Ice on the Outside, Screaming Love on the Inside Chapter 03

Ice on the Outside, Screaming Love on the Inside Chapter 03

The next day, Marnie dragged me to the rink early so we could get good seats.

I handed her the sports drink. “You take it to him. I’ll just watch.”

She looked at me like I’d grown a second head.

After the first period, Joren skated over to us exactly as expected.

Marnie tossed him the bottle, then opened another one and handed it to Kael.

I glanced at the two of them, a sour feeling settling in my stomach.

Marnie had only grabbed food with Kael twice, and they were already comfortable around each other.

I’d been bringing Joren drinks for a year, and he was still just as cold.

How could someone’s heart be that hard? Like a rock that never warmed up no matter how long you held it.

I looked up and met Joren’s gaze.

He pulled off his helmet with one hand. Sweat dampened the hair over his forehead, but his tone stayed casual.

“If we win, the team is getting dinner tonight. You and Marnie should come.”

I gave a subdued hum.

[Seriously, why does she keep looking at everyone except me?]

[I was going to take it easy and let Kael steal the spotlight, but not anymore. Time to step it up.]

[When we win, I’ll get her one of those sweet little cakes she likes. She is not allowed to keep looking at other people.]

I frowned and watched Joren for a few seconds.

His gaze drifted casually toward Marnie and Kael several times.

Of course. He was jealous.

The whistle blew. Intermission was over.

Right before he skated away, Joren glanced at me like it was an afterthought.

“Not feeling it today?”

“Could be better.”

He paused for half a second, then turned and headed back onto the ice.

I couldn’t even bring myself to shout, “Go, Joren!” so I shoved my cheer sign into Marnie’s hands.

“I’m going back to the classroom. I’m tired. I want to nap for a bit.”

Marnie hesitated for a few seconds, then actually grabbed her bag and came after me.

“Are you okay, Ophelia? You’ve been totally drained these past two days.”

My clueless bestie still had no idea Joren liked her.

Joren couldn’t even figure out how to pursue a girl, and he was supposed to be the straight-A genius.

What an idiot.

“I’m fine. I just don’t want to like Joren anymore.”

Marnie’s jaw nearly hit the floor. In the end, she just clicked her tongue.

“Teenage hearts…”

The team won that night, just as expected.

I didn’t want to go to the celebration, but Marnie loved anything loud and fun, so she dragged me along.

“Come on. You haven’t looked great lately. You need to relax.”

What was I supposed to do when my best friend begged like that? Spoil her, obviously.

We grabbed dinner first, then went to karaoke.

I stayed tucked in a corner, scrolling on my phone.

For some reason, Joren came over and sat beside me.

He set the cake he’d bought for Marnie in front of me.

“Bad mood? Your grades can’t go up every single time. Just work harder next time.”

I copied his usual attitude.

I gave him a flat little “Oh” and went right back to my phone.

Marnie walked over and sat on my other side.

The two of them boxed me in, and I instantly felt awkward.

Then Joren’s inner voice piped up.

[Seriously? Why can’t she take a hint?]

[If she sits here, how am I supposed to talk to my cutie?]

I shot to my feet.

“I’m going to the restroom.”

My chest felt tight and achy, and my throat felt raw.

I splashed cold water on my face until I finally got my emotions under control.

When I headed back toward the room, I spotted Joren standing at the far end of the hallway.

My stupid heart gave a hard jump.

For one second, I actually thought—

He was waiting for me.

Then Marnie came around the corner.

She was carrying a large bag of drinks and waved it at me from down the hall.

“Someone lost at dice, so they’re buying coffee for everyone.”

I forced a smile.

God, I was stupid.

He’d been waiting for her. Why would he ever be there for me?