I don't think I can do this anymore. Forget Kendrick, I need to use to the toilet.
I swiftly rise from the bench, phone still clutched in my hand, and hurry towards the entrance hall.
"I really can't keep it inside anymore," I mutter to myself, my bladder on the verge of bursting.
As I enter the entrance hall, the two girls I noticed earlier turn to face me, their eyes widening in surprise - or perhaps they were startled by the sound of my footsteps pounding the floor.
I force a bright, fake smile and slow my pace, trying to appear nonchalant as I make my way towards the hallway.
"Creeps," I think to myself, feeling a shiver run down my spine. "Why are they staring at me like that?"
But as I step into the hallway, I pause, disoriented. All the doors look identical - polished brown with numbers stamped on each one.
I scan the doors, trying to remember which one leads to my room. I don't want to accidentally barge into someone else's space!
I take a deep breath, trying to recall the room number, but my mind goes blank.
I'm at my wit's end - I don't even know my room number!
Frustrated, I place my hands on my hips, my chest heaving slightly as I spin around, desperate for a clue.
The urgent need to pee only adds to my distress; it feels like an ocean is churning inside me.
Just then, I notice a door slightly ajar to my left, with a sliver of brightness peeking out.
I approach cautiously, my eyes fixed on the room number: 25.
As I reach the door, I push it open slowly, wincing at the faint creaking sound, and hesitantly poke my head inside.
A wave of relief rushes through me as I take in the familiar sights of my belongings, and I exhale a deep sigh of relief.
My eyes scan the room swiftly, searching for Kendrick, and my heart skips a beat as I spot him sitting in Kelly's chair, his gaze turned towards me.
Our eyes lock in a tense stare, but I quickly glance away and step inside, closing the door softly behind me.
Then, i begin walking casually towards the bathroom, despite my growing discomfort, just so he doesn't notice how pressed I am.
As soon as I reach the bathroom door, I push it open and slip inside, shutting it softly behind me.
From there, everything happens quickly.
I drop my phone on the sink and turn on the tap, letting the water run into a bucket to mask the sound of my pee.
Without hesitation, I relieve myself in the toilet, feeling an intense sense of satisfaction as I finally empty my bladder. It's a pure pleasure to release the pressure that's been building up.
Thankfully, I didn't have an accident and my clothes are still dry.
With my bladder now empty, I rinse off, get dressed, and wash my hands, drying them with a tissue before flushing the toilet.
I take a deep breath, inhaling the sweet, refreshing scent of the apple soap I used to wash my hands, and then grasp my phone from the sink.
I slowly turn the handle and open the bathroom door, and as I step out, I close it behind me and turn to head back out.
But my movement is abruptly halted by a pair of mischievous light brown eyes, gazing directly at me with Intensity that makes my heart skip a beat.
I frown, my eyes darting over his, searching for answers. What does he want?
I attempt to turn away, but Kendrick's hand shoots out, his warm and gentle fingers wrapping around my wrist, holding me in place.
I spin back around, giving him a deep scowl, but he just smirks, his lips curving upwards.
Irritated, I jerk my hand away from his and continue walking towards the door.
I just don't know what this guy wants.
I reach the door and grasp the handle, pulling it open, but to my surprise, it doesn't budge.
I glance up at the bolt, confused - it's unlocked, so why won't the door open? Is something wrong with it, or is Kendrick playing games with me?
The thought sends a shiver down my spine, and I spin around to face him. But I'm not prepared for his sudden proximity.
My breath catches in my throat as I find myself inches from his face.
My surprised expression contorts into a scowl, and I shove his hands away from my waist, but he just chuckles, clearly amused by my distress. What's so funny?.
To my utter surprise, Kendrick suddenly produces a key, dangling it tantalizingly in his hand.
My heart skips a beat as I realize it's my room key. But how did he get his hands on it?
I frown, my gaze fixed intently on the key as it teases me with its gentle swinging motion.
I feel the urge to snatch them from him and make a quick escape, but I think it's best I stay calm and understand the reason for his action.
"Why did you lock the door?" I manage to speak, my voice barely audible.
Kendrick's smirk grows wider as he pockets the keys, his eyes glinting with amusement.
"Is that how you greet an old friend?" he asks, and I roll my eyes, my jaw clenched in frustration as the words "old friend" feel like a stretch.
We haven't been close in a long time; I'm not even sure we still qualify as friends.
"You see, Mandy," he says, his eyes burning with intensity as they lock onto mine, "it's been a while since we last saw each other."
I remain silent as his gaze holds me captive, and then, without warning, he reaches out with his left hand, cradling my right cheek.
His thumb begins to caress my skin, sending shivers down my spine, and my eyes fly open, my heart frozen in my chest.
"Didn't you miss me?" he asks, his eyes fixated on my lips.
Miss him?
My brows furrow in a frown as he continues, "I missed you, girl. Every moment we spent together is still etched in my mind."
Then his eyes drift back to mine, and they begin searching mine, as if seeking a glimmer affection. "So, did you miss me?"
I clench my fists in anger, my voice dropping to a barely audible whisper. "How dare you ask me that?" I hiss, the words trembling with restrained fury.
He smirks, "Hmph, I wanted us to be more."
My lips part in surprise, and I breathe out a stunned "Huh?!"
But before I can process his words, his thumb grazes my lips, sending a shiver of electricity through my entire body.
I relax, my guard dropping as his gentle touch disarms me, and then he takes a step closer, his eyes flicking between mine and my lips with a piercing Intensity.
My eyes remain fixed on his, unable to look away as he inches even closer, his face filling my field of vision.
And then he whispers, his breath tickling my skin, "It feels different with you."
"Different with me?" I repeat, my mind racing with possibilities.
He keeps advancing, his eyes closing, his head tilting sideways as his lips inch towards mine, his intent clear.
"Too different," he breathes, his mouth almost touching mine.
But just as our lips are about to touch, I jolt back to reality, my hand flying up to press against his chest, halting him mere inches from my mouth.
This isn't right. He's with Kelly, so why is he saying these things? Why is he doing this?
He withdraws his hand from my cheek, and then his lips curl into a sly, knowing smirk.
Then, he breathes a short, low laugh, his minty breath wafting into my nostrils, making my stomach twist with discomfort.
"I already have a boyfriend," I tell him, my voice trembling slightly, "and I feel like this isn't right."
But he doesn't flinch, his expression unchanging. I'll just have to repeat myself then.
"I have a boyfriend, okay? And he—" His index finger presses against my lips, silencing me.
The smirk still plays on his lips as he exhales, "I heard you the first time."
He withdraws his finger, and I dart a glance at his pocket, where the keys are concealed, before meeting his gaze again. "So, then, the key," I press on.
"You're so naive, girl," he says, causing me to frown once more.
"What's that supposed to mean?" I ask him.
He shakes his head, his smirk blossoming into a charming smile.
Then, he raises his arm and places it beside my head on the door, his fingertips grazing the wood mere inches from my temple.
His action sends a shiver coursing down my spine, but I steel myself, refusing to betray any reaction, despite my heart racing like a wild drum.
"You think I'm into you?" he asks, his words slicing through me like a knife.
My heart shatters into a million pieces as he continues, "You're just too soft, boring, and dull. I don't do shy girls, okay?"
I force a smile, attempting to mask the sting of his words. "You didn't have to tell me that," I whisper, my voice barely audible. "Now let me go."
I feel the sting of tears, my eyes burning with unshed emotion, but I glance down at the floor, steeling myself against the vulnerability.
I won't cry. I'll gather the shattered pieces of my heart, no matter how long it takes to mend. I've moved on.
But then I feel him lift my head, his warm fingers cradling my chin with gentle pressure.
He inches closer, his face inches from mine, and asks, "You hurt?"
I try to keep my voice steady, but it trembles slightly as I reply, "Why are you doing this? You said you don't like me, and I don't like you either. So just let me be, okay?"
"You don't like me?" He repeats, his voice soft and raspy.
The way he says it, with a hint of surprise and curiosity, makes my heart skip a beat.
I gulp down the lump in my throat, my heart racing, before responding, "I don't."
He inches even closer, his nose whispering against mine, sending shivers down my spine.
"I dare you to say it again," he whispers, his eyes locked on mine.
I force a smile, trying to sound casual, but my voice trembles. "I do not like—" His lips silence me, crashing down on mine in a kiss that steals my breath.
My eyes fly open in shock, and I push him away, breaking free from the kiss with a sudden jolt.
But he just laughs, a mocking sound that ignites a firestorm of rage within me.
"What do you think you're doing, huh?!" I yell at the top of my lungs.
"Just doing what I'm supposed to," he responds, his tone nonchalant.
"What's that supposed to mean?!" I snap, my anger boiling over.
"You've got Kelly, and yet you're kissing me? What kind of game are you playing?!"
"I told you, I've got a boyfriend!" I remind him once more.
"He's sweet, comfortable to be around, and doesn't go around kissing other girls. He's everything I've ever wanted, and I won't betray him by letting you kiss me. So stay away!" I warn, pointing a finger at him.
But then I see his smile fade, replaced by a cold, menacing stare that makes my skin crawl.
He takes a step closer, his hand shooting out to grab my cheeks, his fingers digging into my skin and causing a painful pressure in my gums.
"Listen up, if you mention that stupid boyfriend of yours again, I swear to God I'll screw you senseless," he growls.