Page 28 of Only When It Breaks

Ava nudges me. “You okay?”

“Yeah,” I lie, zipping up my hoodie against the chill. “He said he’d pick us up, right?”

She nods. “Yep. You sure he didn’t message?”

I shake my head, shoving my phone in my pocket. “Guess he forgot.”

But he didn’t forget. He’s ignoring me like it was my mum who smashedhishouse up. I didn’t even tell Ava. His dad is his business, and besides, Mum is carrying on like nothing happened.

I did, however, tell Ava all about the party, including the kissing part.

We end up walking to college, sharing headphones and complaining about the wind. My stomach twists the whole way, half dreading seeing him, half hoping he’ll be waiting with some kind of excuse.

He isn’t.

He’s leaning against the school steps with Austin and Henry, laughing at something like nothing in the world could touch him. He’s got his signature smirk back on, one hand in his pocket, the other holding a can of Monster. And Bella’s tucked into his side, too close to be casual.

He sees me. I know he sees me. Because his eyes flick over, fast, but instead of smiling or evenacknowledgingme, he looks right past me like I’m not there.

Like I never was.

Ava slows beside me. “Are you okay?”

I swallow the lump in my throat and nod. “Fine.” But I’m not.

Not even a little.

The rest of Monday feels like a bad dream.

In first period, Kai walks in late, eyes scanning the room, then he chooses a seat on the other side, even though the one beside me is empty. He laughs too loudly at something Austin says, never once glancing my way.

By break, he’s still glued to his group, acting like Saturday night never happened. Bella hangs off him like it’s her full-time job, and when she brushes her hand against his chest, he lets her.

At lunch, he sits with them,ourtable now apparently off-limits. I sit with Ava, trying to eat while my stomach’s churning. Whenever I look up, he’s mid-conversation, surrounded by people, acting like I’m invisible.Again.

And that kiss?

That night?

The way he looked atme?

It’s like it never existed.

The final bell rings and I rush out like I’ve got somewhere to be, even though I don’t. Ava keeps pace beside me, chattering about plans I barely hear until she suddenly grips my arm. “Look,” she says, grinning. “By the car.”

I follow her gaze.Kai.He’s leaning against the driver’s door, his arms folded, looking straight at us. My heart stutters.

“See,” Ava beams, nudging me. “He’s not ignoring you. He probably felt weird after Saturday, but he’s waiting now. Foryou.”

I want to believe it. God, Ialmostdo. Until we get closer. And I seethem.

Bella and Luna are sitting inside his car, lipstick-stained Starbucks cups in the holders, Bella with her legs tucked up on the passenger seat like she owns the place.

Kai doesn’t move. Doesn’t smile. Just watches me approach. It reminds me of how he used to be,before.

He pushes off the car and steps closer, lowering his voice so only I can hear. “I’ll swing by tonight,” he says. “To get my phone.” My sharp intake of breath gives me away.“Little Rebel.”

My mouth dries. He knew. This whole time. And he said nothing. He steps back, cool and detached, like none of this matters. LikeIdon’t matter.

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