As we ate our pizza, the conversation flowed easily. Ryder and I talked about everything from music to movies. But despite the relaxed atmosphere, I couldn't shake the feeling that Ryder was hiding something.
As we finished our meal, Ryder suggested we take a walk around the block. I agreed, and we strolled through the quiet streets, enjoying the cool evening air.
But as we walked, our conversation turned into a debate. Ryder and I disagreed on everything from politics to social issues. Our discussion became heated, with neither of us willing to give in.
"I don't understand why you're so opposed to this," Ryder said, his voice rising.
"I'm just trying to see things from a different perspective," I countered, my frustration growing.
Ryder scoffed. "You're not even listening to me."
I felt my anger boil over. "I am listening, but I don't agree with you."
The argument continued, with neither of us willing to back down. But despite our disagreement, I couldn't help but notice the way Ryder's eyes sparkled with passion.
As we turned a corner, Ryder's phone rang again. He glanced at the screen and sighed.
"I have to take this," he said, walking away.
I watched as he disappeared into the darkness, wondering who was on the phone and what was going on.
When Ryder returned, his expression was guarded once more. "Sorry about that. Let's just head back."
I nodded, feeling a sense of disappointment. Maybe I was wrong about Ryder. Maybe he wasn't as interested in me as I thought.
As we walked back to the library, the silence between us was palpable. I couldn't help but wonder what was going on with Ryder and why he seemed so troubled.
When we arrived at the library, Ryder turned to me and said, "Thanks for working on the project with me today."
I smiled, trying to hide my confusion. "No problem. I'll see you tomorrow?"
Ryder nodded, his eyes flicking to mine. For a moment, I thought I saw something there, something vulnerable. But then, his mask slipped back into place.
"Yeah, see you tomorrow," he said, turning to leave.
As I watched him walk away, I couldn't help but wonder what secrets Ryder was hiding. And why did I care?
The next day, Ryder and I met at the library again. We worked on our project, but the tension between us was still there.
As we worked, I couldn't help but notice the way Ryder's eyes seemed to bore into mine. It was as if he was trying to see right through me.
"What's wrong?" I asked finally, breaking the silence.
Ryder looked up, his expression guarded. "Nothing's wrong. Let's just focus on the project."
I nodded, feeling a sense of frustration. Why was Ryder being so secretive? And what was going on with him?
As we continued working on our project, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Ryder than met the eye. And maybe, just maybe, I'd get to see that side of him soon.
The days turned into weeks, and Ryder and I continued working on our project. We clashed and bickered, but despite our differences, we started to develop a tentative friendship.
One day, as we were working on our project, Ryder turned to me and said, "You know, Aubrey, you're not as bad as I thought you'd be."
I raised an eyebrow. "Thanks, I think."
Ryder smiled. "No problem. I mean it as a compliment."
I laughed. "I'll take it."
As we continued working, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. Maybe, just maybe, Ryder and I could be more than just project partners.
But just as things were starting to look up, Ryder's phone rang again. He glanced at the screen and sighed.
"I have to go," he said, standing up.
I nodded, watching as he walked away. Who was on the phone this time? And what was going on with Ryder?
As I waited for Ryder to return, I couldn't help but wonder what secrets he was hiding. And why did I care?
When Ryder came back, his expression was guarded once more. "Sorry about that. Let's just finish this up."
I nodded, feeling a sense of disappointment. Maybe I was wrong about Ryder. Maybe he wasn't interested in me after all.
But as we finished our project, I couldn't help but feel a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, Ryder and I could work things out. And maybe, just maybe, we'd get to see where this tentative friendship could go.