The sound of his footsteps in the hallway told me something: (T/N) was already scared.
Other people's lives didn't matter. (T/N), he was mine. The subway had brought him back, and that made him the only special thing in my organized life. The game had started, and I was winning.
I got to my classroom, letting people think I was just a "smart girl." Classes were normal, but I only looked at one spot, two rooms away. I felt his nervousness, that mess in his chest. It was like music.
At lunch, I sat at my usual table. My friends talked about silly things. I followed them, just so they wouldn't suspect anything. Just when (T/N) looked up from his corner, I caught him. We looked at each other.
It was only a second. But it was enough for both of us to feel that shiver. I quickly turned away, smiling at my friends. There was no point in staring; I had already planted the doubt. I knew he was scared, and that was key. He couldn't get me out of his head anymore.
The afternoon classes went by slowly. He was very nervous every time the door opened. I felt his tension. He felt trapped, as if I were a hunter. That's right. He couldn't tell anyone, and that was perfect, because only I knew what was happening.
The dismissal bell was my signal. I saw him get up fast, trying to escape before the teacher finished.
— (T/N): "Faster! Before she sees me!"
I laughed inside. He wasn't fast enough.
I went to the entrance of his classroom.
— Me: (T/N)!
I watched him freeze and turn around slowly. I smiled a lot, though I wasn't happy; he had tried to run away. But I sensed he saw me as a perfect doll, and that scared him. Fear always brings order.
— Me: I told you I'd wait for you. But something told me you might try to escape. Were you leaving without me? —My voice was playful, to make him feel calm.
— (T/N): "Don't be stupid, tell her you were going to the bathroom or something! Invent something!"
— (T/N): Oh, I'm sorry, Chloe. It's just... uh... I was going to the library to look for some books, but, if you want, we can go together.
My smile got bigger. He took the bait. It doesn't matter that he lied about the library; what matters is that he accepted me being there.
— Me: That's great! I'm glad you didn't forget. Come on, I'm going with you.
— (T/N): "Damn it! The library? Why did I say that? Now I have to go and pretend I'm looking for something. This girl is... too much. It seems I can't escape."
We started walking. People looked at us. I didn't care; I only cared that (T/N) felt that pressure.
As we walked, I talked about silly things: my classes, the festival. He barely answered, too focused on me. I watched him non-stop, measuring, making sure my piece stayed put. The distance was always the same, calculated: not too close to suffocate him, and not too far for him to run.
We got to the library. It felt silent and tense.
— (T/N): Well, I'm looking for some... science books.
— Me: Do you want me to help you?
— (T/N): "No, don't help me! Please, leave me alone!"
I went straight to the science section, enjoying how uncomfortable he was. We stayed there for ten minutes. I asked him about his day to see if he was lying. He answered with short sentences. I felt his heart pound hard. The fear was growing, just as I wanted.
— (T/N): I finally grabbed a random book. Chloe, uh... I found what I was looking for. I think we should leave.
I gave him that smile he already hated, the one that didn't reach my eyes. The winning smile.
— Me: Of course, (T/N). Let's go home. Together.
We left the library. I'm not a girl who will leave him alone. This adventure is for me, not for him. And this is just the start. When it's over, he won't be able to escape.
.It was cold outside, but I barely noticed. I felt satisfied. Walking beside (T/N) was everything. He was right there, next to me. I watched him hug that useless science book to his chest. It was a silly shield against my smile.
He was very quiet, thinking a lot. His mind was a mess he was trying to fix: Why am I acting like this? Why exactly today? Does he feel punished? It was amusing to watch him try to understand something that made no sense. His "second chance" wasn't luck. It was mine.
— Me: ...if you have problems with the history homework, text me. Seriously, (T/N), we can study together.
I cut into his thoughts quickly. I wanted him to know that I wasn't just in his life now, but I would be later too. I looked up just as we reached his yard. For now, the walk was over.
— (T/N): Oh, yeah... thanks, Chloe. I... I'll let you know.
He stopped in front of his door, trying to get away. I could feel his urge to escape. His plan was obvious: run and hide. Of course, I wouldn't follow him. I would let him have a moment of relief, his "escape."
— Me: Okay. I'll text you later.
I smiled gently so he would see me as a normal girl, but my true intent was clear. I took a step and, without warning, I took his hands. It was a quick touch, but it made him flinch; I felt it.
— Me: I had a great time with you. We should do it again. I'll come by for you tomorrow, okay?
It was an order that sounded like a question. I was creating a routine. Then I left for my house. But I looked back at his door to make sure he went inside. My piece was safe, but I'm always watching.
I knew (T/N) would be too scared not to think about me.
The silence in his house was false. I was already close.
I pulled out my phone. I sent him a message.
Chloe (New Contact)
Me: (T/N), I loved talking to you. Tomorrow will be another wonderful day.
I imagined him checking the message with his scared face.
And then, the final line:
Me: PD: Don't forget you promised we'd walk together.
I already had his number. I had already booked him for tomorrow.
He knew the day had repeated. My message, with my normal tone, confirmed it: Would the cycle continue? It didn't matter if he escaped today, tomorrow his punishment was having me close.
I knew it. My experiment was about to go crazy, just the way I wanted it. Desperation would bring him to me.
My control was total. His new "adventure" was no longer a random search, but a desperate mission he could only solve by my side. He was going to look for answers, and I was the only one who had them.
Autor:
I still don't have a clear idea of what I will do with this novel, nor do I know if I have the motivation to keep writing, although I will try to write as many chapters as possible.