Chapter Two: The First Words
Later that afternoon, Ava had been sent on an errand when Oliver—one of the boys she secretly liked—called out to her. She didn't even understand why she liked him. Plenty of other guys paid her attention, but something about Oliver's quiet, mysterious aura always drew her in.
"Where are you off to?" Oliver asked casually.
"To buy something," Ava replied.
"Alright then, let me walk with you."
She frowned slightly. "No, it's fine. Don't bother."
"Why not?" he asked with a half-smile.
Before she could reply, Sophie suddenly appeared. The moment she spotted Oliver, she gave him the sharpest side-eye.
Ava quickly pulled Sophie aside. "What was that for?"
"You know I don't like him," Sophie said flatly.
"You don't like anyone I like—or anyone who likes me," Ava retorted.
"That's not true," Sophie argued.
"Fine," Ava said with a sigh. "But seriously, Sophie, not every guy is dangerous."
"Well, most of them are," Sophie muttered.
"And you know I can be worse," Ava said with a mischievous smile. "I don't even date the ones I like. And if I do, it's usually because I'm bored."
That made Sophie laugh despite herself.
As they continued walking, Sophie nudged her again. "I saw him."
Ava blinked innocently. "Who?"
"Stop playing dumb," Sophie groaned. "You know exactly who I mean."
Ava exhaled slowly. "Alright, fine. I do."
The girls eventually parted ways—Sophie heading home while Ava was left with her thoughts, no matter how hard she tried to push them aside. And her thoughts, inevitably, drifted to Ethan Reed.
On her way back, Ava's heart nearly skipped a beat when she noticed Ethan with his friends across the street. She quickly looked away, pretending she hadn't seen him, though her pulse betrayed her calm expression. She tried to steady her breathing, telling herself it was nothing—but deep down, the nervous flutter inside her refused to settle.
Ethan, meanwhile, was scrolling through his phone until one of his mates nudged him.
Liam: "Oi, who's that girl?"
Callum: "Yeah, she's gorgeous."
Ethan glanced up lazily at first… then froze. His heart jolted. It was her—the girl who'd been haunting his thoughts for weeks. Slowly, a smile tugged at his lips.
Ethan (softly, to himself): "That's her."
Liam: "Wait… you mean the girl you keep going on about?"
Ethan (grinning): "Yes. That's her."
Callum: "Now I get it. She's even prettier than you described. Mate, you have to talk to her."
Liam: "Exactly. This is your chance."
Ethan hesitated. His palms felt clammy, his usual confidence evaporating.
Ethan: "No, I… I can't. What if I mess it up?"
Both of his friends burst into laughter. Ethan was never shy around girls—he was usually smooth, playful, untouchable. But this was different.
Callum (teasing): "Look at Ethan Reed, the fearless one, actually nervous!"
Liam: "If you don't go, I'll go myself."
That was all it took. Flustered but determined, Ethan drew in a deep breath and walked toward her.
Ava, who had been sneaking glances at him, instantly noticed. Her heart raced, her knees felt weak, yet she forced herself to act composed. Maybe he's not coming to me, she thought. But when he stopped right in front of her, all doubts vanished.
Ethan (smiling, extending his hand): "Hi. I'm Ethan Reed."
Ava (shyly, placing her hand in his): "I'm Ava Lane."
Ethan (eyes lighting up): "Ava… beautiful name, for a beautiful girl."
Ava (blushing faintly, looking away): "Thanks."
Ethan: "So… if you don't mind, can I get to know you better?"
Ava (hesitant): "Maybe… yes."
Ethan: "Then perhaps you could give me your number?"
Ava froze. Normally, she had no trouble turning boys down, but with Ethan it felt different. She didn't want to say no, yet she wasn't ready to say yes either. Her mind scrambled for a polite excuse—until a sudden tug on her arm saved her.
It was her younger brother.
Daniel: "Ava, Mum's been looking for you everywhere. Let's go."
Relief washed over her. Saved by timing.
Ava (to Ethan, apologetically): "I have to go."
And just like that, she walked away with Daniel, leaving Ethan staring after her, his smile fading.
Back with his friends, his disappointment was written all over his face.
Ethan: "Bloody hell… I almost had it."
Liam (grinning): "Cheer up, mate. I actually know her."
Callum (shocked): "You what?! And you kept that quiet all this time?"
Ethan turned sharply, hope flooding back.
Ethan: "You know her? Then give me her number!"
Liam (shrugging): "Not exactly. I've just seen her with another girl—Emily, I think. They talk sometimes. You could get her number through her."
Callum (raising an eyebrow): "But you do realise Emily fancies you, Ethan. If she suspects you're after her friend, she won't help."
Liam (grinning): "That's where I come in. Leave it to me."
Ethan (warning): "Don't you dare text her behind my back. I mean it."
Liam (half-joking): "Tempting, but nah. We're mates. I'm loyal."
Callum (smiling): "Well, I also want to know her… but clearly, she belongs to Ethan."
Ethan sighed, gazing off in the direction Ava had gone.
Ethan: "Or maybe… she doesn't want to know any of us."
For a brief second, silence fell. Then all three of them laughed it off, but deep down, Ethan knew—this wasn't just some passing crush. This was different. He was already falling.