eyes don't lie

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Sitting in my room, re-reading one of my favorite novels, I sigh, closing the book after slipping in my bookmark. I place it on the bedside table and listen to the noises of the house, looking out the window as I do and seeing that dusk is coming upon us. The noises in the house are quieter than they were earlier during the meeting. I didn't listen to what was being said, I didn't need to know, and I listened as slowly the majority left. I think it is just a handful left, including Sean and Owen.

Quietly, I stand, moving through the room and towards my door. I twist the doorknob and open the door, walking into the hallway. I close the door behind me and then see a flash of red in the corner of my eye. I look over, seeing the boy from earlier leaving the bathroom and freezing when he sees me again. I swallow a lump forming in my throat and offer a small smile. His whole body relaxes slightly and he returns the smile, it causing my heart to race a little. Feeling my cheeks heating up slightly, I look down at the carpeted floor beneath me.

"I wanna say sorry..." His voice is smooth, like honey, as well as deep. As I nervously glance at him to speak, my heart flutters like a startled bird and my voice catches in my throat. He stands before me, his presence commanding yet gentle, wearing a simple red t-shirt that hugs his broad shoulders, accentuating the contours of his defined muscles. His dark wash jeans cling comfortably to his frame.

But it's his eyes that draw me in the most. Deep pools of blue seem to hold a world of emotions beneath their surface, reminding me of the ocean. His short hair, a captivating mix of red and brown with more fiery hues, adds to the allure of his rugged charm.

I blink a few times before blushing a little for admiring him rather than accepting his apology.

"It's quite alrigh-" I go to brush it off when he interrupts, his eyes showing his sincerity. 

"No, it isn't. We had been warned of someone new being in the condo, I should've thought." He starts to approach me, and my heart begins to race, making me instinctively take a small step back, my nerves betraying the cool front I am trying to portray. I watch as his brow furrows slightly, a flicker of concern crossing his eyes. He stops in his tracks, giving me space, something I am silently grateful for. I fiddle with a piece of my hair, focusing on the strand to try and calm my racing thoughts. I see his gaze following the movement.

"It's okay, really," I murmur, my voice barely above a whisper. "I just...wasn't expecting to see someone upstairs."

His expression softens, understanding flickering in his blue eyes. "I'm sorry for startling you," he says, his voice gentle despite the deepness. "I didn't mean to intrude again. I was just putting my things in the guest room."

I nod, a small smile coming onto my face, one he returns fully. "I promise, it's fine," I assure him, though my hands are still a little shaky. I move my fingers from the strand I was twirling. His presence is comforting, something I know I can get used to with a little time. He extends his hand towards me, and I look at it, taking a few steps towards him to close the gap. I take his hand and he shakes it gently, the warmth radiating from him in waves.

"I'm Nathan," he says, introducing himself with a shining smile. I feel my shy smile becoming one with actual feeling behind it.

"My name's Malina," I reply. His shoulders seem to relax as do mine, and the air around us lightens from the earlier awkward moment we shared. We release each other's hands, the warmth leaving as he retracts his hand which I instantly miss. I go to say something else when footsteps on the stairs cause Nathan to back away from me. I look towards the stairs, seeing the poodle mess of sandy blond curls appear. A smile etches onto my face as I'm met with Sean's green eyes and lopsided smile.

"How you doing, cutie?" He asks, a small blush coming onto my cheeks at his nickname for me, especially calling me it in front of others.

"I'm ok, just introducing myself to Nathan." I nod my head toward the redhead who smiles brightly at me. Sean stands next to him, and together they seem to tower over me almost, Sean being an inch taller than Nathan. I look up at them both, tilting my head while smiling.