Chapter Five

As I lifted my gaze up, I tried not to focus too much on his jawline or his lips, which seemed perfect for kissing. He ran a hand through his hair, and I found myself holding my breath as I watched the muscles in his arm tense up. How did he make even the simplest movements look so amazing? I suddenly realized that he was talking to me, but I couldn't remember what he was saying.

"I don't know what happened back there in class, but I really would like to show you around and make you feel comfortable here," he said with a smile, revealing a small dimple on his right cheek. I was tempted to smile back, but I resisted the urge.

As students pushed past us, I felt like we were alone in the hallway. It was both exciting and frightening at the same time. 

I feel like I can't let myself fall into his trap. I'm trying to avoid his gaze, scared of being ensnared once more. I examine his face, hoping to find a clue that this is just a prank. However, all I can detect is bewilderment, which reflects my own feelings.

He makes a statement, "I want to get to know you," but it sounds more like a query. Honestly, it only contributes to my perplexity.

As I stood there, a sudden surge of anger overtook me, and I found myself unable to hold back the words that escaped my lips. "What makes me so different today?" I demanded. "Why not notice me last week, or even last year? Why couldn't you have noticed me back in seventh grade when I had a crush on you?" Suddenly, I realized what I had just admitted to him. I had confessed my long-held crush, and now I felt deeply embarrassed.

As I accidentally blurted something out, I noticed Levi's eyes widen. I couldn't tell if it was because of my outburst or if he had just realized that I wasn't a new student. But I didn't stick around to find out. I kept walking, trying to ignore the static spark that shocked my arm as I brushed past him on my way to my next class.

I find it hard to concentrate as thoughts of Levi keep creeping back into my mind. Every time I shut my eyes, his mesmerizing grey eyes appear before me, and the sound of his laughter echoes in my ears. The day ahead seems long and perplexing as I struggle to keep my mind from wandering back to him.

It feels like I'm losing my mind. I couldn't believe it when Levi spoke to me earlier - maybe he was having a stroke or something? But now it seems like half the school is in a better mood than they were this morning. It's making me uncomfortable, especially since I'm usually the invisible one. Why am I suddenly so visible? Is it because of the full moon? I'm grateful for lunchtime so I can clear my head in my usual spot, but I dread going into the cafeteria where everyone is. I don't want to accidentally make eye contact with anyone, but I really want a bottle of cold lemon tea. I hate these kinds of choices.

As I make my way towards the vending machine, I keep my eyes fixed on the ground, stepping over backpacks. Suddenly, someone drapes an arm over my shoulder and I let out a squeal. It's Paul, my older brother, smirking down at me. I smack him on the chest, trying to look tough, but he just laughs.

"You scared me, Paul! What do you want?" I ask, feeling a little relieved to see a familiar face.

"Can I borrow some money for lunch? Pretty please with sugar lumps on top?" he asks, widening his eyes and pouting his lips slightly. Despite my attempt at intimidation, I can't help but smile.

As I reach into my bag to grab some loose dollars, my brother, Paul starts teasing me about a particular look that he claims he taught me. We banter back and forth, but I know that I will end up giving him money regardless. Paul grins mischievously as I hand him the money, and then kisses my cheek before walking away.

As I turn to leave, my gaze locks with Levi's from across the room. His stormy eyes show hurt and anger, and I feel my heart clench. I can't help but wonder what he is trying to find within me as he stares at me intensely. Eventually, his attention is diverted to one of his friends and I am able to escape his gaze.

Outside, I take a deep breath of fresh air to clear my mind. I find solace under a tree as I try to process why Levi seems to be so focused on me today. His actions have left me feeling confused and unsure.

It seems he had run through all the other girls, and now on the hunt for a new weekly flavor. As much as I hate to admit it, he's practically a living Adonis. I'd have to be blind and ignorant not to see it. Compared to him, I'm nothing but an awkward potato. However, let's imagine for a moment that I wasn't so awkward. If Levi were to show an interest in me, I wouldn't be foolish enough to fall into his trap. I know he's not the relationship type, and I'm not naive enough to believe I could change him.

If he's searching for a new flavor, then he's looking in the wrong place. I'm not that type of girl, and I won't change for him. Lost in thought, I didn't hear footsteps approaching until someone cleared their throat. Startled, I turned to see Levi looking at me with an unreadable expression. His eyebrows were furrowed, as if he was lost in thought. Seeing him like this broke my heart a little, but I fought the urge to jump into his arms and hug him. I couldn't help but imagine how amazing his arms would feel around my body - soft yet strong, just perfect.

No, focus Jasmine.

"Hey," he says in a soft, even tone. "Is this seat taken?" He gestures to the spot on the ground in front of me, where he's standing.