Chapter 5:Close,but not too Close

Celeste didn't like feeling off balance. It made her restless, uneasy—like she was walking on a tightrope without knowing where it led.

And Ryan Cruz?

He was the gust of wind threatening to knock her down.

She told herself she wouldn't think about their conversation on the rooftop. That she wouldn't let his words bother her. But the way he had looked at her—the way he had said, "That you care."

It lingered.

She didn't care. Not about him. Not about anyone. She had learned a long time ago that caring only led to disappointment.

So why was she still thinking about it?

By the time the next school day rolled around, Celeste had decided on one thing: she was going to ignore Ryan Cruz.

No more entertaining his stupid smirks. No more letting him slip into her space so easily. No more stolen moments on rooftops where she ended up questioning everything she thought she knew about herself.

She walked into class with her usual blank expression, ready to act like nothing had changed.

Except… something had.

Ryan was already there, sitting in his usual seat next to her. But instead of throwing a teasing remark her way, instead of grinning like he was already winning whatever game he thought they were playing—he was quiet.

He didn't say a word.

Celeste told herself she should be relieved. This was what she wanted, right?

So why did the silence feel heavier than it should?

The day passed slowly.

Ryan was still Ryan—he laughed with his friends, made sarcastic comments in class, and somehow managed to look both bored and completely at ease at the same time.

But something was different.

He didn't try to talk to her.

Didn't sit with her during lunch.

Didn't meet her gaze like he usually did.

Celeste told herself she didn't care.

But when the last bell rang and she found herself lingering in the hallways instead of heading straight home, she knew she was lying to herself.

She found him outside, leaning against his motorcycle like he had nowhere to be and all the time in the world.

She hesitated for half a second before stepping forward. "You're quiet today."

Ryan looked up, raising an eyebrow. "Didn't know you cared."

Celeste exhaled sharply. "I don't."

Ryan smirked, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Then why are you here?"

She didn't have an answer for that.

Ryan let the silence stretch before shaking his head. "Relax, Ramos. I was just giving you space. You seemed like you needed it."

Celeste frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Ryan tilted his head, studying her. "It means that I noticed. You've been trying to ignore me all day."

Her stomach twisted. She hated that he could read her so easily.

Ryan sighed, pushing off his bike. "Look, if you want me to back off, just say the word. I'm not here to bother you."

Celeste opened her mouth, ready to tell him yes, back off. That this—whatever this was—needed to stop before it went any further.

But the words wouldn't come out.

Ryan waited, watching her with an unreadable expression.

And then, as if deciding for her, he let out a small chuckle and ran a hand through his hair. "Got it. Consider me officially out of your way, Ramos."

He swung his leg over his bike, starting the engine. The sound roared to life between them, loud and final.

Celeste should have walked away.

She didn't.

"Ryan."

His name left her lips before she could stop herself.

Ryan paused, looking at her.

She didn't know what to say.

Because what was she even doing? Calling him back just so she could pretend she didn't care again?

But before she could figure it out, Ryan gave her a small, knowing smile. "See you around, Ramos."

And then he was gone.

Leaving Celeste standing there, feeling like she had just lost something she never even had.

For the next few days, something strange happened.

Ryan didn't try to talk to her.

Didn't sit next to her at lunch.

Didn't tease her or throw sarcastic remarks her way.

And Celeste?

She hated it.

She didn't realize how much she had gotten used to his presence until it was gone. Until she caught herself scanning the classroom for him. Until she found herself listening for his voice in the hallways.

It was ridiculous.

She had spent so much time keeping people at a distance, and now that someone had actually listened and left—why did it feel so wrong?

By the time Friday rolled around, Celeste had had enough.

After class, she made her way to the one place she was sure she'd find him—the rooftop.

Sure enough, Ryan was there, leaning against the railing, staring out at the city.

She didn't hesitate this time.

"You're avoiding me."

Ryan turned slightly, eyebrows raised. "Wasn't that what you wanted?"

Celeste crossed her arms. "No."

He let out a short laugh. "Could've fooled me."

She exhaled sharply. "I just… I don't like people getting too close."

Ryan nodded, as if he understood. "And I don't like chasing people who don't want me around."

Celeste hesitated. "It's not that I don't want you around."

Ryan looked at her then, really looked at her. "Then what is it, Ramos?"

She didn't know.

All she knew was that she didn't want him to walk away again.

Ryan sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Look, I don't do games. If you want me to stay, I'll stay. If you want me to leave, I'll leave. But you have to pick."

Celeste swallowed, feeling like she was standing at the edge of something dangerous.

Ryan was offering her a choice.

Let him in—or push him away.

She took a deep breath. And for the first time in a long time, she made a decision.

"I want you to stay."

Ryan blinked, as if he hadn't expected her to actually say it. Then, slowly, a grin spread across his face.

"Well," he said, smirking. "Took you long enough."

Celeste rolled her eyes, but this time, she didn't turn away.

Maybe—just maybe—letting someone in wasn't the worst thing in the world.

But Celeste knew herself.

And she knew that letting someone in meant giving them the power to hurt her.

She wasn't sure if she was ready for that.

Yet when Ryan sat next to her in class the next morning, his usual smirk in place, and whispered, "Miss me, Ramos?"—she found herself fighting a smile instead of an eye roll.

Maybe this was dangerous.

Maybe she was playing with fire.

But for now, she'd let herself get a little closer.

Just a little.

Because Ryan Cruz?

He was hard to stay away from.

And Celeste was tired of pretending she wanted to.

To be continued…