud.

“What? I…”

“Are you that petty? We only went on a few dates, and it’s not like you’re very fuckable…” He leans in closer, his breath hot against my face. “What kind of psycho are you?”

Hide.

“Is there a problem here?”

I startle, the thudding disappearing and merging with the shuffle of papers and whispers between students.

“I asked, is there a problem, Mister?” The librarian, Mrs. Hofstatt, a stern-looking woman with graying hair and glasses perched on her nose, stands a few feet away, arms folded over her chest as she regards Mike.

Mike curses under his breath, but he straightens up and faces the librarian. “No, ma’am. No problem at all.” He shoots me a glare before stalking off, disappearing between the stacks.

The librarian turns to me, her expression softening. “Are you alright, dear? You look a bit pale.”

I nod, swallowing hard. “I’m fine, thanks. Just… need some air.”

“Alright. Let me know if you need anything.” With a parting pat on my shoulder, she continues on her rounds.

Alone again, I slump into the chair and release a trembling breath. What the hell was that? If I stayed in, everything would be alright. Why did I think going out was a good idea? Never again.

I gather my things and shove them haphazardly into my bag. I’ve had enough drama for one day.

Outside, the bright sunlight makes me squint.

I walk, not really paying attention to where I’m going. I just need to move to put some distance between myself and what happened.

That was close. Too close.

A flash of blonde hair catches my eye, and my heart skips a beat. Sebastian. He’s walking towards me, hands in his pockets and that heart-melting smile on his face. The simplicity of his outfit, white t-shirt and jeans, only serves to highlight his athletic build.

I can’t deal with him right now. I’m about to turn and bolt when a hand clamps down on my shoulder, making me jump.

“Lil! There you are.”

Jason.

“Hey. What’s up?”

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