I look weird—is that what you're saying? I asked Matthew, half-joking but still unsure.
No one said that, he replied calmly, then gently draped a towel over my shoulders. I didn't realize I was shivering until he did. He rubbed his own hair with another towel, droplets of water glistening on his skin.
Nice abs, by the way, I muttered, not daring to meet his eyes.
He let out a short laugh. So... are you going to get changed now? Want me to walk you to your room?
What? No. No need.
Oh. Alright, he said, still smiling. I'll go get changed. See you at lunch, Anna.
He turned and walked away, leaving me standing there with my heart oddly unsteady.
When I got back to my room, I changed into a nicer outfit something casual, but not too casual. I'd promised to have lunch with him, and now… that's exactly where I was headed.
Here.
I heard Matthew's voice as soon as I stepped into the restaurant. He was already seated, signaling me over with a slight wave.
As I reached the table, he stood and pulled out a chair for me gentle, smooth, almost too proper. It sent a weird little signal through me.
Don't get me wrong, he said quickly, catching the flicker of surprise on my face. I'm just like this.
Really? That's good then, I replied, settling in. So, what are we having? I'm not great at choosing food. Even when I'm with Jean or Tom, they always end up ordering for me.
No worries—it's already taken care of. We just have to wait a bit, he said, leaning back comfortably.
I glanced at him, the thought still tugging at me. Matthew… I'm sorry. If I made you feel left out earlier, I didn't mean to. Especially since… well, you're mostly here because of me.
His expression softened, and a smile touched the corners of his lips.
Hearing you say sorry makes me happy. Even if there's no need actually… thank you, Anna.
The waiter arrived just in time, setting down plates with practiced ease.
Thank you, I said politely.
Matthew began arranging the food, casually sliding a plate toward me while he unwrapped cutlery and spread napkins like he knew exactly what he was doing.
You look really pretty—especially during this trip, he said offhandedly, still focused on the food.
My head snapped up. What? I blinked. Uh... really? Am I pretty? I asked, trying to sound unaffected, but the warmth in my cheeks gave me away. Thanks, Matthew. Though if you meant that in that kind of way—you know I'm taken. By Sia.
I know, he said with a small smile, shrugging. A compliment doesn't mean I'm waging war, does it?
I popped one of the golden fries into my mouth and my eyes widened. Their fries are actually really good.
He laughed. That's mine, though.
I looked at him.
But go ahead, he said, still smiling. Have at it.
What's this? I asked, eyeing the dish as the warm aroma of garlic and cream reached my nose.
That's creamy shrimp pasta, Matthew said, casually pouring water into my glass. "You're not allergic to shrimp, right?
I shook my head. Not at all.
Good. He nodded in approval. Figured we'd keep it light for lunch.
I picked up my fork, twirling the pasta gently. It smells amazing.
Try it, he said, watching me with a faint smile, like he already knew I'd like it.
I took a bite, and the flavors melted smoothly on my tongue—rich but not too much, the shrimp perfectly tender. I looked at him, impressed.
I aim to please, he said, smirking as he took a bite of his own.
I grinned and stole another fry, leaning back in my chair a little. Well, thanks for the sacrifice.
I came prepared, Matthew said, sipping his iced tea. I figured you'd end up stealing my food anyway.
Oh really? Confident, aren't we? I teased, smiling.
Not confident, he said, meeting my eyes, just observant.
There was a beat of silence between us. Not uncomfortable just full. His gaze softened, but he quickly looked away, cutting into the grilled chicken he ordered.
Sia knows you're here? Having lunch with me?" Matthew asked, his tone casual, but his eyes watching me closely.
No… I said, taking another bite of my pasta. Because this lunch will be quick. I'm a fast eater, you know.
He chuckled. Of course you are.
There was a short pause, then his voice lowered a little. Can I be honest with you?
I glanced up, nodding. Sure.
It's just… really relaxing being with you, he said, his gaze steady now. You have this kind of presence—like, everything feels lighter when you're around. Even when school gets really stressful, somehow, it all feels less when I'm with you.
I didn't know I could be that kind of person to someone, I said, a soft smile tugging at my lips as I took another bite.
Well, you are, Matthew replied, his voice low but certain. And honestly, I didn't expect it either. I mean, I never thought I'd feel this comfortable around someone especially not a girl and especially not this soon, being a transferee and all.
He paused, his eyes flicking down to his hands resting on the table before lifting back to meet mine.
But Anna, I want you to know… I don't plan on ruining anything between you and Sia. That's never been my intention. I just… needed to be honest. I needed to say it out loud at least once.
His voice faltered, but only slightly.
I don't even know what all this is, he admitted. Why I feel like this, or if I have feelings for you… I don't know at all. All I know is that I want to be near you. Even just as friends.
There was something raw in the way he said it—unfiltered and real.
Wow, I said, shaking my head slightly. I don't even know what to say to that.
He held my gaze, silent but expectant.
It's flattering, I added.
My fork hovered in midair, forgotten. Did he really just say all that?
That's… I started, my voice softer than I expected, a lot to take in.
Matthew looked like he was about to apologize, but I quickly added, No—I don't mean that in a bad way. It's just… I didn't know you felt that way. And hearing it like that, so honestly... it's kind of flattering, actually.
I let out a nervous laugh, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.
I mean, I never thought someone would say something like that about me. Especially not you. You're— I paused, searching for the right word. You're always so composed, so… unreadable. But I guess I see you differently now.
But Matthew… I care about Sia. A lot. And I don't want to hurt her, or lead you on.
I know, he said quickly, nodding. I know, Anna. I just… wanted you to know how I felt. That's all.
Really though, thank you, I said softly, my voice just above a whisper. Thank you for saying all of that.
I looked down for a moment, gathering the warmth in my chest before meeting his eyes again.
It's… really flattering. Knowing I could make someone's day better just by being around—that means a lot to me, Matthew.
He didn't say anything, just watched me, patiently.
But, I continued, my tone gentle but clear, it's just the way life is, isn't it? There are no's and yes's. Lines we don't cross.
I smiled, genuinely. Not out of guilt or discomfort, but out of honesty.
And I'm glad you chose to be honest with me. That alone already means something.