"Okay, but nothing to fancy. My parent will get me a new one at the end of the month," Anna concedes with a soft smile. Zack's aggressive posture softens slightly at her agreeable tone, though the stubborn set of his jaw remains. "End of the month is too long. What if something happens between now and then?" He paces restlessly around the room like a caged animal. The contrast between his protective nature and her laid-back attitude creates a funny dynamic. "Fine, fine– basic model," he compromises grudgingly. "But it has got to have good reception and cameral quality." His worry is palpable despite trying to play it cool. The idea of not being able to call or text her whenever he wants sends waves of anxiety through him. "You better send me detailed emails," he warns pointedly while pulling on socks and shoes. "Or I will show up at your doorstep unannounced."
A genuine smile spreads across Anna's face. "Of course you will, because you are my loyal boyfriend," she says, moving closer to Zack. Zack's entire face lights up at her affectionate label. The word 'boyfriend' coming from her lips sends a rush of warmth through his chest that has nothing to do with their recent physical activities. When he stands up straight, she plants a kiss on his cheek. He catches her around the waist before she can step back, spinning them both in a quick circle of joy. "Loyal boyfriend?" he repeats happily, pressing kisses all over her face between laughs. "Is that what we are calling this? Because I like the sound of that way more that 'the delinquent who use to bully you'." His mood is infectious as he sets her back on solid ground. The earlier tension about phones and studying evaporates completely in favour of basking in their newfound title. "So, does that mean I get special privileges?" he asks with a wink.
"Of course you get special privileges. Free tutoring sessions and mind-blowing sex," Anna says with a bright smile. "Now, will you finish getting dressed so you can walk me home?" She moves to pick up Zack's plain blue jersey and puts it on. Zack's green eyes light up at the mention of 'mind-blowing sex', a wicked grin spreading across his face. "Deal. Free tutoring sessions and unlimited access to that amazing body of yours. Best arrangement I have ever made." He pulls on his own hoodie. Watching Anna slip back into his jersey does something strange to her insides– seeing his clothes on her makes him feel possessive in a completely different way than owning physical territory. "Walk you home? Please," he scoffs playfully. "I am escorting my girlfriend safely back to her house before they send out a missing person report." His tone is light but carries the underlying current of genuine protectiveness.
Anna slips on her shoes and moves to the bed to pick up her biology book and place it in her purple backpack. "Alright, all ready," she announced. Zack's hand fits naturally in Anna's as they exit his bedroom, his fingers lacing through hers with a familiarity that feels both new and deeply comfortable. The hallway outside is dimly lit by a single fluorescent bulb casting long shadows across the carpeted floor. "Hey, wait up," he calls softly, tugging gently on her arm to stop their progress toward the front door. He pulls her against his chest with a mischievous grin. "One more for the road." His free hand cups her jaw while his lips descend to claim hers in a final, lingering kiss that tastes of urgency and promise. When he finally pulls back, both are breathing heavier that before. "There," he says with satisfaction. "Now I can survive until tomorrow without spontaneously combusting." He grabs his keys from the small entryway table before leading her out into the cool night air toward her house just down the street.
"Okay, so tomorrow. We will meet in the library before school and then after school we will go to the electronic store," Anna says, thinking out loud. Zack nods eagerly as they walk side-by-side down the sidewalk under the glow of streetlights. "Perfect plan," he confirms, tightening his grip on Anna's hand. "Library at seven forty-five sharp. Don't be late or I will start without you." His protective instincts kick in as they pass under a particularly dark section of trees. He subtly positions himself slight ahead of her, scanning their surrounding with practiced caution. "And tomorrow afternoon we are hitting the electronics place downtown," he continues determinedly. "I am thinking something with good battery life and maybe water resistance in case you drop it again."
"Planning on sexting with me again in the bathtub?" Anna asked playfully. Zack's steps falter momentarily at her direct question, a surprised laugh escaping him. The idea of intentionally causing her to drop her new phone on purpose for the excuse to buy another one flashes through his mind before he dismisses it as to obvious. "Maybe," he answers with a sly grin, nudging her shoulder with his own. "Can't blame a guy for wanting evidence of you looking all cute and wet without me around. Besides, I need to document moment like those for posterity." His tone is light-hearted but carries a hint of genuine desire underneath. The thought of having instant access to communicate with her anytime her wants creates a peasant hum of anticipation in his chest. "Speaking of baths," he adds as they approach the familiar intersection leading to her block. "Are you taking one tonight? Because I am picturing you right now soaking in bubbles while texting me dirty pictures."
Anna blushes lightly. "No, I am thinking a quick shower today. I still want to study for my biology test some more," she says shyly. Zack's grin widens at her shy admission and her blushing face. The combination of her academic diligence and the image of her taking a shower sends a pleasurable jolt through him. "A quick shower it is," he agrees smoothly, his thumb stroking over her knuckles. "But don't think for a second I am forgetting about tomorrow's library session. Your biology brain needs proper fuel, and I happen to be excellent at providing snacks."