There are two things in this world that take my breath away:

Running and… Matt.

One of them was right in front of me.

I halted in my tracks, my breath caught in my throat. The short, dark-haired man stood in the large hall way, dressed in a simple hoodie and track pants. He still hadn’t caught sight of me as his gaze was held by something else. I backed away slowly, hoping he would not turn in this direction.

Lady Luck was not on my side.

His green eyes met mine when my track shoes squeaked loudly against the marble floor. I froze, my lips turning dry as his intense stare burned into me. It was like looking into the face of the hot sun – my legs turned into jelly under his gaze. When his lips parted, I was finally jolted into action.

Spinning around, I took off in the opposite direction away from him and tore down the long corridor. I knew I had the initial advantage but soon enough, his echoing footsteps told me he was closing in. My heart hammered loudly in my chest as I pumped my legs faster and harder.

The end of the corridor in sight, the only exit was a long staircase that stretched far up into what seemed like oblivion. With tears building in my eyes, I scurried up as fast as I could, not daring to look back to see where he was.

But seconds later, I heard his deep baritone voice call my name. I couldn’t help but stop, my legs unable to budge from its spot.

Reluctantly, I turned to face him, my head bowed in guilt. He studied my flushed face for what seemed like an eternity while I exhaled a shaky breath.

Finally, he spoke in his usual monotone. “Why did you run away from me?”

I winced at the question, choosing instead to shove my trembling fingers into my pockets.

He sighed audibly as a hand ran through his hair. “I told you I would catch you no matter where you go.”

“I’m sorry.” Mumbling my apology, I fidgeted uncomfortably. “It’s my fault… I shouldn’t have bailed on you like that.”

I dared a glance at him, hoping against hope that he would forgive me. His stern gaze softened as the corner of his lips curved upwards in a smirk.

“You know… you were running in the wrong direction just now,” he said.

Confused, I raised an eyebrow in question.

He added, “You should have run towards me.”

Matt pointed his thumb in the direction of the hallway. “After all, the lifts are that way.”

There are two things in this world that I hate…

Running and…. Matt.