chapter 3: complications

as ryan approached their table, seth's eyes flicked up, a hint of unease flashing across his face. amelia felt a pang of guilt, like she was caught in a lie. she didn't know how to react, or what to say. "hey," ryan said, his eyes locked on hers, a small smile playing on his lips. "mind if i join you?" amelia hesitated, unsure of how to respond. seth seemed to sense her uncertainty, and he quickly stood up, his chair scraping against the floor. "i should probably go," he said, his voice tight with emotion. "i just...wanted to talk to you, that's all." amelia felt a pang of regret, but she didn't know what to say. she watched as seth walked away, his shoulders slumped in defeat. ryan slid into the seat vacated by seth, his eyes never leaving hers. "so, what's going on?" he asked, his voice low and husky. amelia shrugged, trying to play it cool. "just the usual," she said, but ryan's eyes narrowed, like he could see right through her. "i saw seth talking to you," he said, his voice dripping with disdain. "what's going on with you two?" amelia felt a surge of defensiveness, but she pushed it down. "nothing," she said, trying to sound convincing. "he just...wanted to talk, that's all." ryan's eyes lingered on hers, like he was searching for the truth. amelia felt a shiver run down her spine as he leaned in, his face inches from hers. "i don't think that's all," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "i think there's something going on between you two." amelia's heart skipped a beat as she stared at him, unsure of how to respond. she didn't know what to say, or how to explain the confusing emotions swirling inside her. just then, the lunchroom erupted into chaos as students started packing up to leave. amelia breathed a sigh of relief, grateful for the distraction. "i should probably go," she said, standing up, but ryan's hand on her arm stopped her. "wait," he said, his eyes burning with intensity. "i need to talk to you, amelia. about what happened the other day." amelia's heart skipped a beat as she stared at him, unsure of what to expect. but before she could respond, the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch. ryan's hand dropped, and he stood up, his eyes never leaving hers. "later," he said, his voice low and husky. and with that, he turned and walked away, leaving amelia feeling more confused than ever.