If Raye had known one stolen kiss in the library could lead to a week of rumors, she would've chosen to be publicly executed instead.
It started the next day.
First, the stares.
People didn't even try to hide it.
Girls whispering by lockers, guys nudging each other in the hallway, group chats buzzing with screenshots and blurry photos.
Someone had caught a moment.
A blurry shot of Kyle brushing her hair behind her ear in the practice hall.
Another of them leaving the library — his hand casually on the small of her back.
The group chat exploded that night. Lisa sent a voice note yelling "YOU AND KYLE???" so loud that it made her phone vibrate.
Kate sent a meme of someone screaming into a pillow.
Mindy just sent the popcorn emoji.
Jane nearly choked on her juice when she saw the second one.
"You said nothing happened!" she screeched, holding up her phone like it was evidence in court. "This is basically couple behavior!"
Raye stared at her cereal like it would open and swallow her whole.
"Also," Jane added. "Kyle looks hot. Like, bad-decision-hot. I'd be mad at you, but honestly? Good for you, babe."
"I'm not dating him."
Jane gave her a look.
"Fine the relationship wasn't established..... I could have asked him when we were at the library," Raye ignroed Jane stare muttering to herself .
Jane moved her eyes slowly from her phone lying down on the couch to stare at Raye .
"What library ? girl ,you hiding things from your bestie ??".
Ugh remind me to buy glue to shut this stupid mouth of mine up Raye thought growling tiredly she turned a glass of water for herself avoiding eye contact with Jane who was staring at her expectantly.
"Answer me girl , I promise not to judge ".
"You will though and am not telling you ".
Ten minutes later .
"Oh . My . Gosh . You guys kissed again " Jane yelled jumping up and down on the couch while Raye covered her face with a pillow .
Yeah she told her ...she just told Jane ..somebody help her soul cause she wasn't going to hear the end of this for a week ...or even a month .
"Why didn't you just finalize things there ?".
"Cause I was spiralling , the guy was all over me girl , I couldn't even remember my name or our house address " Raye said huffing tiredly her cheeks taking a bright shade of pink .
Jane laughed out falling back down on the couch .
"Girl you are doomed ".
She knew that , she didn't have to remind her though Raye thought pouting angrily .
Now everyone was turning them into some sick rom- com Idea.
"But real deal, babe next time you see him , finalize things know were you stand .....so I could finally say the rumors are true " Jane said while Raye nodded .
That was true she wasn't even sure whether to refer to him as her boyfriend or something .
She only knew she was his ..gosh and the guy really love to establish that fact anytime he saw her .
Like he wanted it to stick to her head that she was his .
Next day ...
It was supposed to be_ just piano practice.
Just thirty minutes alone in the music room while Jane dealt with some student council drama and everyone else went home.
But then the door opened.
And in walked Kyle —backpack slung carelessly over one shoulder, and that permanent smirk like he already owned the room.
"You stalking me now?" Raye asked, fingers still pressing the keys.
Kyle dropped his bag and locked the door behind him.
"Only you," he said, walking toward her.
She paused playing. "I needed this time to be alone."
"I didn't come to talk."
He pulled up the small bench beside her and sat down so close their legs touched. She tried not to look at him, but it was impossible. His cologne lingered — warm and sharp. His thigh pressed firm against hers.
She hated how her heart reacted to all of it.
Kyle rested his elbow on the top of the piano, watching her hands move.
"You're good," he murmured.
She gave a sarcastic smile. "Wow, thanks. I'll alert the press."
"You always do this?" he asked softly. "Hide in music when the world gets too loud?"
She didn't answer.
Because yes.
Music was her quiet. Her escape. And now Kyle was here, sitting in her silence like he belonged.
He leaned closer, voice lower.
"Play something sad "
She paused for a minute wondering why he wanted to hear something sad . She decided not to ponder too much on it ; she doubt he would even say anything if she asked.
So after thinking for a few minutes, she started to play .
Fingers gliding over the keys, she played something haunting — the melody pulling raw from her chest.
And Kyle just watched. Like she was a song he'd never heard and was trying to memorize.
When the last note faded, he turned to her.
And touched her wrist.
Gently.
"You don't have to be so strong all the time," he whispered. "Not with me."
She blinked fast. "Don't say stuff like that."
"Why not?"
"Because I might believe you."
He didn't reply.
Instead, he cupped her jaw and kissed her.
Soft at first.
Then deeper.
She gasped against his lips when he shifted, turning her body toward him completely, hands gripping her waist.
Her fingers curled into his collar as he kissed her again — slower, hotter — the kind of kiss that made her forget the world existed outside that locked room.
Kyle registered how her body molded into his hand like she was made for him .
She was so fucking small he thought growling softly when she started to kiss him .
He pulled back, breathing heavy. "Tell me to stop."
She didn't.
She pulled him in instead.
Their mouths collided again, messier now — a rush of heat and hands and gasps. He lifted her slightly, sitting her fully on the piano bench, slotting between her legs. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he kissed down her jaw, his breath hitching against her skin.
"Kyle," she whispered.
"Yeah?"
"I don't think this is… practice anymore."
He chuckled low. "It is. Practice… for later."
Her face flushed.
"Kyle ..."
" Yes darling ??" Kyle murmured too busy nibbling her skin and prepping kisses down her neck .
"Who am I ..to you ??"
Then he stiffen before slowly moving to stare at Raye who had a flushed cheeks .
He tucked a piece of hair behind her ear , thinking about how beautiful she was ...sitting down here with him .
"You are mi_ ..."Kyle paused when Raye used her index finger to hush him .
"Not that , I want to know ,are we dating , should I call you my boyfriend ".
O Kyle thought a small smile tugged across his lips he took her hand before placing kisses twice .
"Like I told you before Raye I already see you as my girl , my woman and nothing more ..but you still thinking about it remember ?" Kyle said titling his head in a teasing tone while Raye chuckled softly .
He leaned in again, but the buzz of her phone stopped everything.
Raye heart sank in anticipation , which Kyle saw ,chuckling he placed a simple kiss on her lips before moving backwards to give her space .
Jane.
She cursed under her breath, pulling away, lips swollen and mind spinning.
"I have to go," she whispered.
Kyle didn't argue.
He just rested his forehead against hers and whispered, "You're mine, Raye. You've always been."
She didn't answer.
But as she left the room, lips still tingling, she knew one thing for sure.
She didn't want to run anymore.