Jealousy.

"I was hoping the girls could help," I mentioned."Stay... Let me assist you," he offered, taking my hand."Alright, thank you," I agreed.Despite our search efforts, my necklace remained elusive."You and Mark seem quite close," he observed."Yes, we've been close since childhood," I confirmed."Do you think you're closer than just friends?" Kyle inquired."Perhaps, some of the girls think so too," I acknowledged."What do you plan to do about it?" he pressed."I haven't decided yet. Mark is a good person," I replied casually."Stay away from him," his tone turned serious."Why should I?" I questioned."Just do as I say. Keep your distance," he commanded firmly."It's my business, I'll handle it," I asserted.His grip tightened on my shoulders, restraining me. "Let go," I demanded."You're fine when Mark's around. You even kissed him," he accused."I never kissed him. We're just friends," I defended."I don't like seeing you with him," he softened his tone."I'll think about it, but it's not your concern," I reiterated."Not my concern?" His voice grew stern.Suddenly, he pulled me closer and our lips met in an unexpected kiss. I pushed him away, shocked."I'll go now," I said, flustered."Wait," he called after me, placing my necklace around my neck. "I'm sorry for earlier.""This necklace... it's mine?" I asked, surprised."I found it earlier when you left it. I wanted to return it to you," he explained.As I walked away, I couldn't shake off the embarrassment of what had just happened.Back in my room, the girls were still searching for the necklace."You look pale. Did something happen?" Tina asked.I couldn't speak, still processing the encounter."Did you find it?" Rosa inquired.I nodded silently."What's wrong? Tell us," Rosa urged again."He... Kyle..." I struggled to speak."What about Kyle?" Tina probed."He kissed me," I confessed, recounting the incident."WHAT?!" The girls reacted in disbelief."He must be jealous of Mark," Tina speculated."Why would he be jealous?" I wondered aloud."Because he likes you," Rosa suggested."Likes me? That's absurd. Let's just sleep," I deflected, feeling too overwhelmed to discuss further.

_ROSE_...