-📰-
"word around the school is, matt sturniolo was getting cheated on by josie pomeno and melina imal knew about it."
"word around the internet is matt and melina are dating and act like they despise each other for views."
well those are just rum...
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♫are you bored yet? - wallows
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CHAPTER 23 "WE'RE EVEN"
[real life, instagram]
melina lets go of matt's hand once they're outside, sitting on the swing set. the loss of contact makes matt frown slightly—her hand was soft and warm, while his were cold. he's never felt this sort of pull toward anyone before.
melina stares at the ground, trying to prepare what she's going to say. she needs to tell matt about what happened with josie in the hallway. she's not going to tell him everything, though—there's no need to mention unimportant details.
matt waits for melina to speak while looking around the backyard. the pool is covered, and the garden is still intact but not as bright as usual. it's the first day that isn't unbearably cold like it has been for the past month or so. the air is slightly windy, making matt and melina's hair blow all over the place, like the leaves on the ground. matt loves it.
melina clears her throat, making matt glance over at her. "before i explain, i need you to let me finish. then you can talk."
matt nods. "okay, so the usual," he jokes, rolling his eyes slightly, making melina sigh—but a small smile appears on her lips.
"stop it, i'm serious," she says, kicking at his foot as he swings himself slightly.
"okay, then start talking," he urges, giving her his full attention.
so melina begins telling him about what happened a few weeks ago, and matt listens intently.
finally, she's done talking. now she silently stares at matt, searching his face for some kind of reaction. after a couple of seconds of silence, he speaks up.
"she wants you to not be around me?" he asks.
melina nods. "it's really stupid, isn't it?" she says, stepping on the leaves and making them crunch.
matt takes a deep breath. "i mean, yeah," he says, glancing at her. "as much as i don't like—" he stops, quickly rewording himself as melina narrows her eyes. he sighs and continues, "it's just impossible to avoid each other. we have the same friend group. and the assignment." he carefully chooses his words, hoping she understands.
melina agrees but jokes, "i'd rather do the assignment with just seth, but yeah, you're right."
ignoring her jab at him, matt notices her fiddling with her necklace again. his breathing stops for a second.
