Kurt's POV :
I could hear the low hum of the engine as we drove through the quiet streets leading to my home. The afternoon sky was painted with soft oranges and pinks, and the trees along the road swayed gently in the breeze. The calmness of it all... somehow, it reminded me of Mara—
NO NO NO.
Kurt—compose yourself. You can't be thinking of her right now.
Not when your mum is sitting right next to you!
She shouldn't see you turning red and acting like some lovesick fool.
I gritted my teeth and tried to focus on the passing scenary, but every time the sunlight hit my cheek, I felt this fluttering sensation in my chest. It was like the world itself was playing tricks on me, dragging her memory out of hiding.
Mum, sensing something was off, turned the volume of the radio down ('SummertimeSadness' by Lana Del Rey was playing—yeah, her 'comfort song'). A soft voice broke the silence:
"You okay, honey? How was your day at school? You seem... off. And... uh... where's your jacket?!"
I swallowed hard, a lump forming in my throat, and forced a smile that probably looked fake even to me.
"Everything's fine, mum. Just... wanted to listen to something else. Something that matches the vibe outside, you know? Chill, calm... and my jacket? Uh... I... I forgot it at school."
Mum gave me a knowing look but didn't press further. She smiled softly and flicked the radio to The Neighbourhood—'SweaterWeather', turning up the volume just slightly. The gentle guitar riffs and husky vocals filled the car.
And then—OH NO.
The lyrics hit me:
'Cause it's too cold
For you here
And now, let me hold
Both your hands in the holes of my sweater.
Mara.
No. No. No!
I mentally slapped myself. Focus, Kurt. It's just a song. Just a damn song. But my mind wouldn't let go. Every soft lyric, every haunting note, seemed to whisper her name. I could almost see her walking along the schoolyard, hair swaying, glasses slightly slipping, pretending she didn't notice me staring.
Desperate, I hit 'skip' and switched the song. "All The Stars"by Kendrick Lamar and SZA started, but even its heavier beat didn't erase the memory of her look in the class, the slight tremble when she first opened the party invitation, and the way she tried to hide from the class when Mr. Ellerson asked her to read the page aloud.
Mum blinked at me, amusement flickering in her eyes.
'What is with you today? You never listen to rap songs! And honestly, this doesn't even match the vibe outside!" She glanced at me over the steering wheel, her expression soft but sharp, like she could see straight into my brain.
I had to think fast. "Axel... suggested this song... so I thought I'd test it." I muttered, trying to sound casual, though my voice cracked slightly. I closed my eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath before opening one to sneak a glance at Mum.
She was still focused on the road, her hand steady on the wheel, but then—she looked at me. Really looked at me. Her eyes narrowed slightly, not in anger, but in the way mothers do when they know more than they let on. She nodded almost imperceptibly, then returned her gaze to the road, humming along softly to the music.
I knew she knew.
And I knew she knew that I knew.
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I stepped on the polished marble pavement of our mansion as Mum carefully parked the car in the driveway. Our house wasn't just any house—it was more like a palace, really. Tall, white columns framed the grand entrance and manicured the hedges lined a path like they were placed by an army of gardeners. A long, dark wooden door with golden handles stood at the center, falnked by tall windows with delicate lace danced that danced gently in the afternoon breeze. The scent of fresh lilies from the garden mingled with the faint smell of polished wood and expensive furniture.
I didn't wait for Mum to finish parking the car— which is totally unlike me—and pushed open the door myself. The inside of the mansion was even more extravagant than the outside. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling like frozen droplets of light, casting a soft glow on the marble floors with intricate patterns. The walls were lined with framed artworks (my Mum's) and antique mirrors that reflected the soft afternoon sun. Plush sofas in pale cream and gold accents sat neatly arranged around a large Persian rug, while a grand piano stood elegantly by the staircase. The air was cool, smelling faintly of lavender and vanilla—yeah, Mum's and Dad's favourites.
Immediately, I was greeted by a giggling Keira who ran straight into me, wrapping her tiny arms around my waist, her head pressed against stomach, "KUYAAA! YOU'RE BACK!!!"
She looked up at me with those big, innocent eyes, and that single look melted every piece of my heart. "Hey, Keira. How was your day?" I asked while ruffling her hair gently.
She finally pulled away, pretending to think before a devilish grin spread across her face—the kind that screamed trouble.
"It was great, Kuya. I gifted Liam a rose."
Her cheeks went pink- WAIT-
WAS MY 10-YEAR-OLD SISTER BLUSHING BECAUSE SHE GIFTED LIAM A ROSE?!
Wait-
Liam...Mara's brother...
Mara.
NO NO NO-!
Kurt—compose yourself.
I forced out a dry chuckle just as Mum walked in from the front door.
"G-Good....You're a nice friend...uh...Mum, I don't wanna eat lunch. I ate enough in the school today. I'm gonna take a nap."
I glanced back at Keira, pointing at her like she'd just committed a crime. "And don't disturb me."
With that, I walked- No. I practically RAN upstairs to my room.
I slammed the door shut behind me, pressing my back against it as I breathed heavily. My heartbeat was louder than it should've been.
The way she smiles...
The way she thanks me with those shy little nods...
The way she bites her lips when she's nervous...
The way she adjusts her glasses every five seconds like they are too heavy for her face...
The way her voice trembles when she talks but still finds courage to finish the sentence...
The way she—
NO!
I shook my head violently, tossing my bag onto the study desk before throwing myself on the king-sized bag. I didn't even bother changing out of my uniform.
With my eyes glued to the ceiling, I inhaled sharply and then shut my eyes.
Mara...
That face...that annoying, beautiful face was all I could see as I drifted off.
Maybe...
It's becoming obvious.
AND I CERTAINLY DON'T PREFER IT THIS WAY.