I took a deep breath and approached Romeo, my heart pounding.
"Thank you," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
Romeo's gaze locked onto mine, his eyes piercing. I felt goosebumps.
He didn't respond.
Instead, he lightly knocked his knuckles against my head, a gentle, unexpected gesture.
Then, he turned and walked away with his friends.
I stood there, stunned, my heart racing.
The brief touch sent shivers down my spine.
"Wet, what just happened?" I asked myself, still disbelieving. Did he really knock my head?
I touched the spot he touched, blushing rapidly. My heart beat like a drum, filled with happiness.
What did he mean? I wondered.
"He probably meant you're stupid," my friend said, approaching me with a knowing smirk.
"No!" I protested, shaking my head. "It wasn't like that."
My friend raised an eyebrow. "Then what was it like?"
I hesitated, replaying the moment. "His eyes... they seemed different. And the way he touched me, so gently."
My friend's expression softened. "Maybe he's interested."
My heart skipped a beat. Could it be true?
I went home with my friend Emilia after school, still reeling from Romeo's unexpected gesture. Two days passed, and I thought I'd finally shaken off the feeling.
But as I walked home alone today, five boys blocked my path.
I became scared, trying to escape, but they laughed.
"So this beauty is the one causing trouble for our lady," one sneered.
I shivered, hearing those words.
Causing trouble for their lady? Which lady? And when did I even cause trouble? I wondered, confused.
The gang's leader grew impatient. "Grab her, let's go and teach her a lesson."
I tried to escape desperately, but I was no match for them.
They dragged me into a nearby alley, their grip tightening.
I tried to scream, but one of them slapped me very hard, causing me to fall to the ground.
"Hold her for me," the gang leader sneered. "I can't wait to have this rare, delicious meal."
His words sent chills down my spine.
"Boss, try to be quick," another gang member urged. "We want to try her out too."
My heart shuddered as I struggled, but to no avail. They pinned me down, their grip tightening.
Suddenly, a loud crash echoed through the alley, followed by the sound of fists hitting flesh.
The gang members released me, stumbling backward.
Romeo stood over me, his eyes blazing with fury.
"Get up," he whispered, helping me rise.
I stood, trembling.
The gang scattered, fleeing in terror.
Romeo's gaze never left mine. "Are you okay?"
I nodded, still shaken.
"Let's get out of here," Romeo said, guiding me away from the alley.
As we walked, I realized...
"Romeo, how did you...?"
"I was just passing by," Romeo replied calmly, his eyes still scanning the surrounding area.
I narrowed my eyes, skeptical. "Just passing by?"
Romeo shrugged. "Coincidence."
His nonchalance belied the intensity in his eyes.
"You saved me," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
Romeo's gaze locked onto mine. "You're safe now."
The tension between us was palpable.
"Becareful next time, and stay away from Priscilla and her friends," Romeo Smit said, his piercing gaze intensifying. "They're not good ladies."
My heart skipped a beat at his warning. Why was he concerned about me?
"Thank you," I stammered, my cheeks warming.
Romeo's expression softened, and for a moment, I saw a glimmer of genuine interest.
"I mean it," he emphasized. "Priscilla's crowd isn't to be trusted."
I nodded, feeling a flutter in my chest.
As Romeo turned to leave, I called out, "Romeo?"
He turned back, his eyes locking onto mine.
"Why are you helping me?" I asked, curiosity getting the better.
Romeo's smile was enigmatic. "Let's just say I'm invested in your well-being."
My heart skipped another beat. Was Romeo Smit, the school's most eligible bachelor, really interested in me?
I watched Romeo Smit walk away, his broad shoulders disappearing into the crowd. His words echoed in my mind: "Be careful next time, and stay away from Priscilla. They're not good ladies."
A flutter in my chest surprised me. Was Romeo genuinely concerned about my well-being? The thought sent shivers down my spine.
"Did he just...?" I whispered to myself, replaying our encounter.
Suddenly, reality hit me: Romeo Smit, the most handsome and wealthy boy in school, had not only saved me but also offered advice.
Feeling like I was floating on air, I made my way back home, lost in thought.
"Hey, Lisa! What's going on?" my best friend, Emilia, asked, noticing my dreamy expression.
"Romeo Smit just..." I began, barely containing my excitement.
Emilia's eyes widened. "What happened?"
I recounted our encounter, and Emilia's face lit up.
"Wow, Romeo..."Romeo..., Romeo, I think he got his eye on you!" Emilia squealed.
I blushed, my heart racing at the possibility.
But doubts crept in. Was Romeo's concern just a friendly gesture, or was there something more?
As I pondered, Romeo's words replayed in my mind: "Stay away from Priscilla."
Priscilla, the queen bee of our school's social scene. What did Romeo mean by "not good ladies?"
...
Early this morning,
I woke up feeling excited and refreshed. The memory of Romeo's warning and concern for me the day before still lingered, making my heart flutter.
I stretched my body and yawned, feeling the softness of my bed. A new day had begun, full of possibilities.
I tossed off the covers and swung my legs over the side of the bed, my feet dangling in the air. My room was filled with the warm glow of sunrise.
I stood up and began my morning routine, feeling energized. Today, I would see Romeo again.
As I dressed, choosing my favorite yellow sundress, I couldn't help but wonder what the day would bring.
Would Romeo talk to me again? Would he smile at me?
I slipped into my favorite yellow sundress, feeling the soft fabric hug my curves. A matching yellow hair clip that will secure my ponytail, and I applied a light layer of lip gloss.
I brushed my hair, feeling a sense of anticipation.
As I examined myself in the mirror, my eyes sparkled. Today felt different. Yesterday's encounter with Romeo had left me buzzing.
I grabbed my backpack and headed downstairs, where Mom had breakfast ready.
"Looking lovely, sweetie!" Mom said, handing me a plate of pancakes.
"Thanks, Mom!" I beamed, savoring the sweet treat.
With my energy levels boosted, I headed out the door, eager to face the day.
The walk to school was invigorating, the morning sun casting a warm glow over everything.
As I entered my classroom, everyone gaze met mine, and my heart skipped a beat.