Parker and Maya 2

He opened his mouth to throw something back, something cruel, something cutting, but before he could, she moved. Just like in class, just like before—her speed was unnatural. One moment she was in her seat, the next she was on his lap, straddling him, fingers curling into his collar.

"Maya—" he started, voice low, warning.

She ignored it. "You keep telling yourself you don't feel it, but I know you do. You can lie to yourself, but you can't lie to me. I can see it in your eyes... for years now." Her fingers traced over his jaw, featherlight, as she whispered, "You're just scared."

Parker's jaw clenched. "I don't like you, Maya."

The words came out slow, deliberate. They cut, meant to. He watched as her eyes flickered, as something in them wavered for just a second. But then—

She smiled.

A soft, knowing thing. "No, Parker! You're lying!"