From Hate to Forever

The excitement from the gala lasted even after the following week. People began to talk about the things that had happened and those that were. People loved to talk about Ethan and Aria's dance. Students thought about their new bonding while teachers praised for their competition.

As always, Ethan seemed to not care. With his customary swagger and smile, the boy walked the corridors. To Aria, every glance seemed to be with genuine curiosity. She lowered her head to the books, not talking with anyone unnecessary.

At lunch, Sophie couldn't help but tease you about Ethan. "You two were dancing pretty close," she said with a smile.

Just a dance, Aria murmured while poking at her salad.

"Okay." Sophie said like the types of people in the movie can say when they are being sarcastic. What his gaze says about you? That's new. Totally normal.".

Aria groaned. Let's not do this at the moment, please.".

Before Sophie could speak, Ethan suddenly appeared at their table and dropped into the seat next to Aria like he lived there.

"Miss me, Bennett?Showed his teeth he asked.

Aria rolled her eyes. What's bringing you here, Carter?".

"Relax. Henry began by taking out his notebook from his bag and saying, "I am the presenter for the project". "Mrs. Patel wants us to finalize the deck format by Friday.

"I am fine," Aria said as she unzipped her notebook.

Meet at the library after school

"Great," Ethan said while getting up. He bent a little low and said something teasingly in a whisper. "Can't wait, partner!".

Feeling ashamed, Aria walked away, which made Sophie laugh.

---.

The library after school was quieter than it usually is. Aria already occupies a corner table and lays out her notes in rows. Ethan arrived a few minutes later with a coffee in one hand and a grin on his face.

Here's one for you," he said, sliding it toward her.

Aria raised an eyebrow. "What's the catch?".

"Nothing to lose," said Ethan from the other side of the table. Simply trying to be nice.

Although she is suspicious, Aria takes the coffee. "Thanks.".

They got into it and talked possibilities for drawing out plans. Surprisingly well worked their contrasting personalities together.

Ethan sat in his chair and watched Aria quickly write in her notebook for quite some time.

"I have to say," he said slowly, "you're a little scary when you focus."

Aria glanced up. "You are annoying when you breath."

Ethan chuckled, making the other students look back.

The more time they spent together, the less awkward they felt around each other. For some reason, the tension evaporated and they began joking and throwing on sarcasm throughout the rest of the meeting.

Unhappiness had come; they began to pack; the tranquillity was broken.

"Library entrance had a voice calling Bennett".

She raised her head to see Ryan, her old lover, with a blank face.

What brings you here?"Aria asked carefully, a bit scared."

Ryan looked over at Ethan. "I hear you are having a gala." I didn't realize the two of you were so close!

Ethan stood up and his smile disappeared. Is there a problem with you?"".

Ryan didn't respond. He looked at Aria. "Can we talk? Alone?".

Aria stopped and stared at Ethan. He was angry and his hands were also tight

Ethan said coldly, "She does need to go anywhere with you."

Ryan moved along with a difficult stance. "Stop getting involved Carter.".

"Indeed it does", Ethan stood and yelled

Aria saw the fight of the boys and intervened quickly to stop them.

"Stop," she ordered, shifting her gaze from one to the other. "Ryan, you can say what you want next." I'm busy.".

Ryan tightly closed his jaws nevertheless he agreed. "Fine. But Aria, it's not done yet.

He left, creating a moments awkward silence left in his wake.

Ethan went back to his seat frowning. What on earth was that?".

No idea" Aria said quickly, gathering up her things. We'll finish this later.

She left the library, heart pounding, before Ethan could finish his question. Ryan's presence just complicated things for us. I wonder if I'm prepared to face it, or what it means to me about Ethan's protective nature.