*It’s still Mason’s POV*

“You two!” my teacher, Mr William Brown, yells at Lily and I as we stand in an empty classroom. “Sneaking out of school during classes? And Mason, didn’t I scold you just yesterday about the exact same thing? I didn’t even mention you picking the lock of the school’s library or that stupid essay you gave me.”

I blur my vision and cross my arms, my gaze at the ceiling. I… love Lily. I mean… how could I not love her? That bright smile she makes when she’s really happy, the way she makes my heart skip a beat without trying to, the way she lets me be myself around her and likes me for who I am. Gosh is it so hard not to.

“Hey! I’m talking to you Mason or do you not remember what I’m talking about?” my teacher asks before chuckling to himself like a mad man, grabbing a piece of paper on the teacher’s table behind him. “I asked everyone to write an essay about a conflict and then you write, ‘I started having feelings for her when she told me to shut the fuck up and my gosh has she been stuck in my head all day’. What kind of romantic story is this?”

“Teacher…” I say, wiping my imaginary tears and sniffing. “It’s called true love.”

“In what name is this called true love?” he exclaimed, clearly annoyed with me. Honestly, all I can think about is my love for Lily but I should probably fix out friendship before confessing-

“You’re not even listening!” Mr William Brown points out. “And Lily White. It’s your first misconduct so I’ll let you off the hook. Please don’t follow this… buffoon around. He’s not really a classmate you want to be influenced by.”

Lily nods with an apologetic look on her face. “I’m incredibly sorry Mr Brown. This will never happen again.”

Then Mr Willaim Brown… smiles? “I do acknowledge students who understand their mistakes so you may leave. For you,” he says, turning to me. “I’ll need to talk with you… again.”

Lily leaves hesitantly and I give her a reassuring smile, hoping she doesn’t feel bad about me since… I was used to it after all. She smiles back before leaving the classroom that is now in total silence.

“Mason…” my teacher says, softly as he sits down on a teacher’s chair. “If there’s anything wrong-”

“I’m fine,” I interrupt, giving him a cold smile. He doesn’t need to know anything, neither does anyone.

“I’ve never seen your parents in school before,” he says, tapping his finger against the table in front of him. “Especially your mom. You’ve never even talked about her before.”

“Why do you care?” I ask, crossing my arms. He’s just a teacher. If he wanted to act as a therapist, then he should just change jobs.

“...You’re a student with a good heart,” he states, interlocking his hands. “A student who has a lot of potential but… there’s clearly something holding you back.”

I look at him quietly, his brown eyes full of concern and anger not leaving me from their field of sight. He doesn’t even know me but why does he not just mind his own business-

“And I think it has to do with something personal. Maybe your friends, your career choice or your parents have something to do with it,” he suspects, placing a hand on his chin. When would he stop-

“You keep making that face every time I mention your parents,” he says out of nowhere.

“Can you just stop?!” I snap, clenching my fist in anger. “You don’t know anything about me so why are you so quick to judge? Why don’t you just yell at me and put me in detention? Suspend me? And when will you stop acting like you care?”

He frowns at my words and I can’t tell what I look like right now but by the way he’s looking at me… it’s probably resentment or that I look like shit. I drop my hands to my sides, feeling my blood boil but… fuck should I have not yelled at him. That was so stupid of me…

“The last time I took you to the counselor's office, all you did was yell and then storm off. You’re clearly having some… problems and if you just let others help, you’ll get better,” he says, standing up from the chair and walking towards me.

Something in me tells me to take a step back or yell but… I do nothing, watching him stop in front of me. “And to all those questions you asked, well… I’ve learnt the hard way that detention doesn’t help you at all and… all I’m just trying to help you be a better version of yourself because I’ve seen you’re an incredibly sweet student. Volunteering to work at animal shelters, helping your classmates if they have difficulties with their work but… when it comes to yourself, you’re a bit harsh, aren’t you? Like you don’t care?”

I press my lips together, staring at the ground. Why does… he have to be right? But there’s no way I can open up to him. Father said I should hide my emotions… right? Yeah… imagine being nothing, being empty, being alone… being me.

There’s an awkward silence afterwards, my teacher still looking at me with concern. He’s… so weird.

“Mason… if you need to talk, find me in the teacher’s lounge, okay? And please don’t skip classes. I know you don’t fail but… getting into a good school will help you with what you want to pursue. I’ve already scolded you yesterday so I don’t need to repeat myself, and I won’t talk about you picking the lock of the school’s library since it’s a minor case and your second time doing it.”

He then points to the door, a slight frown still visible on his face. “You may go.”

I immediately do so, not looking back as I shove my hand in my pocket, heading to my next class which I skipped 100 minutes due to Mr William Brown, the best English teacher and therapist of all time scolding me. How long do I have to endure his scoldings but to be honest, I know he means well, especially since he stopped sending me to detention. I just… I have to hide my emotions, since if he knows, he’ll tell father and father would be incredibly mad and he would… hate me even more than he does.

I open the door to my current class, my teacher not caring that I was late since it’s a habit of mine. I sit at my desk which is in the middle row, resting my head on my desk. Now that I think about it, what should I do with that stupid necklace? I can’t believe I have a necklace for me and Lily and our names are engraved on it. Will Lily care? Will she hate that I love her romantically and I think of her a lot and it makes me happy to see her happy and that all my pain, misery and fatigue are gone when I think of her? But it’s not like I’ll confess soon so I’ll rather just apologize, fix the cracks in our relationship I caused and make sure that no barriers form between us because of me.

I let out a sigh, deciding to focus for once in class. At least today was fun and I hope that my future will be as fun as the hangout was. Yeah… I fucking hope so.

*Lily’s POV*

After multiple classes, the school bell rings and I pack my things, immediately heading home afterwards. As I walk through the hallway, I hear whispers, feeling people’s gaze on me. I ignore them and pull out my earphones to ear. They’re just gonna talk about what Mason said that day and-

“I heard she skipped classes with Mason. Maybe he likes that weirdo”

I stop and abruptly turn to look back at some students who are standing next to their lockers, their gaze filled with annoyance and mockery. How do they know Mason and I skipped classes together?

“Oh~ so it’s true?”

I turn around to hear giggles around me. How did word spread so fast? I get that I’m in Detcher High but… these people are insane.

“Lily!” someone suddenly calls out. I turn around to see Mason walking up to me, a bright smile on his face. “How was class?”

I look at him, my eyes widening. Does he not notice the sharp stares and whispers? I mean… after what he said in front of everyone, he shouldn’t be calling my name with a genuine smile. He really shouldn’t.

He turns his head to the side, looking at me confused. “Is everything alright?” he asks, putting a hand in his pocket.

I open my mouth but shut it, replying with a nod instead. His smile disappears and he quickly runs up to me, taking my hand and leading me to what I presume is to the cycle hub outside of school. Why does he seem… a bit angry?

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Instead, he stops when we’re in an empty hallway, letting go of my hand and turning to face me. “What’s wrong?”

“…Nothing,” I reply, looking anywhere else but at him.

“…Are you sure?” he questions, running a hand through his hair.

I let out a hesitant ‘yeah’, my voice almost a whisper. I don’t know why he acts oblivious to situations like this. He caused everyone to think to detest me but still calls out to me with a genuine smile. I… don’t get him.

“…Is it me?” he asks in a hurt tone. “Did I do something wrong?” Is he dumb?

I can’t help but frown, looking up at his panicked gaze. “No, of course not.”

My words come off as sarcastic, his eyebrows furrowing at my words. Why is he so confused? “Lily… I’m sorry. It was terrible of me and it was all a lie. Everything I said that day was a lie.”

I let out a chuckle, crossing my arms as I look at him coldly, “A lie? Not only did you tell everyone that we aren’t friends, that you don’t know me, you laughed when they called me a slut, a bitch, a mother fucking delusion stalker when all I did was call out your name.”

His eyes widen in shock at my outburst and he combs his hair with his hand, avoiding my gaze. I'm… even shocked by my own outburst.

“Lily… I said something irrational and absurd and I laughed at something I didn’t find funny. I tried to fit in with everyone that I ended up hurting you and I hate myself for it. I’m a terrible friend,” he says as he messes his hair, his voice cracking.

“…Actually, I don’t know what kind of friend you are. I mean… thanks for the outing you took me to today but a simple outing won’t change what you said. It won’t change that… my best friend talked shit about me but maybe I shouldn’t have called out your name and should’ve just-”

“Hey!” I hear a voice yell and Mason and I turn to see Brian, walking hurriedly to us, his gaze on me. “What are you doing with that bitch?”

“She’s not-” Mason says, stopping and looking from me to him. “She’s not a bitch Brian.”

Brian scoffs, shoving his hands in his pocket, “You clearly have a terrible memory. Don’t you remember that she called you her friend? Why would you associate yourself with the likes of someone like her?”

“…Shut the fuck up.”

“What?” Brian says as Mason clenches his fist, anger written all over his face. “I said shut the fuck up Brian.”

Brian stares at him in shock before laughing, Mason still staring daggers at him. “I should’ve expected that. Everyone is always out to get me for some reason. Maybe if I punch you in the face I’ll feel incredibly better.”

“I’m not joking Brian,” Mason’s eyes darken, his voice gravelly. Why… is he mad? All Brian did was call me a bitch.

“And anyway… I knew you lied about not knowing her. Running off to look for her when you hear that I was with her, skipping classes to go on a little date. I think you’ve lost it Mason.”

Mason stays quiet, my gaze moving between the two. Why are they acting like they’re gonna fight over something meaningless? It’s not like they care.

“Wait… don’t tell me that you like someone so pathetic?” Brian taunted with a smirk. “I expected better but I guess you two lovebirds are just pieces of shit-”

With a swift punch, Mason sends him stumbling backwards; cutting him off. “Brain… don’t you dare talk about Lily that way.”

Brian chuckles, his gaze burrowing into Mason’s. “I already did though and you can’t deny that I’m right, can you?”

Mason lands another hit, Brian’s back hitting the floor. Suddenly, a laugh that sounds like that of a maniac can be heard, Brian pushing his hair upwards. “I’m so stupid. I really shouldn’t have expected anything from anyone, especially from the likes of you.”

Brian stands in a sudden motion, his fist flying through the air and striking Mason in the face. Before I know it, the fight intensifies as they exchange punches, their movements faster and the scene gory. How did it start with me having an outburst to them hitting each other without a care in the world?

They attract a crowd, teachers running to separate the two. My breath hitches as I see the bruises on Mason’s face when their fight is stopped. Suddenly, he looks at me, his gaze softening. He opens his mouth to say something but shuts it, his gaze moving to the floor as he clenches his fist.

Soon, he’s taken away with Brian, the crowd soon dispersing. My gaze darts around the area and I run to the direction they went to, my heart racing. Is he… okay? Why did he punch Brian? Why was he so angry? Fuck… I hope he’s okay.

I notice them inside the principal’s office, leaning against the door to hear them. I can’t hear much but what I do hear is mostly someone talking in a harsh tone. Then it’s silent. Are they done? I rush to a corner of the hallway, hiding before the door opens. Once it does, I peek to see Mason and Brian walking out, both of them looking away from each other. Brian then heads to the front of the school, but Mason just stands there, brushing his hair back. Is he okay-

Suddenly, his gaze meets mine and for some reason, we stare and there’s a way he’s looking at me that I can’t explain, but it’s comfortable. It’s… making my heart race. Mason walks up to me, stopping and leaning close, placing his hand on my head.

“You aren’t hot,” he whispers softly, his fingers brushing my hair aside.

I feel my face flush at his words, my feet staying rooted to the floor. He laughs at my reaction but then stops, taking a step back.

“Sorry. I shouldn’t be doing this since I’ve been a terrible friend and-”

“Who cares?”

He looks at me in shock, before staring at the floor. “You do.”

“...What I mean is… you shouldn’t be caring about what I said but about the condition of your face. You’re injured.”

I take his hand and lead him to the infirmary, taking out a first aid kit there and making him sit on a bed. How could he not care about how badly he’s hurt? He must be in a lot of pain, or… maybe he’s trying to look fine. He always does that.

I treat him, applying alcohol on an injury on his face. He abruptly flinches and I cup his face, watching as he turns as red as a tomato. “I’ll be able to finish this faster if you stay still, okay?”

Mason nods and I continue to treat until I’m done. As I keep the first aid kit, I watch as he stares at the ceiling, his eyebrows furrowed and I sit beside, his gaze now on me.

“Lily… what can I do to be a better friend?” he asks.

I look up at him, cracking a smile. “So that’s what you were thinking about?”

He blushes, tapping his finger against the bed. “Yeah. I… don’t want to be a terrible friend. Especially to you.”

I look away, crossing my legs. So… he regrets it? But if he does, doesn’t that mean that he really didn’t mean what he said?

“Did you mean that?”

“...What?”

“That we’re not friends.”

Mason looks down at me, a smile appearing on his face, “Of course we’re friends Lily.”

His smile is genuine, bright, sweet and… cute. He takes my hand in his, interlocking our fingers. “First off all, I’m sorry for everything. I said terrible things about you Lily and I know. Like I said, I was trying to fit in because of… my dad and instead of telling them that you’re the best person I’ve ever met, I didn’t and instead did the exact opposite,” he stops, fiddling with his fingers before sighing. “I regret saying that I didn’t know you and that I never defended you when others mocked you. It was terrible of me and I know saying sorry won’t fix things but I don’t know what else to do. I seriously don’t.”

I stare at the floor, contemplating a reply as I rub my thumb against his hand “...To be honest, I was so hurt from what happened that day,” I confess. “I do want to forgive you but I tried so hard to hate you but I can’t. I tried to leave your text on read but I ended up at your doorstep. I just… I missed you and I hoped what you said wasn’t true and I’m glad. I’m glad it isn’t even though I still can’t completely forgive you and all-”

Mason turns to me and smiles sweetly despite my words. It causes my heart to flutter, and I can’t help but smile. He’s so happy even though I said I can’t completely forgive him. How cute. “Is it fine if we…” I say, raising our interlocked hands. “Why don’t we hang out today? That is if you’re free.”

He squeezes my hand, his gaze moving to mine. “I’ll be happy to. Afterall, 831.”

“...What does that mean?”

He smiles cheeky. “It’s a secret!”

“Then… can you give me a hint?” I question. Does it signify a phrase? But it’s definitely a code of some sort.

“Nope and neither can you search it up,” he states with a smug. “I want you to find it out on your own without trying to find out what it is. Kinda like letting it be at the back of your mind.”

I reply with a nod and he smiles softly. There’s a silence in the air afterwards, one that is comfortable. His gaze then moves down to somewhere on my face, his gaze turning serious. What is he… oh… he’s staring at my lips. Wait… why is he staring at my lips? Is there food on my lips or something? He stands up abruptly, stretching as he smiles. “Anway, I guess I’ll be having dinner at your place then.”

“Yeah… wait what?”

He takes off and runs out of the infirmary, giggling as he looks back at me, sticking a tongue out at me playfully. I laugh as he jumps on his bicycle and cycles off and I do the same, the wind brushing through our hair.

“Are you jealous because your mom favors me more than you?”

I scoff, forcing my legs to cycle even more. How could he say something that was so… true yet annoying to admit? He continues to tease me and I let out a chuckle. Today’s been a rollercoaster but… I’m glad that he’s still my friend. That he’s still my best friend. I nudge him playfully on the shoulder, laughter filling the air as we cycle to my house; ignoring my fluttering heart. I’m glad today wasn’t so bad.

—————————

Lily's Playlist

• Windy Day by Helios Relaxing Space

• Melancholy by Helios Relaxing Space

• Dandelions by Ruth B

• The Other Side by Hugh Jackman and Zac

Efron

• At My Worst by Pink Sweat$ feat. Kehlani

• N/A

Mason's Playlist

• The Other Side by Hugh Jackman and Zac

Efron

• At My Worst by Pink Sweat$ feat. Kehlani

• N/A