𝘾𝙃𝘼𝙋𝙏𝙀𝙍 𝙁𝙄𝙑𝙀
—𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶—

     𝙉𝙀𝙀𝘿𝙇𝙀𝙎𝙎 𝙏𝙊 𝙎𝘼𝙔, Bailey had easily made it onto the swimming team— and, as Jax had said while helping her out of the pool earlier— had done it with 'flying colors'. Daniel, along with Diego and all of the other members, were truly impressed with her performance and didn't even have to put her membership to a vote. It was a silent agreement between all of them when she nearly beat Daniel's swimming record.

So now here she is, the very next day, standing outside of the school building and staring at it with hesitance. Although Jax and Daniel hadn't fought during the meeting, the Dai girl couldn't help but think that they might do it again. She considered trying to keep them away from each other, but then changed her mind; they probably avoided one another anyway, so there would be no reason to intervene. Stepping inside of the high school, she releases a long, drawn-out sigh from the refreshing wave of air-conditioning that cools her body instantly.

But then the atmosphere changes; in a quick moment, she notices Jax walking towards her with a smile. And now she wasn't cold, but warm— it started in her chest, and spread through her limbs. His beautiful smile was contagious, bringing a smile to Bailey's lips.

"Good morning," Jax greets as he stops in front of her. "You look lovely as always— and you're practically glowing. That wouldn't have to do with the swim meet last night, would it?"

He's dressed in the usual uniform, looking dashing as ever. His hair was combed back, but a few strands fell at the sides of his face that left the impression of his motorcycle ride to school. The short girl could've melted in her shoes, staring into his honey-brown eyes that dared someone to get lost in them.

Bailey's heart flutters, and her cheeks tinge a light shade of pink. Jax notices the small reaction, his grin growing wider. He loved having that affect on her— being able to see her face light up in a way that only he seemingly could.

"It absolutely would," she nods, partially lying. Yes, the fact that she was on the team was quite exhilarating, but there was more to it than that. The teen had spent the entire day with Jax yesterday, and that meant something to her . . . but perhaps it didn't to him. "I went to bed early last night, and woke up fully rested this morning. Today is going to be a nice day, I can feel it."

In fact, Jax could feel the same thing. He wouldn't admit it if she ever asked, but he had stayed up most of the night memorizing what he would say to her today. It would have killed his confidence if anyone ever found out, so he would keep it a secret. But somehow, despite his lack of sleep, he had woken up feeling bright— like a ray of sunshine.

Which was very, very uncommon for Jax Novoa.

"I intend to make it better than usual," the boy winks, holding out his arm for her to take. "Come on, let me walk you to your locker."

"You're fully aware that I'm capable of walking places on my own, right?" Bailey chuckles; not that she was complaining. "I'm sure you have better things to do than waste time escorting me everywhere."

"You're never a bore," he shakes his head, stopping once they reach her locker. "And besides, I have something to ask you. I don't really have any particular plans this afternoon, and not that I'm assuming that you don't— because that would be completely rude and inconsiderate of me—"

"Okay Jax," she giggles, entering her combination, "spit it out already."

The boy bites his lip, taking a deep breath and hoping for the best. "Well, I was wondering if you'd like to have lunch with me after school."

Bailey falters in her actions. But it wasn't only because Jax had asked her to go somewhere with him. It was that Daniel was now standing behind Jax, his fingers intertwined with a girl's. The Dai girl wanted to shrink, or somehow get away. This was the last thing she needed today, especially right now.

"Hey guys," Daniel speaks up, clearing his throat to catch Jax's full attention. "Bailey, congratulations on joining the team, I was really proud of you yesterday."

"Y-yeah," Bailey nods with a cough, "thank you, Daniel. It means a lot."

The Novoa boy steps closer to Bailey, wrapping his arm around the girl's waist. Bailey looks at him in confusion, not quite understanding his actions. But then she realized that he wasn't doing it on instinct, or because he wanted to— but because the raven-haired girl across from them was staring at the two of them expectantly.

To say that Bailey wanted to cry would be the understatement of the century. Once again, she was caught in the middle of a feud she never asked to be in. But she put on a fake smile . . . for Jax.

"Oh, and I figured now would be a great time for you to meet Emma," Daniel continues, raising an eyebrow at Jax's action, but making his expression neutral again as he turns to his girlfriend. "Bailey, this is Emma Alonso— my girlfriend, and the daughter of Principal Alonso. And Emma, this is Bailey Dai— the new girl that everyone has been talking about."

Bailey almost sighed at the 'new girl' mention. It had gotten old fairly quickly, but nonetheless, steps forward with a kind smile, and shakes Emma's hand.

Emma was absolutely beautiful. So much to the point that it made Bailey's heart sink and lungs constrict. She almost couldn't breathe; this was her competition? No . . . it was obvious that Jax, no matter what he had told her the day before, would always choose Emma first. His grasp on her waist proved that.

"I've heard so much about you," Bailey says, a little bit too conscious of Jax's hand that rubs circles on her back. "From both of the guys, actually. You seem to be quite a love-able girl."

"I can say the same thing about you. It's a pleasure to meet you." The Alonso girl's words seemed forced, as if her teeth were gritted behind her pink lips.

"The pleasure is all mine," Bailey murmurs, her eyes finding the floor.

Emma's gaze is averted to Jax, dropping Bailey's hand after she finishes. With a frown, Bailey steps away from the taller girl, and continues to rummage through her locker.

"How have you been, Jax?" Emma asked, seemingly hesitant about talking to him while Daniel is with her. "It's been a while since . . . "

"It has," her boyfriend chimes. "Do you want him to make up an excuse as to why he hasn't talked to you, Em?"

"Daniel," Emma scolds. "Just let me speak to him, okay?" Daniel doesn't say anything, only keeping his glare on the Novoa boy.

"You know why I've been avoiding you." Jax states, his hands on Bailey's waist. "I don't think we should act like everything is okay, Emma. It clearly isn't, and hasn't been."

Emma's face visually falls at his words, before she collects herself. "But we can fix that. I never wanted to lose you, Jax."

Daniel's chest pangs, his face turning into one of hurt. And Bailey slouches in defeat, prepared to leave for her first period. But this time, she didn't intend on having Jax walk with her.

Emma's face was hopeful as she continued. "We were always good friends before things got all mixed up between us. I'd really like it if we could put the past behind us and be close again."

And for the first time in a while, Jax Novoa didn't know what to do. His earlier promises to Bailey were still fresh in his mind, but at the same time his heart leaped at the thought of getting Emma back. Maybe it aches to have an understanding friend— a role that Bailey could easily fill— or maybe it was because deep down inside, he was still in love with her.

He needed to make a decision quick, as the halls were going to get crowded when the first bell rang; and they certainly didn't need anyone else snooping on their business any more than they already did. But while his mind yelled for him to do one thing, his heart yearned for him to do another. Jax knee how he felt for the Dai girl . . . but he also knew that Emma Alonso was the first girl he ever loved.

And so he made his decision, dropping his grip on Bailey's waist.

"You know what, Emma?" He asks, the edges of his lips twitching upwards. "I'd like that. Actually, we should catch up— I wouldn't mind skipping a day of school to hang out, if you're okay with that."

Emma drops Daniel's hand, grasping her backpack as she grins. "Yeah, of course, I'm sure my dad wouldn't mind. You were always his favorite."

"Emma," Daniel looks to her, his eyes shining with something Bailey knew all too well— false pretenses that swayed with every word his rival and girlfriend shared. "Class is about to start, and we have plans after school today—"

"And we can reschedule," the raven-haired girl assures him, her dark eyes somewhat sincere. But it was as if she weren't quite thinking about him anymore, as her heart was somewhere else. "I promise. I'll call you later, okay?"

Without waiting on his answer, she nods to the front doors while meeting Jax's eyes. "Where do you want to go?"

"We should go see a movie," he tilts his head, offering his arm to her. "And then go out to lunch— I'll pay, of course. And with whatever time we have left over, I know this great spot at the park to take a walk."

Bailey almost cries out. He had suggested the same things to her yesterday— it was as if he was used to saying it often, and had memorized it by heart. As they exit the school with locked arms, the bell for first period sounds throughout the hall. Students rush through the hallway, shoving past one another to get to their class. The Dai girl closes her locker, leaning against it and staring at the place where they left.

Daniel moves beside her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder and giving her an understanding look. Facing the same direction, he closes his eyes and drops his hand from her— like Jax had moments ago. She felt cold. There was no warmth in her body any longer.

"I think one thing I'll never get through my head," he pauses, his voice soft, "is that I'm not the one she wants. . . I'm not him."

Running a hand through her hair and blinking away tears, Bailey buries her face in his chest.

"And I'll never be her."

_______

❝ i'm gonna break y'all's hearts
so many times during this book,
so you best be getting ready lol. ❞