Chats and Clashes

"So, how long has it been?" Lucian asked, breaking the silence as they sat on the rooftop.

"How long has what been?" Kira replied, turning to him with a quizzical expression.

"You two. How long have you guys been going out?" Lucian clarified.

"Oh," Kira chuckled nervously, "we're not a thing." She shook her head, trying to dispel any misunderstandings.

"Yet," Lucian added, a playful glint in his eyes.

"Pardon?" Kira raised an eyebrow, clearly confused by his statement.

"You're not a couple yet," Lucian finished, his tone implying he knew something she didn't.

Kira felt a wave of surprise wash over her. "Why would you think so?" she asked, genuinely curious now.

"It's kind of obvious. He's clearly head over heels for you and threatened I'd lose my fingers if I so much as touch you," Lucian explained matter-of-factly.

Kira was momentarily speechless. Jake said that? Despite feeling touched by Jake's protectiveness, doubts still lingered. Jake seemed more focused on material success than emotional connection, and that didn't sit well with her.

"Did you really not notice?" Lucian's surprise was evident in his voice.

"Well, it's kind of obvious, and I'd be a fool not to notice. But I just want to take things slow and be sure if I want to be with him," Kira replied, voicing her uncertainty.

"No pressure here. Take your time," Lucian reassured her, offering a supportive smile.

The school bell rang, interrupting their conversation.

"Well, there goes the bell. I have to be on my way. It was nice meeting you, even though I kind of intruded," Kira said, getting up from her seat.

"Yeah, the feeling is mutual," Lucian replied warmly, his smile softening his features.

With one last look at Lucian, Kira left the rooftop, feeling a newfound appreciation for him. Maybe Lucian wasn't such a bad person after all.

---

After school, Kira was walking home with Melanie, chatting about their day, when she spotted Jake up ahead. Choosing to avoid him, she continued on her way, but Melanie noticed and asked why she was ignoring him.

"Hey, isn't that Jake?" Melanie nudged Kira, pointing ahead.

"Yeah, I think so," Kira replied nonchalantly, trying to keep her gaze fixed ahead.

"Why are you avoiding him?" Melanie prodded, raising an eyebrow.

Kira shrugged. "I don't know. Just not in the mood, I guess."

Suddenly, Jake caught up to them, asking if they could talk. Kira stiffened, but Melanie took the hint and excused herself from the conversation.

"Hi, Jake," Melanie said with a small smile before hurrying off.

Jake turned to Kira, his expression hopeful yet uncertain. "Can we talk?"

Kira sighed inwardly, feeling the weight of the impending conversation. " Make it quick, I've got places to be."

Jake hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I've noticed you've been avoiding me lately. Is everything okay?"

Kira shot him a pointed look, disbelief evident in her eyes. "Seriously, Jake? You really don't know why?"

Jake furrowed his brows, genuinely puzzled. "I... I'm not sure. That's why I wanted to talk to you."

Kira took a deep breath, trying to gather her thoughts. "It's because of what happened with your brother, Lucian, and your dad."

Understanding flickered in Jake's eyes as he realized what she meant. "Oh, that."

"Yeah, 'oh, that,'" Kira echoed, her frustration bubbling to the surface.

Jake frowned, his tone defensive. "Look, Kira, I understand why you're upset, but my dad was just looking out for Lucian. He's not trying to crush his dreams."

Kira's jaw clenched, her patience wearing thin. "That's not how it seemed to me, Jake. It felt like you were siding with your dad over your own brother."

Jake sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "I just don't see why this is such a big deal to you. It's my family's business, not yours." and with that he storms off

Kira watched as Jake stormed off, his words ringing in her ears. She stood there, feeling insulted and hurt, unable to comprehend how he could be so blind to her perspective.

---