*on the previous chapter*

"L-Listen Ari, leave me alone. You're always in my way. Jesus, so annoying" he said

"How could you say that?! I can't believe you right now. You've practically become an alcoholic ever since she left the school!"

"Ari, I don't have time for your complaining. Just leave me alone ok. Now please get out of my way before I get mad." He says as he walks by me lightly bumping his shoulder with mine

Why does this happen to me?

ASHLEY'S POV:
It has almost been around 25 minutes since I got to class and Ari still hasn't arrived. I wonder what's wrong...

I suddenly hear someone knock the the classroom's door. I hope it's her.

"Come in" says our teacher

"Teacher, I'm so sorry for being late, please excuse me" she says in a shy tone

"Hm.. you've always been a good student, Ariana. I'm gonna let this one slide but next time you're late, you're getting a late slip" replied the teacher

"I understand. Thank you so much."

"Ariiii, where were you?" I ask with curiosity

"I-I was in the bathroom. I told you" she replied

"Oh um.. okkkk? Are you ok? Do you feel bad?" I ask her in a worried tone

"Yes I'm totally fine, don't worry about me. What about you? Are you feeling any better?" She asked

"Y-Yea.. I mean.. I guess so."

"Listen, you know you can count with me no matter what, Ash."

"I know... thank you"

I'm feeling a bit more calm now that the time has passed. But I'm still scared. Every time I go outside I just have the fear that he might pop up out of nowhere

The rest of the day was pretty normal. I took all of my classes and now it's time to leave

"I believe you're gonna let me take you home this time, right?" Said Ari

"Umm actuallyyyy not really haha" I tell her

"Ugh what do you mean?" She replies

"Johann is gonna pick me up."

"Johann?"

"Yea, Johann. My friend that I was talking to you about."

"Um...."

"That he used to be my neighbor.... nothing?"

"Oh yeaaa Johann. Wait you live with him?"

"Y-Yes... but no! It's not what you think."

"Right"

"My aunt didn't want me to stay home alone for all these months that she would be gone and he offered me to stay at his house in the mean time." I explain to her

"Ohhh I see"

"But I'm planning to move out as soon as I can. I don't wanna abuse of his and his family's kindness."

"So what? Are you going back to your aunts's house?"

"It's not really a house. It's an apartment, but we're planning on selling it because my aunt doesn't like the location and the rent is a little expensive...." I say a little embarrassed

"Awh don't be embarrassed, Ash. You can tell me anything. I won't judge."

"Thanks, girl."

"Well, I have to go. Call me if Johann doesn't show up so I can pick you up. I don't want you to twist your ankle again hehe."

"Sure do haha. I'll let you know."

"By the way, what's going on between you and that Chris guy you told me yesterday when we were texting?"

"Oh ummm... I-It's a long story we could say. I'll tell you later."

"Ok, if you say so. Well I'll see tomorrow"

"Bye, take care"

It's been 15 minutes and Johann still hasn't arrived. Jesus Ashely, don't rush him, he's probably in traffic or something....

Or maybe he forgot... nah

Wait what if he's too mad that he decided not to?

No no way he would nev-

I suddenly hear a car honking its horn as it clearly interrupts my thoughts. I look to the side and there he was. Sigh, despite the ups and downs he might be going through, he for sure never lets ME down

"Hey"

"Hi"

"How was your day?"

"Good" he said in a dry tone

JOHANN'S POV:
You have no idea how bad I feel for treating her like this. I know I'm acting a bit selfish with this whole situation but it hit me hard when she told me she would be leaving, as ridiculous as you may think it is.

"Listen, you've always been there for me whenever I wasn't feeling well and now it's my turn to take care of you. I know you're not okay and you don't have to tell me what's wrong if you don't want to but please don't leave me out. I wanna help you." She said

I quickly glance at her before I continued to concentrate on the driving and she was looking at me with the most sincere and worried eyes that I just wanted to stop the car and.... never mind.

"Johann? Are you gonna say something?" She asked with an innocent voice

I stopped the car

"W-why did you sto-"

"You have no idea how bad I feel right now, Ash." I say interrupting her

"But why? What's wrong?" She says

"..... I'm so sorry for acting like a jerk with you, Ash. I'm truly sorry."

"Don't apologize. I know you don't mean it. I know you would never wanna hurt me."

I wish I could just tell her everything right now. Tell her how I feel, let her know that I have feelings for her, and that I don't want her to leave.

But I can't

"Thanks, Ash"

"For what? I haven't done anything?" She asks

"For caring" I tell her

"Of course I care, Johann. Always have and always will. Don't ever doubt that." She says as she smiled and gave me a hug.

I wish I could never let go. But I must

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

                                   A/N:
Hellooo! New chapter so soon? That's so unlike me I know haha. I had some pre written chapters luckily but I'm gonna have to sit down again and write soon lol. Anyways I hope you've been enjoying the book so far. It just keeps getting more and more interesting haha. See you in the next chapter! ✨