We do eventually leave the stairwell.
Barely.
Because the moment we step back into the hallway reality returns all at once.
Students everywhere.
Teachers walking past.
Lockers slamming.
Normal life continuing like I didn't just spend the last ten minutes kissing the most confusing boy in school.
Luca walks beside me toward the parking lot after school.
We don't talk much.
But the silence isn't awkward.
It's charged. Electric, like the static in the air is just waiting to be touched and ignite the spark further.
Every now and then our hands brush as we walk, and every single time it happens my pulse jumps like it's surprised.
"You're thinking again," Luca says eventually.
I glance at him.
"How do you know?"
"You get quiet."
"That's because I'm trying to figure you out."
"Any luck so far?"
"No, not really."
He chuckles softly.
"That's fair."
We reach his car.
And the moment I see it, the memory hits instantly.
The rainstorm.
The night everything first shifted between us.
"You're remembering something," he says.
"The storm."
His mouth curves slightly. That wicked, addictive smile with those lips I was craving more often.
"That was a good night."
I cross my arms lightly.
"Debatable."
He opens the passenger door for me.
"Get in."
It sounded more like a command than a suggestion.
I hesitate.
"Where are we going?"
"Drive."
"You really like being mysterious."
"It gets you in the car, doesn't it?"
I sigh.
Unfortunately, he's wasn't wrong.
"Fine," I mutter, climbing in.