The Rooftop

The literature class was painfully boring.

At least, that was what Ivy felt kept telling herself as she stared blankly at the words written across the whiteboard. Around her, students whispered, passed notes, and occasionally glanced in her direction before quickly looking away.

Like she might attack them for staring too long.

Ivy rested her chin on her hand and ignored everyone.

Especially Adrian.

Yet somehow, she could still feel his presence beside her.

Calm.

Quiet.

Watching.

It was irritating

The bell finally rang, and students rushed out instantly. Ivy stood up quickly, throwing the notebook into her bag before heading towards the hallway.

"Ivy."

She stopped walking.

That voice again.

Slowly turning around, she found Adrian leaning casually against the classroom door, one hand in his pocket.

"What?" she asked flatly.

"You skipped lunch."

"That concerns you because?"

"You look tired."

Her expression hardened slightly. "You always this annoying?"

A small smile appeared on his face. "Only around you."

Weird.

Definitely weird.

Ivy turned away and continued walking, hoping he'd finally leave her alone.

He didn't.

"You still walk too fast when you're upset,"

Adrian said behind her.

Her steps slowed.

That feeling returned.

Uneasy.

Heavy.

"How do you know things about me?" she asked quietly without turning around.

For once, Adrian didn't answer immediately

The silence bothered her more than words would have.

Finally, he spoke softly.

"Because you used to talk to me,"

Ivy frowned and turned towards him. "I've never met you before."

A strange sadness crossed his face.

"You did," he murmured.

Before she could ask anything else, loud laughter echoed down the hallway. A group of girls approached, immediately surrounding Adrian with bright smiles.

"Adrian, are you coming to practice later?"

"Did you finish the history assignment?"

One girl glanced at Ivy and lowered her voice dramatically. "Why are you talking to her?"

Ivy rolled her eyes instantly.

There it was again.

The judgement.

The whispers.

The assumptions.

Without another word, she walked away.

This time, Adrian didn't follow.

The rooftop door creaked softly as Ivy pushed it open.

The cold wind hit her face immediately.

Finally.

Peace.

The rooftop was empty except for the grey sky hanging above Blackwood Academy. Ivy walked towards the edge carefully and sat down, pulling her knees close to her chest.

This was better than people.

People lied.

People left.

The wind brushed through her dark hair as she closed her eyes briefly.

For the first time that day, her chest loosened slightly.

Then--

"You still hide on the rooftop."

Ivy's eyes snapped open.

"How did you find me?" she asked coldly.

"You disappeared after class."

"That doesn't answer my question."

He walked closer slowly before sitting beside her, leaving enough distance so she wouldn't feel trapped.