Chapter Fifteen

Billie sits in the library, surrounded by dusty shelves and the quiet hum of fluorescent lights. Her nose is buried in her favorite novel, the words blurring together as she devours the story. She's so engrossed that she doesn't notice Coleson approaching her. Not until his arm brushes against hers, sending a shiver down her spine.

She tenses, her heart racing, and slowly looks up. Coleson's standing there, his eyes fixed on hers with an unnerving intensity. She feels a surge of wariness, her mind racing with worst-case scenarios. What does he want? To bully her like he does with jasher?

He's leaning against the table, his smile charming but somehow off. She narrows her eyes, trying to read his intentions. He seems to be waiting for her to say something, but she's not giving him the satisfaction.

Instead, she focuses on her book, trying to ignore him. But she can feel his gaze on her, like a weight pressing down on her skin. She shifts uncomfortably, her eyes darting towards him and then away.

Coleson doesn't seem to take the hint. He pulls out a chair and sits down across from her, his movements fluid and confident. She feels a pang of unease as he leans forward, his elbows on his knees.

"So, what's the book?" he asks, his voice low and smooth.

She hesitates, unsure if she wants to engage with him. But there's something about his curious expression that makes her pause. Maybe it's the way his eyes crinkle at the corners, or the way his smile seems almost genuine.

She shrugs, trying to appear nonchalant. "Just a story."

Coleson nods, his eyes never leaving hers. "I'm sure it's more than that," he says, his voice dripping with persuasion. "You seem like the type who gets lost in books."

She feels a shiver run down her spine as he speaks. How does he know that about her? She tries to brush it off, telling herself it's just a lucky guess.

But Coleson seems to sense her unease. He leans back in his chair, his eyes still fixed on hers. "Hey, I'm not trying to pry," he says, his voice softening. "I just... noticed you around, okay? Especially at my party."

She raises an eyebrow, skeptical. Noticed her around? Especially at the party? She didn't even stand out? What does that even mean?

They sit in silence for a moment, the only sound the quiet hum of the library. She waits for him to make his move, to do something that will prove he's just like all the others.

But Coleson just sits there, his eyes fixed on hers. It's unnerving, but also... strange. She's not used to people looking at her like that. Like they actually see her.

Finally, she breaks the silence. "What do you want, Coleson?" She asks, trying to keep her voice neutral.

Coleson smiles, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I told you, Billie. I just wanted to say hi."

She frowns, feeling a pang of uncertainty. Why is he being so nice to her? What's his angle?

But Coleson just shrugs, his shoulders barely moving. "Maybe I'm bored with the usual crowd. Maybe I want to get to know someone new."

She snorts, trying to sound dismissive. But Coleson's words strike a chord deep within her. Maybe I'm tired of being alone, too.

She looks away, trying to compose herself. But she can feel Coleson's gaze on her, like a gentle pressure. She shifts uncomfortably, her eyes darting towards him and then away.

Coleson seems to sense her unease. He stands up, his movements fluid and graceful. "Maybe I'll see you around, Billie," he says, his voice low and smooth.

And with that, he's gone, leaving her feeling uneasy and unsure. What does he want from her? And why can't she shake the feeling that he's not going to give up easily