He Comes At Night

Continued...

Just as I mentally screamed at myself to stop spacing out, I heard him ask, "Cool. Can I tag along?" Then, noting my expression—which was not reluctance, just… surprise!—he quickly added, "I mean… to the cafeteria."

Then he laughed and said, "Don't worry, I'm not trying to intrude on your sacred lunch date. I know better than to get between two girls and their uninterrupted gossip session."

I snorted. "Smart man. But hey, why not come along? Before you know it, you'll be the next campus gossip queen."

He gave me a lopsided grin. "Tempting offer. But why do I have a feeling I should run in the opposite direction?"

"A wise instinct. You must have years of experience dodging disasters," I teased.

"Not experience—just observation. You'd be surprised what you can learn if you pay attention." Something gleamed in his eyes as he gave me a cryptic smile. 

That sounds... mischievous of sorts.

"Oh? Is that why you dedicate all your focus to flirting? So you can observe?" I chuckled, using air quotes.

"Hey! I don't flirt with everyone," he defended.

Then he leaned in, lowering his voice to a whisper. "Some of the guys are way too straight for that."

I barked out a laugh loud enough to turn a few heads. Leo laughed along with me, then shot me a wink. "Just kidding. It's exclusively you."

And just like that, I died.

Not that I let it show.

"And how many times have you used that line alone?" I challenged, smirking.

He gasped dramatically. "Only on you… recently."

I shook my head. "At least you get points for honesty."

He bowed theatrically. "Thank you, my lady."

By the time we stepped into the cafeteria, the chaotic mix of voices and clattering trays welcomed us like an offbeat symphony.

Before we got far, Leo suddenly turned to face me again.

The playful glint in his eye was gone, replaced by something… nervous. He rubbed the back of his neck—again.

"So, uh… Rose, there's this party at Eddie's tomorrow night. Everyone's going, and I was wondering… do you wanna come? I could pick you up."

Wait.

Was he… asking me out?

Like, on an actual date?

What do I even say to that?

My brain completely short-circuited. I'd thought he was going to ask to borrow my notes or something. Instead, I was standing here, in the middle of the cafeteria, having a full-on what-the-hell-do-I-do meltdown.

So, naturally, I panicked.

"Uh, actually, Aria's taking me," I lied, blurting the first thing that came to mind.

Aria hadn't even mentioned a party. But knowing her, she'd probably bring it up an hour before go-time just so I'd have no excuse to bail.

His face instantly shut down like that of a puppy if you refused to give them a treat.

"Sorry, we already made plans," I continued, terribly attempting to salvage the situation. Then, realizing how awkward that sounded as if I was trying to blow him off. 

Needing to rectify that, I added, "But hey, I can meet you there?"

Leo's face lit up drastically much way too quickly. "Yeah, sure! That sounds great. So, I'll see you tomorrow then?"

"See you then," I confirmed, mustering up a polite smile before speed-walking away.

What the hell was that?!

If I was fine with meeting him there, why not just let him pick me up? Because then it would be an official date, my brain answered. 

And this way, it's just… two people at the same party.

Right?

God, I need to find Aria. And I need girl talk. Desperately.