Chapter Twelve: Heartbeats and Hesitations

Leo was starting to think he might be in trouble.

It wasn't just the way his chest tightened every time Adrian smiled, or the way his heart raced whenever Adrian leaned in close. It was the fact that Adrian had started showing up in his thoughts at the most random times—during class, while editing photos, even in his dreams.

Trouble didn't begin to cover it.

The trouble followed him to school the next day. As Leo walked through the halls, he couldn't help but glance over at Adrian, who was joking with a group of friends near the lockers. Adrian's laughter echoed across the hall, light and carefree, but when his gaze shifted to Leo, something changed.

Adrian's smirk softened into a small, genuine smile, and for a moment, it felt like the rest of the world faded away.

Leo quickly looked away, his pulse pounding. Pull it together, Leo. He's just a guy.

But that was the problem—Adrian wasn't just a guy anymore.

At lunch, Adrian slid into the seat across from Leo, uninvited but clearly welcome, judging by the way Leo's stomach flipped.

"What's with the gloomy face, new kid?" Adrian asked, stealing one of Leo's fries without hesitation.

"I'm not gloomy," Leo said, snatching the fry back and popping it into his mouth. "Just thinking."

"Dangerous," Adrian teased, leaning back in his chair. "What's on your mind?"

Leo hesitated, unsure how to answer without giving too much away. "Just… life. School. The usual."

Adrian raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced, but didn't push. "Well, stop overthinking. You're going to give yourself wrinkles."

"Thanks for the advice, Dr. Kane," Leo said dryly, rolling his eyes.

Adrian grinned, that mischievous glint in his eye that always made Leo's resolve weaken. "Anytime."

After school, Adrian caught up with Leo in the parking lot, tossing an arm casually over his shoulder.

"So," Adrian said, his voice annoyingly cheerful. "You're coming to the game tonight, right?"

Leo blinked. "What game?"

Adrian gave him a mock gasp of horror. "You mean you haven't been counting down the days to Westwood High's big soccer match? I'm offended."

"I didn't know you played soccer," Leo admitted, trying not to focus on how close Adrian was standing.

"I don't," Adrian said with a shrug. "But I know people who do, and it's a good excuse to hang out. Plus, Maddie's going, and she keeps asking if you'll be there."

Leo hesitated, the thought of spending more time with Adrian both thrilling and nerve-wracking. "I don't know…"

"Come on, new kid," Adrian said, nudging him. "Don't make me beg."

Leo sighed, knowing he was fighting a losing battle. "Fine. But only because Maddie asked."

Adrian smirked. "Whatever helps you sleep at night."

That evening, the bleachers were packed with students cheering for the Westwood High soccer team. Leo found himself sandwiched between Maddie, who was waving a tiny flag with the school logo on it, and Adrian, who seemed more interested in teasing Leo than watching the game.

"You're staring," Adrian said, leaning close enough that Leo could feel his breath against his ear.

Leo's cheeks burned. "I am not."

"Sure you're not," Adrian said, his voice low and teasing.

Leo shot him a glare, but Adrian just laughed, his green eyes sparkling in the glow of the stadium lights.

As the game progressed, Leo found himself relaxing, the initial awkwardness giving way to something more comfortable. He even cheered a few times, much to Adrian's amusement.

By the time the final whistle blew, signaling a victory for Westwood High, the crowd erupted into cheers. Maddie high-fived Leo enthusiastically before running off to join her friends, leaving him alone with Adrian.

"See?" Adrian said as they walked toward the parking lot. "Wasn't that fun?"

"It was… tolerable," Leo said, trying to sound unimpressed.

Adrian bumped his shoulder. "Admit it, new kid. You had a good time."

Leo smiled despite himself. "Maybe a little."

When they reached Leo's house, Adrian parked the car but didn't turn off the engine. Instead, he turned to Leo, his expression uncharacteristically serious.

"I'm glad you came tonight," Adrian said softly.

Leo's heart skipped a beat. "Me too."

For a moment, neither of them moved. The air between them felt charged, electric, as if something unspoken was hanging just out of reach.

Adrian leaned forward slightly, his green eyes searching Leo's face. "Leo…"

Leo's breath hitched, his pulse pounding in his ears. Was this really happening?

But just as quickly as the moment began, Adrian pulled back, a flicker of hesitation crossing his face. "Goodnight, new kid," he said, his usual smirk returning, though it didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Goodnight," Leo managed, stepping out of the car.

As he watched Adrian drive away, Leo couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted between them again. And this time, it wasn't something he could ignore.