The next day at college, I walked in and scanned the room. My eyes, out of habit, sought out Aaron. He sat with his friends, cheeks slightly flushed, avoiding my gaze.
"Hey girl! Where's Kane?" Sammy Moore chirped beside me as I slid into my seat.
"Hungover. He stayed home," I said.
"Classic."
Sammy had a thing for Kane. She never admitted it out loud, but it was obvious. And I was starting to wonder if I was a terrible friend.
Because I kissed him,Once.
Before I could earn think any further, Aaron approached our desk.
"Hey Lily. You forgot your purse yesterday." He placed it gently on my desk. His voice was calm, but he didn't meet my eyes.
"Thank you, Aaron." I gave a shy smile.
"It's nothing. Bye."
He turned and walked away, but I could feel his mood. Distant. Off.
Across the room, I watched him slump down beside his two best friends.
"Dude," Ethan said. "You gave her the purse and that's it? You should've asked her out."
"She kissed Kane," Aaron muttered.
"Yeah, but she pushed him away after, right? That means something."
Aaron just stared down at the desk. "It's complicated. I don't want to ruin our friendship."
Sammy nudged me. "Lily, something's up with him. You sure nothing happened between you two?"
I looked at Aaron across the room. His smile was gone. He was always so charismatic—but not today.
"I wish I knew, Sammy," I whispered.