Red.

NADIA

We had finally finished our tests, and I was counting down the seconds until the biology period ended. 

My focus was nonexistent, my eyes fixed on the time on my phone, my leg bobbing up and down impatiently. And then, after what felt like an eternity, the bell rang, and I sprang to my feet, almost knocking over my chair in my haste. 

I was the first one out of the classroom, my feet carrying me swiftly into the hallway as I wondered how I was going to make it through my remaining classes in my distracted state.

As I walked, lost in thought, I felt a hand tug at my arm, and I spun around, my eyes locking with those familiar grey ones. I knew instinctively that it was him - Elijah. 

My gaze dropped to where his large hand was wrapped around my arm, his warm touch sending a comforting sensation through me. I didn't dare pull away, even though my mind was screaming at me to do so.

"Hey, what's wrong?" he asked, his tone laced with concern, a sound I hadn't heard from him before. I wanted to give in, to spill everything that was bothering me, but I couldn't bring myself to do so. Instead, I closed my eyes, inhaling his fresh, airy scent - a mix of soap, shampoo, and something uniquely him. 

It was a smell that made me feel safe, and I breathed it in deeply, trying to calm my racing thoughts.

"Nothing, I'm just tired," I said, my voice barely above a whisper, my words only half true. I could tell by the look on his face that he didn't believe me, but I hoped he would drop it. But Elijah took a step closer, his eyes boring into mine, and I felt my resolve weakening. I couldn't trust myself to think before speaking when he was this close.

The hallway was bustling with our classmates, everyone rushing to their next class, but I felt like I was in my own little bubble, trapped in Elijah's gaze. "Talk to me," he said, his voice low and gentle, his eyes pleading with me to open up. 

I looked up at him, my eyes stinging with tears, and I knew I had to look away before I broke down completely. "I need to get to class," I muttered, trying to pull away, but his grip only tightened.

"Let go," I said, my voice weak, my tone contradicting my words. I hated myself for the vulnerability that seeped into my voice, but I couldn't help it. Elijah's eyes never left mine, his expression soft and understanding, and I felt like he could see right through me.

Suddenly, he gripped my other hand and forced us through the hallway, dodging students and teachers left and right. I stumbled along beside him, my heart racing with confusion. "What are you doing?" I tried to ask, but he didn't respond.

We burst through the doors and emerged into the garden, where the sounds of chirping birds and chattering teachers filled the air. I tried to pull away, but Elijah wouldn't budge. "Let's get out of here," he muttered, his voice low and urgent.

I looked at him like he was crazy. "What do you mean? Are you crazy? You're going to miss a class," I exclaimed, trying to reason with him. But he just kept pulling me along, his eyes fixed on some point ahead.

I felt a lump form in my throat, and before I could stop it, a tear escaped my eye. I quickly wiped it away, hoping he hadn't noticed. But he pulled me into his arms, and I found myself resting my head on his chest. The warmth of his body enveloped me, and I felt a sense of safety that I couldn't explain.

The next thing I knew, we were standing by his car. He opened the passenger door, and I slid in, feeling a sense of resignation wash over me. I rolled down the window, gazing out at the overcast sky, my mind a jumble of emotions. He got in beside me, started the engine, and we drove off into the unknown. 

I didn't care where we were going; I just needed to escape the chaos that was my life.

□□□

We arrived at the beach, a place I never expected him to take me. I stepped out of the car, and the beach breeze enveloped me, carrying the sweet scent of saltwater and the cries of seagulls. We walked over to the massive rocks, and I closed my eyes, slowly inhaling the fresh air. 

The smell of the beach was intoxicating - a mix of seaweed, sand, and the faint hint of fish. I could feel the stress melting away as the sound of the waves crashing against the shore created a soothing melody.

We sat in silence for what felt like an eternity, the only sounds being the waves, the wind, and the distant chirping of birds. 

It was peaceful, and I appreciated that he understood my need for silence. But eventually, I broke the silence. "Do you come here a lot?" I asked, my eyes still closed, soaking in the serenity of the moment.

"Yeah, any chance I get when I come for my morning runs," he replied, his voice low and calm. "The quietness here - it's enough to ease everything on my mind." I couldn't help but agree with him. The beach had a way of calming the mind and soothing the soul.

As I opened my eyes, I gazed out at the endless blue waters, the waves rolling in and out in a steady rhythm. "Do you ever miss being a kid?" I asked, my eyes fixed on the horizon.

He hesitated, his eyes gazing out at the sea. "Sometimes," he said finally, his voice tinged with a hint of nostalgia. "What about you, Evens? What do you miss?"

I took a deep breath, the salty air filling my lungs. "Someone from my childhood," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. 

"They were my best friend, but as time passed, that just wasn't the case anymore. But as I'm learning to let go, I realize they were the only real thing I had in my life this whole time."

He turned to me, his eyes locking onto mine. "Sounds like you were in love," he said, his voice soft.

I laughed, the sound carrying away on the wind. "Of course, I had a crush on him in the beginning, but I just couldn't. We were friends, and he had girls all over him. Besides, we were just kids. I don't think I knew what love even was back then," I said honestly, my eyes drifting back to the sea.

As I spoke, I caught a glimpse of something in his eyes, a look I couldn't quite place my finger on. But I shrugged it off, focusing on the peacefulness of the moment, the comfort of the beach, and the solace of his presence.

Suddenly, Elijah grasped my hand, his eyes gleaming with a newfound intensity. Something flickered in his gaze, like a memory had resurfaced. 

I took his hand anyway, and he pulled me up with ease. We strolled closer to the shore, our bare feet sinking into the sand as we left our shoes behind.

"Come, dance with me," I said, my smile widening in excitement. Elijah raised an eyebrow, looking at me like I was crazy, but I persisted. "Please," I asked, my eyes locked on his, hoping he'd surrender to the moment.

For the first time, it felt like I was chipping away at his defenses, like I could finally see the real him - a person struggling with his own emotions. But he eventually gave in, a small smile playing on his lips.

"On one condition," he said, his voice low and husky.

"Okay?" I replied, my curiosity piqued.

"Come to the gala with me?" he asked, his eyes searching mine. "My family and I have to attend, and I want you to be my date."

I blinked twice, taken aback by the invitation. "Why me?" I asked, not out of insecurity but genuine curiosity.

Elijah's gaze never wavered. "Because I can't imagine it being any other girl," he said, his words sending a flutter through my chest. We were so close that we could kiss right then and there, but I restrained myself, and we began dancing instead.

Our hands intertwined, and we lost ourselves in the moment, the cold beach water lapping at our feet. I gasped at the chill, nearly stumbling, but Elijah caught me in his arms. 

I let out a laugh, and he joined in, the sound carrying away on the wind. The sight of him smiling, his eyes crinkling at the corners, took my breath away.

As we stood there, I noticed the dimple on his cheek and poked at it playfully. I was afraid, afraid that I was growing too accustomed to his presence, too quickly, and even liking it. 

But I couldn't deny the way my heart skipped a beat when he smiled, the way his scent made me feel safe, the way his eyes made me feel seen. 

I could definitely get used to this.