I couldn't stop thinking about him, no matter how hard I tried. All that occupied my mind was his cold, emotionless yet strikingly handsome face. I felt an inexplicable need for him to be close to me.

   What were these emotions swirling inside me whenever he was around? Was I falling for him? No, maybe I was just confused because he had saved me from being killed.

   As I drifted into slumber, he still dominated my thoughts.

  The following day at school, he was nowhere to be found. This pattern repeated throughout the week, and I found myself missing him. Why? When I asked Jeremy about him, all he mentioned was that he was preoccupied with something important, and Natalie had ceased her attempts to harm me.

I rested my head on my bed, pondering if this was all just a swirl of confusion. Perhaps I'd finally find clarity during our upcoming date.

***

   He sat on one of the swings when I arrived.

   Upon seeing me, he rose and embraced me tightly. He smelled pleasant, like freshly cut flowers, but it wasn't the same scent as Dylan. My thoughts unintentionally drifted to Dylan as he hugged me.

   He blindfolded me and guided me into his car.

   The car eventually came to a stop. He removed the blindfold, revealing a breathtaking garden filled with vibrant flowers, reminiscent of a fairytale scene.

   The scent was enchanting, and I felt as though I had entered a new world. In the garden's center, there was a table set for a candlelit dinner, with two chairs placed on either end. I suddenly felt underdressed in my turtleneck top, ripped jeans, and worn-out sneakers.

   He seemed to notice my discomfort and inquired about it. I hesitated but eventually shared my concern.

   "You look beautiful just the way you are," he assured me, and I felt my cheeks flush.

   After our meal, we decided to take a leisurely walk and then dance to the soft music playing in the background.

   "Why did you choose me instead of one of the more beautiful girls? I'm not even that attractive," I questioned as we swayed to the music.

   He didn't respond to my inquiry; instead, he leaned in and kissed me. It was my first kiss with a guy, and I stood there like a deer in headlights, my eyes wide open. He pulled away.

  "Never been kissed before?" he inquired, and I couldn't bring myself to reply, too embarrassed.

  "Do you want me to teach you?" he offered, my cheeks burn with embarrassment. Should I say yes or no? I was perplexed. What would he do if I said either?

   Before I could respond, he pressed his lips against mine once more. I mimicked what I had seen him do, and he was patient and gentle as I followed his lead.

   However, as I kissed him, the face I had been trying to forget but couldn't resurfaced in my mind. Why was I thinking about him while kissing his brother?

  I pulled away, confused and conflicted.