#40 Ripples in the Water

"Why are you here?" I managed to break free from my swirling thoughts, forcing myself to focus on the present and the unexpected presence of Asher.

Asher plowed his deft fingers through his damp hair, rolling them back, and exposing every detail of his face to me. Gosh! Why was he so handsome? Water droplets still fell down his face, making it harder for me to concentrate as he took a seat beside me. I wasn't attracted to him like I was to Jake. But his presence brought ripples, I didn't like. And especially how relaxed he behaved all the time, made it even more difficult.

He patted the empty seat beside him, gesturing me to sit beside him. As if!

I couldn’t help but scoff at his audacity. I wasn’t supposed to feel this way about him. My heart belonged to Jake, the one who made me forget my own name whenever I was with him. Yet, here at school, Asher had become a constant distraction. His relentless attempts to get close were puzzling. Why me? I was neither popular nor particularly bea