What if she already left?
Should I even wait for her?
Did she remember?
Seth shuffled back and forth, contemplating whether to go ahead. If he wanted to get back in time before it got really dark out, he’d need to catch that train.
Why didn’t they exchange numbers beforehand? Glancing at the time again, Seth figured that Nina probably forgot about their meeting spot.
With that in mind, Seth turned, heading toward the station gate.
“Wow, leaving me behind I see.”
Her loud voice caught him in his tracks. Turning, Seth glimpsed Nina hurrying along in a mini jog. Her hair was stuck to her forehead, as if she’d been running even beforehand, and her cheeks were flushed.
“I thought you lef-“
Reaching Seth, Nina grabbed his hand roughly without a word and pulled him along.
“Well, come on if you want to make it in time!”
Dragging him, they made their way through the station gate and down the hallway, to the stairs that led to the platform.
They probably only had a couple minutes until the train departed. Tightening her grip, Nina pulled Seth up the stairs, her steps speedy. Thank god Seth had longer legs, or else he would’ve definitely tripped.
“Ouch - can you be more gentle!”
“Come on!” Nina exclaimed. Her fingers didn’t loosen their grip.
A beeping sound rang across the platform, signalling that the doors were about to close. The platform guard blew their whistle soon after. It was too late, they wouldn’t make it.
“Nina it’s okay-”
Reaching the top of the stairs, Nina tugged Seth harshly through the gap in the train doors, making it just in time. He heard the guard yelling at them over how reckless that was. But they made it and that was what mattered.
Seth leant against the train wall, catching his breath, his lungs burning from the overexertion. How long has it been since he’s run that hard?
Andhowwas Nina not panting right now? The carriage was quite full, meaning there probably wouldn’t be any seats. Groaning, he wiped the sweat on his forehead.
He probably smelt now too, from the sweat.God, this is the worst.
“Gosh Nina, we could’ve waited for the next one,” he gasped.
Why was he so unfit?
Back in high school, he was considered one of the more sporty ones and always played soccer every lunch break. But allthat skill, that fitness flushed down the drain the moment he graduated, and there wasn’t a reason to be sporty anymore.
“Says the one who was about to leave anyway,” she huffed. Seth opened his mouth to respond, but nothing came to mind.
She was right anyway. It was a relief to him that she hadn’t left him after all.
“Well I thought you were already gone,” Seth retorted, “You were late.”
Nina leant against the wall beside Seth, her breathing just a little deeper, but at least she wasn’t gasping like a fish. Her hair was a mess, and stuck to her face.
“Says the one who was about to leave anyway,” she huffed, raising her brow. Seth opened his mouth to respond, but nothing came out.
“I was held back today,” she explained, “group presentation.”
