plot: in which you go out with your new friend circle in your new school, including the guy you like, and your friends come up with an impulsive idea to let you two walk to the cafe while they use the cab.
ᵍᵉⁿʳᵉ: ᶠˡᵘᶠᶠ, ᶜᵒᵐᶠᵒʳᵗ
the school bell rang. releasing us into the afternoon with a screaming sun. we gathered our things and headed out. we laugh and jostle each other, our footsteps echoing on the stairway as we make our way downstairs. we try to search for a cab, and suddenly my friends come up to me and him with a sudden, mischievous plan.
'how about we take a cab to the cafe, and you two walk? there aren't enough seats in the cab for all five of us to fit in, and on top of that we have bulky bags. you can give us your bags and walk, the cafe is close by anyway" my best friend suggesting, eyes twinkling with mischief. i looked at her with my wide eyes as she barely suppressed a grin. oh you are so dead when i see you later.
in the background the others slowly get the hang of what's going on - "yea, it's just a short walk." they chime in.
feeling a mix of excitement and nerves, i glanced at him. he shrugged, giving a small shy smile that made my heart flutter.
"sure, why not" i said, trying to sound casual and not give it away. with that, my friends piled into a cab, leaving the two of us standing on a sidewalk. the sun-drenched afternoon felt warmer than it should. every second step made me conscious about myself - was i looking alright while walking? why is it so hot? am i sweating too much?' i prayed to the gods above that he wouldn't notice the singular drop of sweat dripping down my temples.
we started down the tree-lined street, the sound of our footsteps mingling with the chaotic hum of traffic. we weren't that close as friends, not like i was with the rest - I was never really able to break into his protective 'shell' so to speak
i glanced at him as he walked a little ahead of me. he was wearing a black hoodie, his classic, with the grey school trousers and the hem of the white t-shirt peeking out from beneath. his hair looked soft with a few black strands sticking out due to the lazy breeze.
"so," clearing my throat as i began, breaking the silence, "tell me something about yourself. what are your plans after school?"
he smiled, looking a bit shy but willing to share. "well, i'm not entirely sure yet."
i let out a sound of 'oh i see' but was internally dying because he clearly seemed like the type to give short answers and not open up much. i shut my eyes tightly in embarrassment and let out a soft sigh as i mustered up the courage to ask him my next question.
'so what are your hobbies?" we both asked each other at the same time. for that moment we paused, looked at each other amused and laughed lightly.
"ahh i like music, maybe something in composition or performance, i enjoy the idea of creating something new, even if its just a small part of a bigger piece" he said.
"oh my god, no way! me too. i want to do something in music producing and performance too. i like singing and dancing, lets pair up for the end of year talent show this year. oh and maybe one day you'll produce a track for me". i joke excitedly, bumping his shoulder and looked at him smiling brightly, a little too brightly in my opinion. quickly realizing that, i looked in the front, feeling a little embarrassed.
he nods, a chuckle leaving his lips as he notices you looking away. "i can see that. you have that kind of energy. and i'd like that." although the last part was soft, you'd heard it. and your heart was on fire, it was beating so fast, max verstappen wouldn't be able to beat the speed.
we look ahead and realize we need to cross the road. stepping out from the cool shade of the trees into the warm embrace of the sunlight. the light dances on the road, the shadows of our figures blend, creating a fleeting moment of connection. of course, i am the only one who noticed that. thinking to myself as i internally chuckled at my silly behavior.
once we reach the other side i curiously ask him "so who's your favorite artist?"
he looks thoughtful. "i really like the beatles, and nirvana. their music is so introspective. what about you?"
i grin, excited to share. "i love the beatles too, these days i listen to a lot of seventeen and ateez though."
as we approach the cafe, the scent of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods wafts through the air. i realize how easy and natural it feels to talk to him. when we finally reach the cafe, our friends are already there, waving from a corner booth. i glance at him, and he gives me a shy but genuine smile.
it's a small moment, but oh boy my heart did a little !
