MichaelxMC AidenxMC (MC is named Taiga)
I nervously tap my phone to give Wes the signal. Taiga looks up at the first boom. Sparks of blue and pink paint the sky and yet the sound of my heart is louder than any firework.
“Taiga,” I barely whisper. “I figured if I was going to do this I was going to do it right. Want to go to homecoming with me?”
She doesn’t move. She doesn’t talk. I wonder if she heard me. I clear my throat to speak again but she raises her hand to stop me. She frowns. Oh god she’s not smiling. I’m not even listening after I hear the definite no fall from her shaking lips. I mutter something about how her date is lucky and leave as fast as my feet can carry me.
I told Wes I’d meet him at The Golden Grittle afterwards. I can’t believe I thought she’d say yes. All those smiles and her kindness hadn’t been flirting. She wasn’t interested and I’m an idiot for thinking otherwise.
I round the corner and yank open the door to the diner. Wes is at the counter with two milkshakes and burgers waiting. I slide into the seat and immediately start working on my food.
“Whoa there tiger. Slow down, this is a celebration after all.” Wes laughs. I grit my teeth and glare at my reflection in the glass countertop. Idiot. “Michael…she said yes right?”
“No.” I say. I finish my food and toss Wes some money to pay him back. “I’m going to head home. Thanks for the help anyways man.”
It’s been torture avoiding Taiga. I know that everyone is going together as a group tonight. That means I have to watch her with her date, whoever she chose, all night. I push down the anger and sadness when she walks into homeroom with Caleb and Emma. They’re laughing and Taiga’s face is flush. It’s unbelievably cute. I catch snippets of the conversation before homeroom starts. Asked him. I can’t believe you did it. So sweet. Taiga glances at me and gives a tiny wave and smile.
I want to be the one she’s talking about. The one who makes her blush like crazy. The one for her. But I’m not. I never will be. God this hurts. My chest seizes when a note lands on my desk. In cursive writing it explains that it’s from Taiga. To me. I unfold it with shaking hands and bite my lip.
I asked Morgan where you were earlier so I could explain in person and she told me you didn’t want to see me. I’m sorry I turned you down. You’re a great friend and I love you for that. I just don’t see us as anything more. The way you asked was wonderful and magical. You’re going to make someone happy someday.
My eyes read the note over and over. Luckily, the bell rings for the next class. I wait until everyone leaves before going into the hallways.
Taiga jogs over to me, her face a mix of worry and hope. I stop and let her walk with me.
“You’re going to be ate for class.”
“I don’t care.” She huffs. I turn to her. We don’t speak for a moment, and I suddenly forget all that happened. The honey tone of her skin, her dark hair falling just right, those jaw dropping browneyes. They put me in a trance. “Look. I know it’ll be weird for a while but I want us to be friends still. You’re one of my best friends. I can’t lose you.”
I want to say no. I want to never feel like this again. I want to walk away. I…I can’t. I still don’t want to hurt her. I still like her. I want to be close to her. If that means being a friend then so be it.
“Oh, thank you Michael! I’m so happy.” She grins at me. I can’t suppress the smirk from my lips. “I’ll see you tonight before the dance!” She yells over her shoulder just as the bell rings. What am I doing to myself?
It was Aiden. Musical genius, awkward-around-girls Aiden. I watch as the sway to the music, the crown glittering atop her head. I would give anything to trade places. She giggles when he dips her down and quickly kisses him. I have to blink a few times. You imagined it.
“Hey you alright? You’ve been staring at them for a while.” Morgan says, coming up beside me.
“I thought you didn’t want to come.”
“I heard there was food. You didn’t answer my question.”
“No. I’m not. I will be though. I just have to get over her.” I tell myself more than I do Morgan. I look up as the song winds down. Aiden whispers into Taiga’s ear and her eyebrows raise. The two smile and sneak out to god knows where. I want to believe they have to use the restroom or something dumb but I know better. He’s a high school boy on a date with the most gorgeous girl I’ve ever seen.
Morgan tries to keep me sidetrack with food and I even dance with Emma. My mind still wonders.
As the song transitions into an upbeat one I let Emma go and I spot them. Aiden’s tie isn’t as straight and even in the lighting you could see how flushed Taiga is. Their hair is slightly tousled and I know this isn’t my imagination. A pit grows in my stomach.
This is going to be hell.
