A/N:- So, I am writing this part in Nora's point of view even though it was meant for Derek as I felt this part was more suitable for Nora's thoughts than Derek's. Derek will get his share of two chapters later. Next chapter will be again from Derek's pov.

***

"Are you alright?" Derek asked as we walked back towards the car. It was already night time but it was still hot and humid due to summer. I desperately wanted to go and turn on the AC.

"Can we walk for a bit before we get in the car?" I asked quietly.

"Sure. Why not?" He put the keys back in his pocket and we started walking slowly.

We were going through the same route like last time and to my delight, I found the same bridge he had taken me to earlier. Nobody spoke for few minutes before he spoke, "You didn't answer my question."

I nodded, dragging my feet forward, "Just a bit tired. We had a long day."

"It's just that you have become quiet all of a sudden. You always become quiet whenever we go to Jake's place. Do you not like it there or what? I can manage the time-"

"I am alright, Derek. I am not sick or angry at you," I let out a forced laugh, running a hand through my hair strands.

He stopped walking, "Oh no. You just called me Derek. What is it? What has happened?"

"I swear if you start thinking it's your fault, I will push you off the bridge right now," I threatened as we started climbing the bridge.

"I won't drown. Its a small stream. I doubt it barely goes upto my waist. Though, I might get carried away by the current," He peeked over the edge, scrunching his face.

"I just heard some stuff," I said, unable to hold it any longer, "I am pondering over it, that's it."

"Really? What was that?" He asked, crossing his arms and his eyebrows furrowing, going into serious mode.

"Your obsession about Reina. It's kind of unsettling, to be honest," I shifted my foot.

Great, wrong wording.

Derek let out a loud sigh, rolling his eyes, "It was in the past, Nora. You know that," He said in an obvious tone.

"Did you really said to Reina that you would always love a nine out of ten her rather than a ten out of ten any other girl?" I blurted out, chuckling awkwardly.

Shut up, Nora. Control your questions. Don't make him angry.

He stiffened, a hard look crossing his features, "I had forgotten about that," He frowned.

"I am sorry I eavesdropped. Even though that's cheesy, I found it really romantic and I swear if someone told me that-"

"You weren't supposed to hear that. Not even Jake or Olivia. I can't believe Reina told them," He mumbled, interrupting me and not hearing what I just said, "It was true what I said because I felt like it that time."

"Leave that. Answer me. Do you still think you will always-"

"I don't know, okay?" He suddenly snapped, "I don't know, Nora. Reina is and always will be my first crush and love. Nobody can change that, not even me. It didn't happen, fine. I am not dying out of pain, am I? Stop bringing Reina into every topic. I am not ecstatic talking about it," He finished, looking pissed as he let out a noise of irritation.

"But-"

"And stop eavesdropping, will you? I did that too and it didn't make me feel any better when I overheard other people's conversations. Stop asking the same questions over and over again. The answers are not going to change," He let out his anger, clicking his tongue in frustration.

I stared at him, trying to figure out what was going inside his head. I wasn't hurt, I was merely curious. Though, this was one of the rare moments I had seen him frustrated or angry. I had seen him angry before but those were very rare.

"I have said many things to Reina. Things which a stupid, hormonal teenager boy would say as a last resort to get the girl. Some were pleasant, some were not. I made many silly promises and proclaimed my love for her more than once. I got drunk because of her and even fought with Jake. It was due to my accusations Axel broke up with Reina and landed in the hospital half dead. I still persuaded Reina in the hospital and told her to stay with me. God knows how many times I have cried over her after that. But I am still happy now, amn't I?" He snapped.

Ouch.

"I truly, deeply loved her and imagined a future with her where we would marry. I would take her away from this small town and go live in the city," He looked away as if tasting bile.

I kept quiet as he let his anger out. He shook his head.

"What I didn't realize is she is happy here in this town. She isn't too eager to go out from here and change her lifestyle. This place is home to her and runs in her blood. It was me who desperately wanted to get out from Greywall and taste the city life. I was overtly ambitious and thought she dreamt about the same things as I did. She didn't," He explained.

"I am sorry to hear that," I said softly.

"You have to understand, Nora. She was my first love and not in a teenage infatuation way, it was deep and frankly, more serious than it should have been at that age. She will always remain my first love, I can't change that. I really did love her but she never did. End of story. I moved on after that and things are fine now. Don't complicate things and make up stuff which isn't there in the first place," He spoke.

This was the longest time I had ever heard him speak to me. He gulped before looking away, obviously impatient and regretful.

"I am sorry. I-I shouldn't have said that. I got angry..." He shook his head, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"You are not comfortable with speaking about Reina because she still bothers you very much. You might not love her anymore but she is still there in your thoughts," My voice didn't stay as strong as I imagined.

He sighed again, "If you continously go on speaking about someone's ex love, obviously that person is bound to get irritated at some point of time. You can't blame me."

No, I couldn't but I'd be damned if I didn't feel jealous. What I wouldn't do to get even half of his affection for her towards me. I never really understood the magnitude of his feelings but looking at him now, I would say pretty much. That left a bitter taste in my mouth.

"So, you don't think that you will love again?" I asked.

"That term is fucked up. Everyone holds a different meaning for it. It exists but not everyone gets it. I just don't trust it anymore," He replied, "Change the topic now, please."

"May I kiss you?" I asked simply.

He blinked, the frown and exasperation flying from his face instantly, "You mean like the second kiss?" He asked.

"No, a real kiss without any bet. Not as a part of the game," I replied seriously.

You are not a rebound, you are not a rebound, my head was chanting. You love him, that's why you want to kiss him.

"What? Why would you do that?" He half snickered, hoping I would join in his laughter but turned serious when he saw I wasn't laughing.

We kept quiet. He was staring at me and I was letting him. I wanted him to be bold for just once in his life. I wanted him to kiss me.

He was looking at me with an amused expression, not blinking anymore. His mouth had parted slightly as he gauged my request, still unable to process if I was joking or not. The bright moonlight fell on his face and he looked ghostly pale as he stood still. His neat hair was a mess now due to running his hand continously through it. I had no clue what was going inside his head and probably would never get it. So, instead of thinking, I decided to make a move.

I cautiously moved forward a millimeter, my eyes flickering to his lips. He was close enough. Now, he had to move forward and seal our lips. Just this once, Derek. He could do it. Forget that I had to show him anything. Just one kiss without any comparison with Reina.

His mouth parted wider as his eyes half closed. He stood still as a statue as I moved another millimeter. If he gave any indication that he didn't want it, I would move away without further ado. My hands rested on his shoulders and then slowly trailed to his chest and grabbed his shirt. His cologne filled my senses and he smelled heavenly. He was breathing lightly and his warm breath blew on my face as I inclined my head up, standing on tiptoes and brushing his lips with mine.

He saw my move and then stirred suddenly. He pulled back, jerking my hands away and stepped back before he turned. He walked backwards to the opposite side of the bridge, running his hands through his hair again, looking guilty and shocked.

"I-I am sorry. I can't do it. Not with you," He stuttered, "It's weird if there is no bet. I can't kiss you just like that. You are too close to me to take such a risk."

It was both weirdly nice and hurtful thing of him to say that, yet it was a straight cut. I knew I wouldn't coerce him against his will but I had shamefully hoped he would long to kiss me too instead of being just a one sided love.

I felt like I had been slapped. Disappointment and hurt washed over me. Of course he wouldn't. What earthquake would come if he just kissed me once? He acted as if Reina would get hurt if he touched or spoke about another girl.

It was high time he checked out other girls' asses and assets instead of just one.

"I know you want to make me forget her. But, I don't need a kiss to forget her. I assure you I am over her," He spoke softly.

Bloody hell, he didn't know anything. He was still thinking I was trying to help him out, whereas I just wanted to kiss him because I felt like it. I wanted to kiss him.

"You don't need to show me or prove anything, Nora. I believe in love but I don't find that same excitement in it that I used to feel two years back. It really messed me up in that area," He gave a forced laugh.

I felt like sitting here and crying, like a child did when his/her toy broke or ice cream fell down.

"I'm going to meet Jake's mom tomorrow again. She invited me over. Will you come?" He broke the silence.

I shook my head, "No, actually I think I might check out some of the bars," I said quickly, "You enjoy."

"You don't even know the town," Derek said quietly, not bothering to scold or reprimand me.

I felt bad that he didn't even try to persuade me to go with him. Was he seriously so hyped over for a kiss? Forget it, dude. I was already trying, you can do it too no matter the stings.

"I'll manage," I said, giving a thumbs up.

Now he was going to act all distant. Brilliant. Small steps forward and one huge step back. Every freaking time.

"Let's go home, shall we? I'm tired," He announced.

From running away, probably. He could give a good competition to Usain Bolt on running. Escapist Derek always escaping.

"Don't get hyped over that almost kiss, Dora," I laughed.

"I'm not. I'm not," He repeated.

Of course both of us knew he was lying. He would probably go home, open a diary and start making a chart and solving equations about the kiss before making a pros and cons list.

"Just don't do that again, please," He said, "Its really weird for me. I don't randomly kiss people, if it isn't for a bet or dare. I did it only because you had something to prove and I went along with it. Why else would I go around kissing my friends if I didn't love them like that?"

Yes, it hurt more than a broken toy or fallen ice cream.

~¤~

By the time we have had dinner and I felt like banging Derek's head against the wall for refusing to look at me, I was in dead need of a smoke.

And the packet was empty. Derek had again gone into his silent mode as he quickly ate and walked over to his bedroom without saying goodnight to me.

I figured he wouldn't speak to me again for tonight, so I changed my clothes from pajamas. After sneaking out of my room, I tiptoed down the stairs. Derek was probably sound asleep and his mom was inside her room too.

I opened the door and shut it closely before I started walked down the street, grumbling.

Derek Callingham was annoying. Not because he refused to kiss me, because lets be serious, I don't think he would ever want to kiss a girl besides that Reina chick, but because it was the idiotic feeling inside me that refused to go away.

And that feeling was pretty clear. I loved Derek Callingham a lot. Not like a temporary crush, but a "very much making your head go fuzzy" love.

He had been the only one till now who had never downgraded me and taught me to love myself. I had been skinny shamed a lot when I was younger. I ate a lot but unfortunately never gained weight. I was still underweight and it had been a source of misery for me. I had struggled with my figure a lot and got teased due to my almost anorexic figure but he never pointed it out. He was simply always there besides me when I had needed him. He never asked for a thanks or a return gift. I never spoke much about my family but Derek never went beyond his limits. He never asked me uncomfortable questions like I asked him. He knew if I had to tell him, I would've done so by now.

He was so secure in his own self and quite frankly, a very pleasant person to be around. He adjusted well with people despite not being a talker at all. He listened when people spoke and contributed only the amount he felt was correct for a conversation. I knew for a fact he never judged me. He could've tolerated me in the beginning but now, perhaps, he did find a true friend in me.
He was that silent guardian of mine.

Whom I wanted as mine.

Freaking awesome. My whole body was dancing with enthusiastic joy that was bubbling inside me.

What was his deal, seriously? How hard was it to move on? Maybe because I never really loved anyone, but this was too much. This chick had rejected him two years ago and he still acted like a man who could get her.

Then he pretended as if he moved on, whereas avoiding every female species known to mankind. It was so obvious he was still into her, maybe not of that intensity but still it lingered.

He had afterall admitted that day he loved Reina. I wanted to wring his neck then. But as much as I loved blood and violence with lots of killings, Derek was a real human being.

Plus, he rejected me. And his last parting words tonight were really hurtful. It hurt more than I was willing to acknowledge.

I realized I had walked almost a mile. I saw a shop opened and a light blinking. I walked over to the shop, "One packet," I indicated to the shopkeeper.

The old shopkeeper's eyes widened and I realized he probably didn't have much girls coming around at his shop at this time.

He threw me a packet and I nodded before giving him the money and stepping aside. I took out one stick and lit it up before I blew the smoke and felt myself relaxing.

Again, Derek came to my mind. God, he was so infuriating. He was so good, otherwise I would have smacked him hard.

I bet he would be that type of guy who would end up alone fifty years down the line with a grumpy face and a wobbly stick. He would shoo the children and animals away who came to him and live a hermit's life.

I took a long puff again and ignored a car that was coming from afar. Few cars and motorcycles had already come and gone, giving me looks. I admit my clothes looked very city-like; fashionable and flashy, unlike that of a town's. So, when another car came, I didn't pay attention.

I was busy smoking but scowled and went into alert mode when it slowly stopped in front of me.

If these were kidnappers, I swear-

"Nora?"

Oh. It was that living hot piece of my dream- Axel Hills.

"Axel," I squeaked. I hope he didn't notice that I hadn't shaved my hands.

As if he cared. I had another guy right now to worry about who may or may not avoid me for the rest of my trip.

"What are you doing here?" He asked, rolling down his window further.

"I am here to take a smoke. You?" I asked, puffing out a cloud of swirling smoke.

"I am returning from work. Today was a hectic day," He shrugged.

"This late?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah, as I said, boss had some extra load to burden on me. Want a ride back home?" He asked kindly.

I considered my options. I could say yes and get a free ride back all the while crushing over him or I could say no and walk back two miles again, alone and depressing about Derek.

Free ride and hot guy it is.

"Sure. Thanks," I threw the now small cigarette away and crushed it under my foot before getting in.

"This is really kind of you," I said, putting the seatbelt on.

"No problem. I gave a lift to Derek and Jake once. Seems only yesterday," He smiled politely.

"Okay," That was the best response I could come up with.

"So, does Derek know you are here or you are sneaking out?" He asked, driving too slowly for my liking.

I usually drove so fast that often my known ones have informed me that they had put the number of hospitals on their speed dial. I had got speeding tickets but I always bailed myself out by giving my father's name.

I never said I was a saint.

"He can do whatever he wants. I don't care," I rolled my eyes, crossing my arms and childishly looking away outside.

"Sure," He prolonged the 'sure', "Sneaking out and smoking, huh?"

"Derek is not my chaperone. I can do whatever I want. I just didn't want to smoke in his house. Plus, packet was empty," I replied.

"Hmm. I was once an avid smoker too. Not just cigarettes, weed, alcohol - you name it. It was during my initial college years," He laughed, probably recalling those days, but it was more of a bitter and pity laugh than a real one.

Shucks, if he did that still, we could have been best buddies.

"Oh. Then what happened? How did you stop?" I asked curiously.

"Reina," He said simply, "It was really tough but now I can do it without any problem," He looked immensely proud of himself.

"You must be an emotional drunk then," I chuckled.

"Oh, sort of in some cases," He said casually, "I usually try to maintain control over myself and I cannot say I have failed badly at that."

"Really? That's commendable," I said, impressed, "I have never seen someone in my circle not getting drunk or high. Though, my friends back in Manhattan are as bad as me."

Only two friends, I thought. But he didn't have to know that.

"I know. I started drinking and doing drugs quite early. I was used to it by the time I was a teenager," He said, taking a turn.

I whipped my face to him, "Didn't your parents say anything?" I asked shocked. Even I didn't start so early. What kind of situation led a ten year old to smoke and drink?

"Father died when I was young. I didn't have a very good relationship with my mother," He paused, "She was the first one to offer me a smoke. Said I would become a man if I did," He added, looking serious, "I believed her. I couldn't function properly the next day."

"Damn, I thought my parents were the worst," I muttered, "I always forget how some people always have it worse than me. Privilege and all, you know."

He chuckled, "Why? What did they do, if you don't mind me asking."

"You could say they are a bit disappointed with me. You know about the WRIGHT COMPANY LTD. ?" I asked.

He nodded.

"The owner is my father."

His eyes widened, "Woah, that's huge. Then, you must be worth-"

"Worth million dollars, yes. But since I am a kind of bohemian person, they don't like me much," I shrugged, "No, actually they do love me but I frustrate them a lot."

"I never saw you in papers or news..." He trailed off.

"They didn't like showing me in front of everyone and neither was I interested," I smiled, "But you will find some pictures of mine on Google. Some are blurry and the rest are younger pics."

"If it helps, my mother instigated me to break up with Reina saying I wasn't good for her," He shrugged, reflecting my smile.

"But Derek told me he was the one. You broke up with her after he shouted at you. That wasn't a good thing to do," I shook my head in disapproval.

"I am not sure if I should tell you this but I went back home unsure after what he said. I asked mom to tell me that I was good enough for Reina. She didn't. She told me the exact opposite thing which convinced me I was simply ruining Reina's life. I needed some sort of assurance from someone that I was good enough after Derek and mom because I had a very low self esteem back then, compared to now. So, I did it. I regret it till today," He finished.

"Why are you telling me this?" I asked, "You just gave me an insight into your life and we are practically strangers."

"That's because I just found out you have a similar lifestyle to mine in the past, only few million dollars richer," He said.

"What about drinking?"

"Around same time. My mom was with some guy and she had some left when he went back. She had enough and asked me to drink. Curious, I drank it and then never stopped," His lips pursed into a thin line, "She told me that finally I could call myself a worthy son to my father. I was proud when I heard that. She always lied to my face," He sighed.

"That's sad. But you have Reina now and you both are together. You are happy," I grinned.

He nodded, looking out once, "Yeah. We are."

"You don't sound too sure. Everything alright in paradise?" I inquired.

"Nah, it's fine. Which couple doesn't fight? She gets frustated as I am spending too much time out rather than with her. But it's gonna get all better soon," He nodded.

"Hope so too," I said.

"I am busy about something, I just wish she would understand..." He trailed off.

"What?"

"No, forget it. When the time comes, everyone will know," He brushed it off, "I have to say though..."

"Yes?"

"Even if we met only once and I am liking our conversation till now, can I ask you something, if you don't mind," He added.

"Sure."

"I know you both aren't dating, but you like Derek, right? I saw that night the way you looked at him," He said slowly.

Everyone could see it. Even a totally stranger to me, Axel. Yet, Derek insisted on putting on his blindfold. Derek was really making me very, very angry now.

"He is blind," I said sourly.

"I knew it, it's repeating all over again," Axel laughed, pressing the steering wheel hard.

"Like with Reina?"

"Exactly. Reina couldn't notice his feelings and now Derek can't," He shook his head, "Even though I am Reina's boyfriend and I am kind of selfishly glad that Derek made a mistake not telling her sooner, I would advice you to say it soon if you don't wanna end up with a broken heart," He said seriously.

Jake said the same thing to Olivia.

"If he had told Reina sooner, the story would be different, huh?" I asked.

"Yeah, though I am not sure if Reina would say yes. She always considered him as a brother," He said, "With or without me, but it could be the selfish part of me saying."

Oh please.

"I hope Derek doesn't think that, that would suck," I shuddered, "Imagine him calling me sis and me calling him brother. It sounds wrong."

"He doesn't. He likes you too," He noted.

I chuckled, "Good joke. Nice one. You almost had me there."

"Its true. He hasn't realized it yet. I saw a huge difference between the old Derek and new Derek last night."

"Everyone says that."

"Since its true. The old Derek would have bashed my head when he saw me and spoken coldly, but that night he actually was very nice to me. He cracked jokes. He was laughing more, I noticed. He didn't laugh much previously. Lastly, even if he looked a bit longingly at Reina, it wasn't the look he gave her previously," He explained.

"Doesn't it bother you?" I asked impatiently, "The way he looks at Reina? We both know the reason he hasn't visited his town for the last two years was because of Reina. He hasn't looked at another girl since Reina," I said loudly.

"But he came back, didn't he? He faced Reina ultimately, didn't he? And I have a feeling its partially because you were there beside him. He doesn't realize it yet, but he leans a lot on you. You just need to give him time," He said as the house came into view.

"Two years aren't enough?" I said bitterly.

"It was four years for me," He snickered.

"No way!! Reina took four years?!" I asked.

"Well no. I knew her for four years and persuaded her during the final year. Though, I liked her before that," He smiled, "It took me a while to realize that I liked her very much. We hated each other at first but slowly started liking much later."

"Aww, how cute," I made a face, "Derek told me you weren't from here..."

"Yeah. I shifted here after high school ended. I lived in the neighbouring town," He stopped the car.

"The people of Greywall are so stubborn, aren't they?" I said, unbuckling my seatbelt and getting out.

"But we outsiders are more stubborn," He grinned and I couldn't help but grin back, "Thanks for the drive back."

I could have fallen for this guy who was so sweet and nice with the looks of a model, but no. I had to get attracted to a guy with serious love issues and who just rejected me few hours ago.

I need loads of vodka to handle this guy. Reina was one lucky girl and worst part was, I didn't even hate or dislike her.

*****

Author's note:-

😂😂😂😂I was imagining a possibility of Nora, Jake and Axel conversation.

Who would win an arguement if these three had one?