Chapter 30. I Like You

Calista’s POV

I was seething with frustration when I felt a gentle touch on my arm and heard a familiar greeting. My eyes widened in surprise as I turned to see Cedric standing beside me. I gulped, meeting his captivating gaze, feeling momentarily speechless in his presence.

“Cedric…” I murmured, facing him with a mixture of concern and curiosity. “You’re here? How long have you been standing there?” I asked, a pang of worry hitting me that he might have overheard the unkind things said about him, and my fervent defense of him.

Embarrassment washed over me. I felt a strange blend of pride for standing up to those students on his behalf, yet also a twinge of shyness at the thought that Cedric might have heard the harsh words exchanged.

His eyes remained locked onto mine. “I’ve been here for a while,” he replied softly, a hint of playfulness still lingering in his expression.

Taking a deep breath, I began to speak, but Cedric cut me off unexpectedl