The Stars We Can't See

13. Grins and Cliché Closets

Alice's POV

As I was walking inside the building, I felt a huge, heavy arm drop around my shoulder and pull me into someone's side. Surprised, I looked up. There stood a grinning Luke, walking me inside the building. I rolled my eyes at his antics but secretly smiled, feeling happy at his sudden display of affection.

Wait, why was I feeling happy? I mean, yes, I liked affection from his as a best friend. But... this felt different. The feeling in my stomach wasn't the same. It wasn't a warm bubble of love and affection for a friend. It felt more... deep. Like it was pronounced. And it didn't feel like it was love for a friend anymore.

I shook the weird feeling off - this time, without moving my head - heading towards the locker. Luke and I parted ways. I saw Reyna excitedly rush towards me from the entrance, and I instantly prepared myself, knowing that something was up. Without saying a single thing, she squealed in excitement, jumping on me. Literally. I stumbled back, quickly taking her off me.

Once I had steadied myself, I looked towards Reyna, saying, "Woah! What's got you so excited today? Also, don't ever jump on me like that again. I was about to high five the floor again!"

She ignored the last part, pulling me into a hug.

"Alex and I did it! We seriously did! Last night!", she squealed, shaking me back and forth.

My jaw dropped open, my breath getting caught in my throat. She had... what?! Oh my god! I couldn't believe it! To think that the two had... I couldn't even think about it!

"Congratulations, I guess? Reyna, why would you tell me that?", I asked, my face scrunching up at the thought of... I didn't even wanna say it.

She didn't stop squealing, and I found myself trying my best to not throw up. I squeezed my eyes shut, taking a deep breath in. Thankfully, when they opened again, I had collected myself, and was ready to go to class.

Class was boring, as usual. Mr. Mathews was explaining Rutherford's Plum pudding model for the fiftieth time, and I had a hard time keeping my eyes open. Thankfully - or maybe unfortunately - I had asked Luke to pinch my arm from time to time so I wouldn't start snoring out loud.

I feel like he used my vulnerable state to his advantage, and pinched me whenever the heck he wanted to. By the time class had ended, I had multiple pinch marks all over my arms. I was so mad at him! When class ended, it was time for lunch, so I had enough time to annoy him back for hurting me so much.

I texted Reyna, telling her that I would join her for lunch soon, grabbed Luke's arm and took him to the school supply closet. I could see him grinning at me as if he had won the lottery. As I closed the door, I could hear him start to laugh.

I looked at him, folding my arms across my chest, and saying, "Why are you grinning? Did you suddenly start roleplaying and become the Cheshire Cat from Alice In Wonderland or something?"

He threw his head back, laughing. It was his signature move, and I couldn't help but let memories of all the times that we had laughed together overfill my brain.

"No, I'm not.", he said, walking closer to me. "It's just... isn't this the cliché "kissing" place? Or do you want something else?", he smirked, a little dimple showing up on his right cheek.

I choked on my breath after hearing what he had just said. That idiot! How could he just say that? Hoping my cheeks weren't red, I slapped him on his arm.

"What the hell is wrong with you? Stop it!", I whisper yelled, not wanting anyone else to hear us.

He grinned cheekily, his dimple becoming even more pronounced. I examined his face, seeing his bright eyes. He seemed so happy. Much happier than he was a few days ago. I wondered if Ajax was right. Other than the entire Stella situation, was he really so downcast because I wasn't forgiving him?

Suddenly, I spotted a tiny scar right above his eyebrow, making my own furrow. How did he get that? He didn't have it two years ago.

I stood on the balls of my feet, pressing my finger to the scar, and saying, "What happened to your eyebrow? This wasn't here two years ago. I mean, I don't remember it being there."

I looked him in the eye. Suddenly, my heart started to beat faster. He was barely two inches away from me, and I could feel his cool breath on my lips. He was watching me curiously, as if he was surprised but wanted to see what was going on.

For a few seconds, neither of us moved, just staring at each other. His eyes started to scan my entire face, and finally, they zeroed in on my lips. I felt like my heart had decided to start slamming it's way out of my chest. It was beating that fast.

"Um... I...", I whispered, not knowing what I was supposed to do.

Should I kiss him? Should I just back down? Should I pretend this never happened? I desperately needed an answer to my questions. I had no idea what I was supposed to do, but I wanted to kiss him so bad.

Before I could decide, Luke looked up from my lips, his eyes meeting mine. I could see the intense level of determination in them. It was scary, but thrilling. He grabbed my waist, pulled me up and brought me closer to him. My eyes widened in shock, and I attempted to keep my stampeding heart quiet.

Of course, that didn't work. Because once my body was against his, and he had wrapped his arms around my waist, he attached his lips to mine.

He kissed me.

AYYYYYY! I MISSED MY CLIFFHANGER LAST CHAPTER, SO IT'S HERE NOW! XD I'm super sorry for torturing you people! Uhm... I really am! Anyway, if you're not planning to kill me, make sure to comment, vote and share! Love you babes! Peace out!