CHAPTER ONE:THE NOTIFICATION

Elora didn’t believe in love at first sight. It felt too cinematic for someone who proudly ranted about being a man-hater.

In fact, it would be a myth to say she believed in love at all—until she saw him. Really saw him.

Three days, nine hours, and twelve seconds later.

The timing was cruelly precise. It was her birthday.

She groaned lowly throwing her phone on the couch across her room. That name, that one name was stamped on her mind. She could listen to Sarah blabbering about him for hours, but denied to admit it.

She stared at the wall blankly. She couldn't fall for someone-atleast that's what she thought. Just then, her phone's screen lit. The sudden glow provided warmth to the room, but the notification only stirred her inner turmoil further.

Her eyes widened, a crimson crept slowly onto her cheeks. They didn't go unnoticed by her.

The notification read “Marcus requested to follow you”.

Everything else faded away in the backdrop of arguments inside her-Should she accept the request? What if he sent it by mistake?

“I.. Shouldn't accept it.. I don't know him.. And I have just heard about him. He.. Why did he? Wait, how does he know me? Does he even.. know.. 𝘮𝘦? ”

She did what every other teenage would do-rang up her best friend-Sarah.

Finally, Sarah picked up. Elora said in a shaky voice “Your brother.. He sent me request on Instagram.. Do I accept it? What do you think? ”

Sarah gasped. She had no idea why Marcus, her brother had sent her best friend a request. She started connecting the dots. She went on a vacation to Siliguri and returned a week ago. It was nothing special, however something was odd, something she noticed today. Her brother, casually asked about Elora, acting nonchalant but Sarah let it go. She didn't take it seriously-until now.

“Sarah gasped on the other line. ‘Wait… Marcus? My cousin brother? On your Instagram?'

Elora’s voice cracked. ‘Yeah… I don’t get it. Why now?’

‘Hmm…’ Sarah hummed, a mischievous edge in her tone. ‘Maybe he noticed something. Maybe… he likes you?’

Elora froze, one hand clutching the phone, the other gripping the edge of the couch. The words echoed in her mind like tiny sparks.”

“No, that couldn't possibly happen. Oh wait, I'll talk to you in school tomorrow, mom's calling me downstairs, probably for dinner”

Elora said as she heard her mom call her out. She hung up and looked outside for a moment. Cold breeze entered the room and the windcatcher made familiar sounds. She sighed and left the room leaving the door slightly ajar, just like her heart.

On the other side of the screen, as dusk approached, the cheers in the football field grew louder. It was the very end moments of the match. Everyone held their breath together. The ball was kicked by the striker, passing the goalkeeper with precise expertise. The whistle was heard loud. One side of the ground erupted in cheers. The winning team celebrated.

The wooden bench made a sound as Marcus-the striker of the team lowered his body to sit down. His sighed. The smell of grass mixed with the lingering smell of the freshly baked cookies in the nearby bakery. His eyes roamed, and then became still as they caught sight of the ground and sky merging together afar.

The field slowly cleared and their was only occasional whispers, and praises of the coach.

Marcus fished for his phone in his bag and caught hold of it. He scrolled through the notifications and stopped by a particular one. His text with Sarah last night. He opened the chat and scrolled up. His fingers travelled a short mile before the stopped at a particular account which Sarah had sent him. He had practically begged for it.

Anyways.

He opened the account. His lips curved into a small smile. He clicked the profile picture. It was a girl trying to reach a book kept on the top shelf. Her height was barely 5'1.Her head fell backwards as she looked upto the book and her hair covered her back. She was wearing a white dress and although her face wasn't clearly visible, he could stare at it for quite a long time.

Just then Leo, his teammate called out, “Hey Marcus! Let's go! We have to head home”

The team decided to reward themselves with something to eat before they went back to their mundane lives again. Everyone headed to the nearest bakery. Leo and Matt decided on getting an apple pie while the rest were still making their choice. Marcus's eyes landed on the Scottish Macaroons. He remembered something and smiled to himself.

After fifteen minutes, the team exited and boarded the common bus, and the day was finally coming to an end.

That same night, after Elora had finished her dinner, she walked upstairs. Setting in the embrace of her blanket, she grabbed her book from the bedstand. While reading, a particular line made her think longer than the rest did. The line read ‘She denies it. But the truth is-she is slowly falling for him’.

She leaned back closing her eyes. His face flashed right before her eyes. The only pic she saw him in was a group pic with his friends. Sarah had made her see that while telling one of his stories. He had the brightest smile, and charming features. He looked a little reserved than the others, but caught her eye in a certain way.

She opened her eyes suddenly. Her heart racing at the thought. Was this a moment or a lifetime?

She still made no move to accept his follow request.

Meanwhile, Marcus was on a call with Sarah whining, “

‘She didn't accept my request yet.. Do you think she hates me? ’

‘Stop it! She'll accept it if she wants to. And besides I am tired of ranting about you to her the whole day.’, Sarah spoke being annoyed.

‘Well you're getting paid for it- 20£, remember? ’, Marcus said defensively.

Sarah groaned, ‘I didn't know you were that lovesick, jerk! ’

Marcus chuckle. ”

He closed his phone and stared at the wall.His eyes found their way back to his phone again but he pretended not to care.

Sleep didn't come to either of them.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***