Chapter 4- A Game of Distance

Celeste wasn't sure what annoyed her more—the fact that Ryan Cruz had somehow inserted himself into her world or the fact that, for some reason, she hadn't pushed him away.

She wasn't used to people lingering. Most gave up quickly when they realized she wasn't interested in entertaining meaningless conversations. It was easier that way. Safer.

But Ryan?

He wasn't leaving.

And that was a problem.

She noticed it in the little things. How he always seemed to be nearby. How he always found a way to throw casual comments in her direction, not expecting anything in return but clearly enjoying the challenge of getting a reaction out of her.

Like now.

Celeste sat at her desk, reading, while the classroom buzzed with noise around her. She could feel Ryan's presence even before he spoke.

"Still reading that book?" His voice was smooth, teasing, as he slid into the seat beside her.

She didn't look up. "Is that a problem?"

Ryan smirked. "Nah. Just impressed by your commitment. I figured you'd be done by now."

Celeste finally glanced at him, eyebrow raised. "Are you keeping track of my reading habits now?"

Ryan leaned back, stretching his arms. "Maybe."

She sighed, closing her book. "Do you always talk this much?"

"You'd be surprised," he said. "I actually don't talk that much to most people."

That caught her attention. Celeste tilted her head slightly. "So why me?"

Ryan grinned. "Because you make it fun."

She rolled her eyes. "I'm not playing whatever game you think this is."

Ryan's expression shifted slightly, as if her words had amused him. "Who said it's a game?"

Celeste didn't reply. Because she knew that if she did, he'd find another way to twist her words, to keep the conversation going.

And she couldn't afford that.

Because she had a feeling that if she wasn't careful, Ryan Cruz would be the kind of person who got too close.

And Celeste Ramos didn't let people get close.

The next day, Ryan was late to class.

It wasn't unusual for him—he never seemed to care much about school rules—but for some reason, Celeste noticed.

She found herself glancing at the door more than once, waiting for that familiar presence to stroll in with his usual lazy confidence. But he didn't.

The seat beside her was empty.

She ignored the strange feeling that settled in her stomach and turned her attention back to the lesson. It wasn't her problem. She didn't care.

Except, when lunch came around, she found herself scanning the cafeteria, looking for him.

And when she didn't see him there either, she frowned.

Celeste wasn't used to routines. She didn't let herself get used to things. But somehow, Ryan had wormed his way into her daily life without her permission. His presence was like background noise—always there, always steady.

So why did it feel weird now that he was gone?

Celeste found him on the rooftop.

She hesitated at the door, debating whether to turn back. But before she could, Ryan's voice cut through the quiet.

"You looking for me?"

She rolled her eyes, stepping forward. "Don't flatter yourself."

Ryan chuckled, leaning against the railing, hands in his pockets. "Sure. You just happened to wander up here for no reason."

Celeste crossed her arms. "Why weren't you in class?"

Ryan shrugged. "Had things to do."

She frowned. "That's not an answer."

Ryan looked at her then, his usual smirk gone. "You worried about me, Ramos?"

Celeste scoffed. "Don't be ridiculous."

But the way he was looking at her told her he didn't believe a word of it.

For the first time, Celeste wasn't sure if she believed herself either.

The air was different up here. Quieter. The distant sounds of students below felt like background noise, nothing compared to the strange silence stretching between them.

Ryan studied her for a moment before exhaling. "You really want to know why I wasn't in class?"

Celeste hesitated. "I wouldn't have asked if I didn't."

Ryan tapped his fingers against the railing. "Let's just say I had some business to take care of."

She narrowed her eyes. "That's still not an answer."

He smirked. "It's the best one you're getting."

Celeste huffed in irritation, but before she could respond, Ryan changed the subject. "What about you?"

"What about me?" she asked, wary.

"You're always alone," he said, tilting his head. "It's like you've got this wall around you. Is that on purpose?"

Celeste stiffened.

He noticed.

Ryan chuckled. "Relax, I'm not prying. Just curious."

She looked away, staring at the sky. "Maybe people just aren't worth my time."

Ryan whistled. "Harsh."

She shrugged. "Honest."

He studied her for a moment, something unreadable in his expression. Then, with a lazy grin, he said, "Well, I must be the exception then."

Celeste turned to him, raising an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"

Ryan stretched his arms, looking completely unbothered. "You came up here looking for me, didn't you?"

Celeste froze.

She hated that he was right.

Hated that he saw through her so easily.

Ryan smirked at her silence, pushing off the railing. "Don't worry, Ramos. Your secret's safe with me."

She glared. "What secret?"

"That you care," he teased, walking past her toward the rooftop door.

Celeste rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. "You're ridiculous."

Ryan turned back, grinning. "And you're in denial."

She opened her mouth to argue, but he was already walking away, leaving her standing there, completely thrown off balance.

For the first time in a long time, Celeste Ramos didn't know what to do.

Because Ryan Cruz wasn't just breaking past her walls.

He was making her wonder if she even wanted to keep them up.

To be continued…