Chapter Thirty-Eight

Richard's POV

I still felt jittery from the kiss. I've kissed tons of girls, and each had a different feeling for me, but Kyla, she just has me coming back for more. It's like I just can't get enough of her.

When I said I liked her, I lied. What I feel for her is more than a crush. I wouldn't call it love, but I do have feelings for her—strong feelings. It started after the bet. I had to learn everything about her, and she had piqued my interest.

At first, I concluded she was boring but then I started speaking to her and found out underneath that facade, she's an amazing person. That's when it hit me, I started falling for her. I was really happy when she decided to come out of the dare. I just couldn't imagine myself making her fall in love with another person.

Now, the tables are turned. I don't blame Stein for falling for her somewhere along the line. It's not that hard. I just hope he understands me. I really don't want to have issues with my best friend because of Kyla.

"What if you do?"

My subconscious adds maliciously. I kept quiet because I knew Kyla is different and I might be faced with an impossible choice soon. I just hope none of this comes to pass and Stein understands me.

"Stein,” I called out again bursting through the locker room.

"What are you doing here!"

He barked right in my face.

I exhaled keeping a cool head.

"What's wrong with you man."

"What's wrong with me! I told Kyla I had feelings for her. I told you I had feelings for you and you two go behind my back sucking each other's faces off."

"That's not how it is."

"Then how! You kissed her right and she seemed to be enjoying it so go carry on and forget about old me."

"You're my best friend."

"You should've thought of that before doing what you do." He turned away for me bringing my worse fear I to existence. I've left most of the girls for Stein to avoid things like this. He knew that which is exactly why he pulled something like this. Usually, at this point I'll give up and tell him she's all his then move on the next day like it nothing.

But with Kyla, every time I thought of letting go, it was like I got a knife straight to the heart.

"Look man, you're my best friend. Always and forever and I get you're angry but this girl, she's different. I know she is and what I feel for her is nothing compared to all those other girls. I'm sorry you fell for her but there's nothing I can do. Not this time."

I patted his back, turned around and walked out shutting the door behind me.

I bowed my head dejectedly feeling like I lost a part of me.

"Are you okay?" she asks raising my cheeks.

"No,” I admitted trying to hold up my end.

"I'm sorry."

Kyla says propping herself upwards to try and hug me.

The bell was rung for lunch break, and we broke apart.

"Let's go get lunch.” I forced a smile swinging my hands across her shoulders. She stiffened immediately.

"Oh I'm sorry..."

"No, it's fine I'm just scared of what people might say and Stein..."

"I don't care about what everyone thinks and Stein, I hope he comes around. Till then..." I placed my hands back and we walked together to the cafeteria.