"What is Noah doing here?" Yuri's voice cut through the noise of the bustling event like a blade. His expression shifted from mild annoyance to full-blown shock. He stared at me, then at Noah, and back at me.
"You know I'd be here. I told you, Serena." Noah's voice was cool, calm, and unnervingly confident. His tone held a hint of something—arrogance or challenge, I couldn't quite tell. "I told you earlier when I dropped you off. Did you forget?" He smirked slightly, the corner of his lips lifting just enough to show the mischief in his eyes.
"Noah gave you a ride, Serena?" Yuri's voice was tight, and I could hear the anger bubbling just below the surface.
"Didn't she tell you?" Noah interjected, his smile deepening, playful and unapologetic. He leaned casually against the nearest pillar, completely unfazed by Yuri's growing fury.
"Noah…" I hissed, trying to stop him, but it was already too late.
Yuri's jaw tightened, and even in the dim lighting of the venue, I could see the hurt flashing across his face. My stomach churned. I had messed up, and now the truth was unraveling in the worst possible way.
I wished Noah hadn't interfered. His timing couldn't have been worse. What a stupid decision, Noah. When I saw that playful glint in his eye again, I couldn't help but wonder—was he doing this on purpose? But why?
"I thought your dad gave you a ride?" Yuri's voice cracked slightly, betraying the effort he was putting into keeping calm. His clenched fists, however, told another story. His fiery gaze bore into me, demanding an explanation.
"I—I was—"
"Forget it," Yuri cut me off coldly, his words like a slap. "I'm sorry because I didn't know you two have a thing now."
"We're not a thing, Yuri," I said quickly, my voice trembling with embarrassment. "I'm sorry I lied to you."
"No, it's okay, Sar. Really. It's okay." His smile was tight, forced. Then, without another word, he turned on his heel and walked away.
The urge to chase after him gripped me, but before I could move, Noah grabbed my wrist and pulled me back toward him.
"Noah! Why did you interfere? Now Yuri's angry!" I snapped, jerking my arm free from his grip.
"Well, that's your fault. You lied to him," Noah said nonchalantly, as if this entire situation wasn't a complete disaster.
"I just didn't want him to wonder why you gave me a ride when he's supposed to be my date! That's an insult to him!" My voice rose with frustration.
"In the first place, why did you agree to go on a date with him—"
"Oh, how stupid your reasons are, Noah!" I cut him off, practically shouting.
"Why can't you just thank me for being here when he almost kissed you? I don't get it, Serena." Noah frowned, crossing his arms as if he was the one wronged.
"Because no matter how I see it, you're interfering in everything in my life! And so what if he kissed me? I can say no or reject it on my own, Noah. Thanks, but I don't need your help!"
He tilted his head slightly, studying me like I was some kind of puzzle. It only fueled my irritation.
I glanced around nervously. A few onlookers were watching, their curiosity piqued by our heated exchange. Embarrassment crept up my neck, and I decided to walk away. I'd deal with Yuri later—right now, I needed to handle the infuriating boy beside me.
Noah followed, his voice low and maddeningly casual as he muttered behind me. "Good thing you realized I wanted you to leave. At least you're not completely clueless."
I stopped abruptly, spinning on my heel to face him. "It would've been better if you just admitted you were jealous. I might've accepted that, Noah. But if this is just about your ego and not wanting my attention on someone else, then you need help!"
Noah's eyes darkened as he scanned me from head to toe. His smirk returned, infuriatingly confident. "Jealous? That's an interesting theory, Serena."
We were outside now, the sound of fountains in the gardens filling the silence between us. The cool night air did nothing to calm the heat rising in my chest.
"Is that what this is about? Did you say yes to Yuri just to make me jealous, Serena?"
I opened my mouth to respond, but the words stuck in my throat as he stepped closer. His intense gaze locked onto my lips, and my heart pounded against my ribcage.
"Stop it, Noah," I managed to whisper, my voice barely audible.
But he didn't stop. His hand slid to the small of my back, pulling me closer, and before I could protest, his lips captured mine.
The world seemed to tilt on its axis. My mind went blank as a rush of emotions swept through me. His kiss was firm, unapologetic, and impossible to ignore. My hands gripped his shirt tightly, grounding me as my heart raced wildly.
When he finally pulled away, I gasped for air, my eyes wide with disbelief. Noah smirked, his confidence unwavering. "Got your first kiss," he said, his voice laced with pride.
My cheeks burned. "What was that for, Noah?" I demanded, my voice shaking.
"You're too naive," he replied simply, turning away with a grin.
"What!?" I smacked his arm, my frustration boiling over. "Does this mean you like me or not? Noah! Answer me!"
He just laughed, shaking his head.
"Noah! I'm serious! Do you like me?" My voice rose as I followed him, desperate for clarity.
"Oh, shut your mouth, Sar. You're too noisy!" he snapped, though there was a faint hint of amusement in his tone.
I stopped in my tracks, crossing my arms. "If you don't answer me, Noah, I swear I'll say yes to Yuri! He's been courting me, and he's everything you're not—kind, considerate, and straightforward!"
Noah froze, turning to face me. His expression was unreadable, his eyes cold. "Then say yes," he said flatly.
Something shattered inside me. His indifference cut deeper than any words could.
"So… you don't care if he kisses me, then?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
"I kissed you first. I'm your first kiss. I don't mind." His grin returned, but it no longer held its usual charm.
I was at a loss for words. He was heartless this time. I couldn't believe he said that! He was challenging me—challenging the heart he knew had been his from the start.
I stared at him, tears threatening to spill. "That's all you wanted? My first? That's it?" My voice trembled as I spoke.
Noah didn't answer. The silence between us was deafening, and I realized that maybe, just maybe, he wasn't the person I thought he was.
I wanted to punch Noah so badly. I wanted him to suffer. His words drained me. It felt like he'd only played with me—made me happy and then crushed me. Built up my hopes and then let me fall.
He likes playing games, and I am his favorite game.