Mom was cooking dinner when I came inside. She glanced at me from the stove.
"Your face is a bit red. Are you okay? You're not sick, are you?" she asked, worried.I nodded and collapsed face-down onto the living room couch. I checked my phone and saw an unread message from Serco:
"I have time, so I'll walk you from school."Oh. So he did give me a warning.
I decided to text my brother before replying to Serco.
"Hey Aren, I miss you. Hope school is going well."
Then I replied to Serco:
"I know you must be busy. Thanks for taking the time to visit."I felt nervous after hitting send, waiting in anticipation for his reply.
"Yeah."That was it. Why do I ever get my hopes up?
Then another message popped up—this time from my brother:
"Hey, sis! I missed you too, so much! I want to see you guys so bad. How is school going?"It seems like Aren really has missed me... I should text him more often.
We ended up messaging all night. He even called and talked to Mom for a while.Right before I went to bed, Serco sent another message:
"Seeing you was a nice break from my busy schedule. I think I'll do it again soon."Finally, some confirmation. That first message was so grating.
"Okay," I replied—spitefully—and went to sleep feeling slightly victorious.
Three days passed, and I didn't hear from Serco. It made me worry I'd hurt his feelings somehow. He doesn't seem like the sensitive type, but still... I hoped he understood my playful tone.
I checked my phone for the fifteenth time that day.During my final period, I finally got a message—but it was from Will:
"When do you want to meet up?"Oh, right. We're eating out today.
I made sure I had enough money before replying:
"We can go directly after school."
"I want to change out of my uniform at least. I'll meet you at your house in an hour?""Sure," I sent.
Nacina and I walked home together at a leisurely pace.
Once inside, I changed into casual clothes and sent my address to Will. About ten minutes later, he arrived.
He wore a red button-up with silver snaps, a black sports jacket, black jeans, and matching black-and-red shoes. He looked… very put together. His face lit up when he saw me.
"You look nice," he said.
I glanced down at my outfit—baggy white tank top, high-waisted jeans, white tennis shoes. I hadn't put much thought into it, but I thanked him anyway.
He drove us to a nearby steakhouse. After we ordered drinks, Will reached across the table and placed his hand on mine.
"So, are you ready for next week's exam?"
I felt mildly uncomfortable—not threatened, just off.
"I'm always ready," I said. "All I have to do is study. It's not like I have concerts, tours, or dissertations like some students."
"Studying can be hard too… Oh—" he perked up, "I've got a competition coming up."
Just then, the waiter returned with my tea and his Coke.
"You're in the culinary division, right?" I asked.
He nodded. "The competition's going to be streamed live. You should tune in."
"I will."
"Are you ready to order?" the waiter asked.
"Yes—sirloin steak, medium, with a baked potato. Chives, butter, and sour cream, please."
"I'll take the ribeye steak, well done, with creamed spinach," Will added, handing back our menus.
Once the waiter left, silence settled between us. Will pulled out his phone. I fought the urge to do the same, wanting to stay open to conversation.
Eventually, he looked up and placed his phone face-down.
"So… why'd you say yes to coming here with me?"
"Because… I've never really hung out with anyone besides Nacina. I thought spending time with someone new might be fun."
"I'm already having fun," he said, glancing away shyly. "School's been better since we started hanging out."
I smiled. "Yeah, me too. I didn't realize how lonely I was until I met you and Kriss. Becoming friends with you guys has been one of the best things that's happened to me."
That was the same day I saw Serco up close… definitely a blessed day.
The food arrived soon after. I thanked our waiter—John—and couldn't help noticing: steak and potatoes again. Just like when I went out with Serco. It'd be even weirder if I'd ordered fries.
"The food's good, right?" Will asked.
I nodded. He sipped his Coke—then started coughing violently.
"You okay?" I asked, trying not to laugh as I stood and gently patted his back across the table.
He smiled through it. "Yeah. Just breathed too early."
We talked more about school. Will went off about things Kriss did before I met her. When we finished, he flagged John for the bill.
"Will this be together?" John asked politely.
"No, we're paying separately," I answered quickly.
Will looked at me, pouting. "I was going to pay for yours too."
"Don't worry about it. Save your money. I can handle myself."
He sighed, then gave me a small smile. After we left the restaurant, we walked beside each other in silence. I was still thinking of something to say when—
One of Will's hands slipped onto my lower back. The other landed on my butt. In one swift motion, he pulled me into a kiss.
His lips pressed against mine. Our chests touched. I froze. Once my brain caught up, I shoved him away.
"What the heck are you doing?!" I shouted, covering my mouth with both hands.
"I'm sorry… was that too forward? I've been holding back for so long… I just couldn't resist anymore."
"Why did you kiss me?" I asked, stepping back. Thank God no one else is outside.
"Because you're cute. And I like you. Plus, we had a good time, right?"
Damn it, Nacina was right. Will does have feelings for me. Why is she always right?
"I… only see you as a friend," I said, trying to soften the blow. Leading him on would be worse.
"Then why'd you agree to go on a date with me?" His voice was tight—shaky, confused, a little too sharp.
"Sorry. I thought we were just two friends hanging out," I said, instinctively wiping my mouth.
That was my first kiss.
Which means… I'll remember this day forever.
That's…Disappointing.
"Why the hell would I ask you out just as friends? If I wanted that, I'd have invited other people. How stupid are you?!"
His words hit hard.
"I've never had many friends," I whispered. "I don't know all the etiquette. Nacina invites me out all the time…" I trailed off. "So don't yell at me… please." I tried not to cry. My voice cracked. "I'm sorry." I added, finally.
He was quiet for several long seconds, then finally muttered, "Wait here."
He walked toward his car. I thought he was going to pull it around and pick me up.
But he drove right past me.
I stood there, waiting… hoping he'd turn around.
He didn't.
Luckily, the restaurant's not too far from my house—about a 20-minute walk.I'm so glad I wore comfortable shoes.
I just wish it hadn't started raining.