MIA

"Hey, who wants breakfast?" I heard Miles call out as he descended the stairs. I coughed slightly, shifting my gaze away from Jackson.

"I do," I playfully raised my hand, getting up with Max in my arms.

"Looks like someone is ready for their date," Miles smirked, making his way to the kitchen. I wanted to playfully smack his head for reminding me again. I quickly left the room, unsure of how to be around Jackson. It's silly to run away from him, but my heart has been racing ever since I laid eyes on him.

"Hey, Jackson, I still can't believe you beat me," Miles chuckled, giving his arm a light punch. "You're a natural, dude."

"Thanks, I've played more intense games like that back in Korea. This one felt easy," Jackson grinned, his eyes almost locked on mine.

I quickly looked away, placing Max down with his toys and focusing on the laughter coming from the kitchen.

"Mia, you have to hear this!" Ariel called my name amidst her laughter. I entered the kitchen and noticed Maddy's face turning red, while Sydney tried to suppress a giggle.

"What did I miss here?" I asked, reaching for some bread to make a quick toast.

"Mia, you didn't tell us that Maddy here has a crush on Steven," Ariel laughed, mentioning Maddy's classmate whom she's infatuated with.

"I thought I did," I heard the toaster beep, signaling that my toast was ready. I began buttering them while pouring myself a glass of mango juice.

"You know he's a family friend," Sydney revealed.

"Really?" Maddy's eyes widened, causing all of us to burst into laughter.

"Yep, you know, I could ask him if he wants to go on a meet-cute," Sydney smirked, walking towards the toaster to make her own toast.

Maddy fidgeted with her fingers. "I don't know..."

"Come on," Ariel rolled her eyes. "It would be great, plus I'll be there to supervise," Ariel winked mischievously.

"I'll think about it," Maddy replied.

I chuckled, about to take a bite of my last piece of toast when I received a notification on my phone.

'Be there in three minutes' - Ethan.

I sighed, replying with a smile emoji, "Okay." I really wanted to back out, but I wanted to give it a try with him. I haven't been that focused on my love life, and I haven't really experienced much in that aspect, so I'm going for it.

"Dude, you have to tell me," Miles walked in with Jackson. "Did you date anyone while you were in Korea?"

I immediately spat out my juice upon hearing that. I quickly wiped my lips and noticed everyone staring at me. Miles bit his lip, realizing he shouldn't have asked that question. And he really shouldn't have because Jackson's response pierced right through me.

"Oh yeah, I did," Jackson casually replied.

I wasn't surprised that he had dated someone. I mean, just look at him. He practically stepped out of one of those K-drama series with his flawless skin and cute eyes. So why on earth do I feel like breaking down right now?

The room fell silent, thankfully broken by the sound of the doorbell ringing, indicating that Ethan had arrived.

"I... I'll get it," I composed myself, determined not to let it affect me, and practically felt my legs carry me towards the door.

"Hey," I was greeted with Ethan's smile. He looked really good, wearing a green top that accentuated his muscular build. He had always been tall, but I think Jackson might actually be taller than him.

Stop, Mia. You can't compare them.

"Wow," Ethan's gaze lingered on what I was wearing before returning to meet my eyes. "You look really pretty, Mia."

'Pretty Mia' Jackson's voice suddenly echoed in my mind.

"Thanks," I pushed that distracting thought aside and gave Ethan a brief smile. "Give me a sec, let me grab my things." He nodded, patiently waiting as I hurried inside to retrieve my phone and purse from the living room.

"Five o'clock sharp," Miles chimed in, almost startling me with his voice. "Remember, Mom comes at six, and she hates seeing us incomplete." I turned to see him leaning against the wall near the kitchen, engrossed with his phone.

I rolled my eyes. "I know," I replied, making my way to the kitchen to let the others know I was about to leave.

"Guys, wish me luck." Avery and Sydney exchanged knowing looks and gave me a playful wink, while my eyes briefly met Jackson's with a noticeable frown on his face. As he walked past me, he leaned closer and whispered into my ear, "Good luck."

Thump, thump went my heart, threatening to burst.

"Thanks," I held my breath, gazing into his captivating brown eyes. I hoped my face wasn't turning all shades of red. He smiled, but it seemed forced, before heading into the living room to play with Max once again.

"My oh my," Maddy's mouth hung open, her plate forgotten in her hands.

"Mia, honey, you really need that luck." Ariel wore a mischievous smirk, while Sydney burst into laughter. "This semester is going to be fun, I can feel it," she declared, causing me to roll my eyes and touch my face, hoping it didn't feel too hot.

"Bye, guys," I hurriedly muttered, walking briskly away from the house. I opened the door, and there was Ethan, leaning against his mom's car, engrossed in his phone. Sometimes, when he had the chance, Ethan would drive me to school.

His mom was battling breast cancer, so they faced financial difficulties, and he would often miss class, so most times he would use her car when he had the chance.

I closed the door behind me and began walking towards him. He must have sensed my approach because he glanced up, the sun making his eyes sparkle and his smile radiant.

So why couldn't my heart race when I was around him?

"Are you ready?" he asked, slipping his phone into his pocket.

"Yeah, let's go," I smiled at him, and he nodded, opening the car door for me. "For the lady," he grinned, making me laugh.

"Oh, such a gentleman," I played along, stepping into the car. After a few seconds, he got in and fastened his seatbelt.

"So, where are we going?"

"Someplace fun," he replied, starting the engine, and the car began to move. My eyes briefly glanced at the house for some inexplicable reason, maybe hoping Jackson would come out from the house but he didn't.

"Hey, Are you okay?" I turned to see Ethan looking concerned, probably thinking that I didn't want this.

"Yeah, of course I'm fine, silly. Just thinking if I forgot something," I assured him, buckling my seatbelt and resting my head against the headrest.

"Okay."

We drove for a while until I noticed a crowd of people gathered at a particular place. Ethan stopped the car and unbuckled his seatbelt. "Wait here," he quickly said, rushing to my side and opening the door for me.

I laughed at his eager behavior. "You're too sweet." I stepped out of the car, playfully patting his cheek.

"Sweet is my middle name," he wiggled his eyebrows, closing the door.

"Oh, really?" I smirked at him, which made him laugh. My eyes then focused on the place we were at. "An amusement park, Ethan?" It was a delightful surprise. I had expected us to go to a restaurant and then head back home, but this was beyond my expectations.

"You did say park," he responded, walking up behind me. "So why not an amusement park, right? So..." He extended his hand, waiting for me to take it. "Shall we?"

I hesitated for a moment, but then I thought, why not? If Jackson can go on dates with his girlfriend, surely he holds her hand all the time or, worse, they might even kiss.

"We shall," I stared into Ethan's eyes as I slowly placed my hand in his, causing his eyes to light up. "Let's have some fun."

He squeezed my hand lightly and we went into the park. It was honestly fun, Ethan kept losing to some games which made me laugh so hard but finally won and gave me a cute baby panda as his reward. "Max will like it," that was answer but I knew he wanted to give it to me.

I chuckled at his behavior, he grabbed my hand and took me to the bumper rides, I had no idea what I was doing and got hit alot by people but Ethan retaliated in return which was so adorable of him.

I really wanted to go to the ferris wheel but i have a bit fear of heights so I suggested we go get cotton candy, " Mia look," Ethan called my name and I noticed he turned his cotton candy to a mustache. " Suits you," I laughed out loud and immediately he took a picture of me.

"You look beautiful when you smile," He whispered to me, that should have made me blush or my heart race but no it didn't.

" Huh... Let's go to the Arcade," I gestured, trying to change the mood, I grabbed his hands, moving towards the game. I was confused, he was doing all the things that would make any girl in school heart flutter instantly, he was a sweet talker, good looking, friendly and fun.

So why won't my dumb heart race?!

......