48

    b48 /b

    ANNA’S POV

    The next morning came too quickly, and Ryan was already awake before me, moving around quietly in the kitchen as if he actually knew what he was doing. By the time I dragged myself out of bed, my eyes half closed, the smell of pancakes hit me first. I walked in and saw him standing there, shirtless, flipping pancakes like some pro chef.

    “Ryan, what are you doing?” I asked, yawning and rubbing my eyes.

    He smirked without even turning around. “What does it look like? Making breakfast for my girl.”

    I scoffed, sitting at the counter. “You don’t know how to cook.”

    “Correction,” he said as he slid a te toward me with a little too much confidence. “I don’t usually cook. Big difference.”

    I took one bite, chewing slowly while raising my brow at him. “Not bad… shocking actually.”

    “See? I’m full of surprises.” He leaned on the counter, watching me eat with that stupid satisfied grin on his face. “Eat up, you have an early ss. I’m driving you to school.”

    I shook my head immediately. “No, Ryan, don’t. You don’t need to do that, I can go myself.”

    He crossed his arms, his tone firm. “I’m not asking, Anna. I’m using every damn chance I get to be with you.‘

    I rolled my eyes but felt the butterflies anyway.

    ”

    After breakfast, he grabbed his keys and, true to his word, drove me to campus. The ride was quiet at first,fortable even, until we pulled into the parking area near my department. Just as he was about to step out to open the door for me, I stopped him quickly.

    “Ryan, don’t,” I said, holding his arm.

    He frowned. “Why not?”

    “Because I don’t want people crowding or asking questions. You’re too popr, Ryan. If you want to get to your office early, just stay inside. I can open my own door.”

    He stared at me for a moment, clearly not happy about it, but then he sighed and nodded slowly. “Fine, but only because what you’re saying makes sense.”

    I reached for the handle, but before I could open the door, he leaned over and pressed the lock button. My head snapped toward him. “Ryan!”

    He smirked. “Kiss me first.”

    My eyes widened. “Are you insane? People are walking by, anyone can see us!”

    He leaned closer, his voice dropping. “Do I look like I care? Kiss m”

    I tried to argue again, but he cut me short, grabbing my face in his hands and pressing his lips firmly to mine. My heart jumped in my chest as he kissed me hard, pulling me close before whisperg against my lips, “I love you, Anna. Don’t ever forget it.”

    I swallowed hard, my cheeks heating up. “Ryan…”

    “I’ll pick you up after ss,” he said seriously, brushing a strand hair from my face. “We’re going on a date. Four p.m. Be ready.”

    I blinked, caught off guard. “A date?”

    “Yes, a date,” he repeated, smirking at my blush. “Now go, before I make youte.”

    48

    I rolled my eyes, trying to hide the smile tugging at my lips as I finally opened the door. “Fine. But don’t forget, you’re leaving first.”

    “Not happening,” he said stubbornly. “You go in first. I’m not leaving until I see you walk in.”

    I blushed harder and shook my head before quickly walking inside. I turned once to wave, and he was still there, watching me, smiling like I was the only thing that mattered to him.

    Just then, Sasha’s voice rang out. “Anna!”

    I turned and saw her rushing up to me, she nced at the time, then at me. “ss starts in like four minutes. Where have you been?”

    “I came with Ryan,” I admitted softly.

    Her eyes narrowed immediately. “Anna, do you even know what you’re doing? This is the same guy that ignored you for three days and had you moping around looking miserable. He’s toxic, Anna. Are you sure about this? If you need help, just say it. I mean, even if I’m scared of him, there are other guys who would deal with him for you.”

    Iughed a little, shaking my head. “Sasha, I’m fine. Really. Everything’s okay.”

    She crossed her arms, unconvinced. “I don’t believe you. But… fine. Just promise me, if anything goes wrong, you’ll tell me. Don’t keep it to yourself.”

    )

    I smiled softly, though inside I knew Sasha could never really understand. Ryan wasn’t just some guy to me, he had once been my big brother, the one who protected me. But I couldn’t say that, not to her. So I just nodded. “I’ll tell you, I promise.”

    She sighed, still looking skeptical, but let it go as we walked toward the ssroom. My phone buzzed just as we reached the door

    and my chest tightened when I saw the message from Ryan.

    RYAN: Have a good day, baby. Listen to your lecturer. Don’t think about me too much. I’ll pick you up at 4 p.m. for our date. Dress up nice for me. I love you.

    My cheeks heated instantly, butterflies swirling in my stomach. Dating Ryan was… sweet. Too sweet.

    Sasha noticed my smile and frowned. “Why are you grinning like that?”

    I shook my head quickly, hiding my phone. “Nothing.”

    “Anna…” she dragged my name suspiciously.

    Iughed, blushing hard, and rushed into the ss with her, just the lecturer walked in to start the lesson.

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