A Good Kind of Different

Chapter 9

I tapped my pencil against the lacquered top of my desk anxiously. I thought back to this morning when John had avoided me completely.

Did he regret what happened?

Ten minutes until the bell would ring. If I was the first person out, I could possibly catch Jonathan before he got to his car. 

Today was the first time in years that I haven't finished a math assignment. All I could think about was how it felt to be close to him.

How he smelled...

How his lips would tremble as he spoke...

He was beautiful.

All of him was.

I glanced at the clock again, one minute left.

I braced myself against my desk, my books clutched in one hand, preparing to run for the door. At last, the bell rang and I shot out of my desk and through the door.

People pushed into me, almost tripping me as I ran to find Jonathan. 

Where are you?!

After what felt like an eternity, I saw his jean jacket.

"John!" I called.

I saw his shoulders tense, and then he picked up his pace.

"Byers, you better get over here!"I yelled again.

He turned around, gracing me with his gaze. I then was able to catch up with him.

"Yes?" he muttered. John then tried to turn away from me.

I reached out and placed my hand on his shoulder, "Hey? Are you ok?" 

"I'm fine. What do you want?" Jonathan asked, giving the same cold shoulder.

I stood quietly, trying to figure out what to make of his attitude. "What's wrong? Are you mad at me?"

Jonathan's face morphed from cold to shock, "Mad?! Why would I be mad at you, Steve?"

My heart raced in my chest, "You've been avoiding me all day... and last night... you just left, w-without a single word."

Jonathan stood still, his eyes fixated on my chest. Finally, he lifted his gaze to meet my eyes, "Steve, I'm sorry, I-I just don't know what to do."

"What do you mean? Last night, we kissed, and that wasn't something that most guys just do." I said in disbelief.

"I don't know! Last night was, weird, I just don't know."

I felt a slight twinge in my chest, as he said 'weird.' "What do you mean, Jonathan? Do you regret it?"

John stood there for a moment before answering, "Do you?"

"I asked you first, Byers."

Jonathan stepped back, ran his hands through his hair, and sighed. He refused to make eye contact with me, even as he answered my question, "No."

Did he say no?!

"Did I hear you correctly?" 

"Don't make me change my mind, Steve." he threatened.

I laughed, "I don't think that's going to happen. I mean, how could you throw away all of this?" I gestured to myself as I spoke.

Jonathan rolled his eyes, "Whatever."

"Hey! Don't get snarky with me, Byers!" I said in mock offense.

Jonathan only rolled his eyes again, but this time he smiled and laughed.

"So, what does this mean then?"