Caesar was never the type to get distracted.
His grades were proof of that.
But for the past few days, the whispers, glances, and rumors had settled in his head like an annoying song that wouldn't stop playing.
Everywhere he turned, people still talked about Blythe and Zach.
And Zach wasn't helping.
If anything, he was making it worse.
---
The "Couple" Act
During break, Caesar sat in his usual spot—by the window, alone.
But soon, familiar voices pulled him back into the chaos.
"Blythe, don't move."
It was Zach.
Caesar didn't turn around, but he could hear the smirk in his voice.
"Why?" Blythe asked.
"You've got something on your cheek."
"Oh, really?"
Before Caesar could stop himself, he glanced over.
Zach was leaning way too close, brushing something off Blythe's face with his thumb.
Blythe, completely unbothered, just laughed.
"Thanks, Mom," she teased.
Zach chuckled. "Anything for my lovely girlfriend."
Caesar's eye twitched.
The group around them giggled.
"You guys are too cute!" someone said.
Caesar wanted to slam his head on the desk.
Blythe groaned. "Oh my God, guys, for the last time, we're NOT dating!"
Zach shrugged. "That's not what you said last night, babe."
Caesar snapped his pencil in half.
---
Caesar's Breaking Point
By the time lunch rolled around, Caesar had had enough.
He barely ate.
The sight of Blythe and Zach talking too comfortably just ruined his appetite.
Zach obviously didn't like Blythe like that.
He was just playing around.
So why did it bother him so much?
And why did Blythe not seem bothered?
Caesar wasn't blind. Blythe wasn't the type to just let guys flirt with her.
But with Zach, she laughed it off.
Was she comfortable with him?
Would she react the same if it was Caesar teasing her?
His stomach twisted.
"This is stupid," he muttered under his breath.
"What's stupid?"
Caesar looked up.
Zach had slid into the seat across from him.
Of course.
"You," Caesar muttered.
"Flattering," Zach smirked.
Blythe plopped down beside Zach. "Caesar, tell this idiot to stop being annoying."
"For once, I agree with you," Caesar said dryly.
Zach leaned back. "Aw, come on. You guys love me."
"No." Caesar and Blythe said at the same time.
Zach laughed. "See? We're already finishing each other's sentences. That's couple behavior."
Caesar's fork nearly bent in his grip.
Blythe groaned. "Zach, for the love of everything, SHUT UP."
"Make me, babe."
Blythe grabbed a napkin and stuffed it into Zach's mouth.
Caesar actually smirked at that.
"That was satisfying," he muttered.
Zach spat out the napkin, still grinning. "You're scary when you're jealous, you know that?"
Caesar's heart stopped.
"What?"
Blythe blinked. "Jealous?"
Zach leaned forward, eyes glinting mischievously. "Come on, Tiu. You don't seriously expect me to believe you're completely fine with all this, do you?"
Caesar's fingers curled into a fist.
"There's nothing to be fine with."
Zach smirked. "Sure. Keep telling yourself that."
Blythe still looked confused.
"Why would Caesar be jealous? That doesn't make sense," she said, genuinely puzzled.
Zach just chuckled. "Right. Doesn't make sense at all."
Caesar stood up abruptly.
"I'm going to class."
And before either of them could say anything, he walked away.
---
Blythe's Realization
After school, Blythe finally caught up with Caesar.
"Hey! Why'd you run off at lunch?"
"I didn't run off."
"Yeah, okay. You just happened to leave the moment Zach started messing with you?"
Caesar didn't answer.
Blythe narrowed her eyes. "Wait a sec… don't tell me Zach was actually right?"
Caesar sighed. "Right about what?"
"That you're jealous."
His whole body tensed.
"That's ridiculous," he muttered.
Blythe tilted her head. "Then why do you look so annoyed whenever Zach teases me?"
Caesar looked away. "I don't."
"Liar."
Caesar exhaled sharply. "Why does it even matter?"
Blythe stared at him for a long moment.
Then she shrugged.
"I guess it doesn't."
Caesar blinked. That's it?
No teasing?
No joking?
She just… let it go?
Blythe gave him a small smile. "See you tomorrow, Caesar."
And with that, she walked away.
Leaving Caesar with a mess of feelings he still refused to name.
---
To Be Continued…
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