Page 88 of Kiss Me in the Dark
“We’ll still see each other.I can come over on weekends; my school isn’t that far,” he says, glancing at me with a smile.
In the library, we find a quiet corner by the window, talking about books and sharing recommendations.I’m impressed by how animated Elias gets, his love for literature lighting up his face.He’s different from Fox in every way.But, frustratingly, even as Elias is sitting right in front of me, my mind drifts back to Fox—his cocky smirk, his infuriating confidence, and the way his touch set me on fire that night we kissed.
It’s impossible to forget the feeling, like he’d pulled me into a world I’d been trying to ignore.There was this electric charge between us, a kind of hunger that felt wild and reckless.I remember the way his hand tangled in my hair, the heat of his lips against mine, and how everything faded away except the two of us.
But sitting here with Elias, I wonder if maybe what I’m feeling for Fox is more than just attraction.There’s this longing to be seen by him, really seen.And as messed up as he is, a part of me keeps hoping he’ll break down those walls and let me in.
“Cam?”Elias’s voice brings me back, his brows slightly furrowed.“You seem a million miles away.Everything okay?”
“Yeah,” I say, forcing a smile.“Just… a lot on my mind, I guess.”
He nods, understanding.“I get that.Sometimes it’s hard to focus with so much going on.”
“Exactly.”I glance down at the book in my hands, wishing I could push these thoughts aside.
Elias reaches across the table, his fingers brushing mine for just a moment, grounding me.“If you ever need to talk about it, I’m here.No pressure.”
I look up at him, grateful for the calmness he brings.He’s steady and reassuring.And maybe, just maybe, he could be the escape I need from this whirlwind of confusion.Maybe spending time with Elias could help me see things clearly, could help me figure out what—if anything—I really feel for Fox.
“Thanks, Elias,” I say, offering him a genuine smile.But even as I say it, I can’t deny that a part of me is still tangled up in thoughts of Fox, unable to let go.
What happened to my plan to avoid him?I still haven’t responded to his texts, and he hasn’t messaged me again since.Part of me wants to reach out, to ask him what he wanted to talk about.But I know if I text him, he’ll pull me back into his orbit, and it’ll lead to another round of confusion, maybe even another kiss.I don’t think I’m ready for that, not when the last kiss had my heart racing for hours after.
“You zoned out again,” Elias’s voice breaks into my thoughts, and I blink, realizing I hadn’t been listening.
“Shit, I’m sorry.”
“We can head home if you want,” he offers.
“No, I don’t want to go home yet,” I say quickly.He smiles, nodding.
“It’s getting late, though.You’ll probably need to be up early for class,” he says, glancing at my phone.I hadn’t realized how late it was—almost 9 p.m.
“Alright.I’ll make it up to you next time,” I say as we stand and make our way toward the exit.
“It’s fine.Just remember, you owe me a real date,” Elias teases.
I bite my lip, blushing as we walk toward the parking lot.We chat easily, with Elias asking me random questions.The parking lot is mostly empty now, quiet under the dim lights, when a familiar voice calls my name.
“Cameron?”
I don’t need to turn around to know it’s Fox.He always has a knack for showing up at the worst times.
Elias and I turn to see him standing there, wearing shorts and his soccer jersey, a sports bag slung over his shoulder.He looks… good.It’s obvious he’s just returning from practice, but why he’s practicing this late, I have no idea.
“What are you doing here?”I ask, even though the answer is clear.
His eyes shift from me to Elias, and I can feel the tension between us.
“Got a minute?”Fox says, finally meeting my gaze.
I sigh, glancing back at Elias, who looks slightly confused but waits patiently.I don’t want to talk to Fox, but ignoring him will probably just lead to a bigger scene.
“Alright.One minute.”I follow him a few steps away from Elias.
“So, you’re dating him now?”Fox asks the moment we’re out of earshot.
I scoff.“I’m not a slut like you, Fox.”
