*Lily’s POV*
Taking the red velvet cookies out of the oven, I carry them onto my kitchen counter, smiling out how nicely they came out. I take off the oven gloves from my hands and put the hot cookies on a plate, carrying them up to my room. There, I place them at the side of my study desk, looking at my to-do lists I normally made for myself on weekends and tick off a section. Now all I need to do is eat my cookies while I try to finish the section on my list.
Sitting on my study chair, I twirl my pen in my hand, looking at my book where I write song ideas. Ever since I had breakfast this morning, I’ve been trying to get back to writing and have been considering Mason’s suggestion for the song. It isn’t bad but for some reason, I’m just having a bit of a writer’s block. Maybe if I follow Mason’s strategy by staring at it enough, something will come to mind?
I spin around in my chair, tapping my pen on my face in a rhythm. Maybe the song can be about an unrequited love from a friend? Feelings the protagonist kept to themselves for a long time? Maybe a combination of both?
Coming to stop, an urge to write abruptly comes, my pen moving to hover over my book. I scribble words I have yet to fully comprehend, only halting when the flow dissipates.
I can’t help but think of you
I can’t get enough of you
I can’t imagine life without you
I can’t help loving you
‘Cause my love is true
Lost in thought, the lyrics escape my lips as they come naturally to me, an unconscious hum carrying them forward. So… a song about a love sick boy deciding to confess to his friend… I can go with that idea.
I take a picture and send it to Mason so he’s aware of my new idea, my gaze shifting to my bookshelf. Isn’t it about time I cleaned it?
Out of boredom I do so, and when I’m done, I sit on my study chair again, turning so I’m facing my desk. Should I… try to guess what 831 or 143 means? I mean… I don’t really have anything to do and mom and dad are working at the moment. But Mason did say I should leave it at the back of my mind though at times like this, I can’t help but be curious, especially since he always said the codes while in a good mood.
I doodle a flower at the top right corner of my book, resting my cheek on my hand. Now that I’ve written that part of the lyrics, I have to come up with a story. What relationship does the protagonist have with their crush? Is the protagonist confident or shy when talking to them? Have they always wanted to confess from day one?
Turning to the back of the book, I write a ton of questions so I can get to know the character because after all, behind every song, there’s a story. And trying to learn and understand it is one of the reasons I started writing songs, though this song is something I don’t want to keep to myself like the ones I’ve written so far but a story I want to share to the world, hoping it will inspire not only myself but others.
When I’m done writing the questions, I answer as much as I can, occasionally eating my cookies. Dropping my pen once I’m satisfied with what I’ve written, I stretch my hand in the air, a sigh escaping my lips. My gaze moves to my right where my window is, the view of Mason’s place coming to my line of sight. The sun casts a soft golden light over the house, illuminating every corner with a radiant glow. A force takes over me and before I know it, I’m opening my window, climbing to the roof. I stop when I’m standing on the ridge of the roof, my heart skipping a beat at the breathtaking view as the world falls quiet.
All the houses are illuminated under the sunlight, the blue sky clearer than ever, the wind gentle, slipping by me and lifting a few strands of my hair, brushing my skin like a quiet whisper from nature. Tucking those strands, I sit down and rest my hand on the ridge as I continue to watch the stunning view. I wonder if mom and dad can see the beautiful evening light shining so beautifully from their shop or maybe Mason can, and if they do, does it take their breath away like it took mine?
Letting out a sigh, the calm wind continues to pass by me, the memory etched in my heart. I stand up and dust dirt off my soft pink jumpsuit. I should probably go to finish my to-do list before I end up procrastinating and although the view is certainly worth some of my time, sadly, good things have to come to an end. With that, I take one final look at it, taking in the scene and the fresh air before heading inside and sitting back on my study chair.
“Well… it’s time to get back to work,” I mutter to myself, doodling without thought at the back of my book. Actually, I wonder if Mason is having fun with his friends like I asked him to, taking a break from any worries he has and letting loose. Though he probably will pull off some pranks out of boredom, at least he’s not causing any harm.
I can't help but imagine it and I chuckle at the thought, resting my head on my hand and tapping my lips. “He better be.”
*Mason’s POV*
Walking on the pavement, I turn around to face my friends with a smile planted on my face, humming happily to myself.
“Where should we go next?” I question.
“Maybe we can have something to eat?” Austin answers as he stretches before shoving his hand into his cream cargo pants that are baggy. “And I’m so glad we’re done playing arcade games. They were so boring.”
“You’re only saying that because you suck at playing them.”
“Hey! There was something wrong with the machines okay?” he argues.
“You said that every time though,” Brian comments, receiving a shocked look from Austin.
“Even you?! Gosh… maybe I should just stick with Pretty boy,” he says as he links his hand with Liam’s.
“Suit yourself,” I hum as I spin to face forward.
We all go silent, my eyes roaming my surroundings. The streets are busy with many vehicles passing by us, tons of pedestrians heading to their destination, and although it’s been long since I’ve been somewhere so busy, I don’t mind it.
At the corner of my eye, I see Brian quicken his pace so he’s next to me; his phone in hand.
“There’s a restaurant nearby but… I don’t know if you’d prefer something more fancier,” he tells me, pointing across the road from us.
“Then we’ll head there,” I say and run as the pedestrian traffic light turns green.
I laugh as my friends try to keep up with me and I soon stop in front of the noodle shop, turning around with a big smile.
“You… shouldn’t just run off like that,” Austin says as he comes to a stop and tries to catch his breath.
“I thought you were hungry so I wanted to get here as quickly as possible,” I answer.
He stares at me blankly before sighing.
“Whatever,” he says before taking Liam’s hand and striding into the restaurant. He’s… mad because I forgot he’s not athletic? I guess I have to give him a treat before he swindles me.
Afterwards, Brian and I walk in, heading to the table for four Liam and Austin are sitting at. As I sit down, my eyes move to Liam’s beige blazer that is hung on his chair, his white turtleneck now in full view. I guess he really knows how to dress up.
Soon, a waiter attends to us as Austin and Liam share a menu while Brian and I share another.
“...What will you be getting Mason?” Brian whispers to me as my eyes fall onto the menu folder, scanning for anything.
“Maybe Garlic Sesame Noodles? But I think Kitsune Udon is something you’d like.”
For a second, I notice him looking at me before he looks back at the menu. Was… something wrong with what I said? But he didn’t question it though…
I glance over at Austin who’s telling the waiter his order and I interrupt him.
“By the way, Austin, your order is my treat.”
“...Mason, you should’ve said so earlier,” Austin states with the brightest smile, his eyes moving to the waiter. “Then I’ll have Yaki Udon please, and Pretty boy would like Yakisoba.”
Then, we all chat as we wait for order, though I just like making fun at how Austin is bad at playing arcade games. Soon, our food arrives and I pick up my chopsticks but stop and shift my attention to Brian as he stares blankly at his food; his hand on his lap. Then, he picks up his chopsticks with hesitation and although he looks down at his dish stoned-faced, his hand trembles slightly.
I let out a deep sigh, causing Brian to flinch, my hand moving as I put my chopsticks on a hashioki in front of my plate. Afterwards, I switch our plates, picking up my chopsticks again and looking at Brian’s confused face.
“You could have just said you didn’t want it,” I mutter before digging into my food.
He opens his mouth before shutting it and not long after, eating the dish in front of him with a comfortable expression. As I munch on my delicious dish, I look over at Austin who’s white long sleeve is rolled up as he’s basically just gulping down his food, while Liam is eating rather elegantly, though Austin doesn’t leave his line of sight.
•••
After half an hour has passed, we’re all done except Austin who ordered another plate of noodles and although he seems content, I pity my sad wallet. Out of boredom, I take out my phone from my pocket and check for any unread messages I have. Two are from Lily’s parents who remind me to drink plenty of water and to eat proper meals, a smile coming to my face. I reply to both of them with a heart emoji and that I surely will.
The other unread message I have is from Lily, and I zoom in on the picture she sent and read its content, the smile on my face growing. Even now, Lily is as diligent as ever.
My thoughts are interrupted when I hear a slight cough, my gaze moving from my phone. Everywhere is silent and all eyes are on me which cause my eyebrows to furrow.
“What is it?”
At that, Austin puts his chopsticks down on the hashioki in front of his plate and stares at me with piercing eyes.
This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.
“Lily texted you, didn’t she?”
“...Was it that obvious?”
“Dude, there’s always this stupid smile you have on your face when you think about her,” Austin comments, Liam nodding at his words.
“Yeah. And you look at her like she’s your missing half,” Brian adds.
I run my hands through my hair, my brain scrambling to find an appropriate answer. Denying it means lying to my friends and I promised myself I would always express my true feelings for Lily- whether she’s a friend or the girl I love, and if I don’t keep my promise, I will lose Lily’s trust, my own trust again for myself and my friends. But accepting it will give Austin an opportunity to tease me… it’s so annoying when he does.
“...Do you think she knows I have feelings for her?” I say instead.
“Surprisingly no. Maybe you’ve always looked at her that way?”
“Well… I have liked her since middle school so that could be why. But what if she doesn’t like me?” I question, holding Brian’s shoulder and shaking him repeatedly. “or thinks I’m not good enough for her?”
“She most likely doesn’t.”
Everyone turns to Liam who’s sitting like the gentlemen he is, his legs crossed and his face still showing almost no sign of emotion. “The way the two of you look at each other- it’s not something friends do.”
…Huh? The way Lily looks at me is not how a friend would? How does she even look at me?
“Hmm…” I say under my breath. Sometimes, she laughs beautifully or smiles sweetly at me, she did say that I’m her favourite person and now that I think about it, she had this look on her face at that time that I can’t put into words. That I can’t understand.
“Casanova, if you wanna question your love life, do it later.”
“You’re just jealous that yours is nonexistent,” I remark.
Austin rolls his eyes, continuing to eat without another word which gives me plenty of time to think. Lily… probably doesn’t like me and since it took months for her to like me as a friend, how long will it take for me to like her romantically? And maybe what Liam said is a misunderstanding. Maybe… she just sees me as a younger brother! Though… if she does, I will definitely buy a ticket to the dark abyss of no return and rot there forever.
My eyes unconsciously move to Austin who puts his chopsticks on the hashioki and wipes his mouth with a napkin.
“Where should we go next?”
“Back to the hotel,” I answer as I check the time. “The sun will soon set and you shouldn’t be late for your bedtime.”
“I do not have a bedtime,” he argues while he stands up. “but we can head back.”
With that, we all stroll back to the hotel though we do take a detour where I make everyone try out some desserts and play ‘I spy’ out of boredom, we have a good time and soon, we’re back at the hotel.
I take off my pink sweater and lie on a bed next to a window, a sigh escaping my lips. I wonder if this place will be fun to explore.
“Liam and I will be going to sleep now,” Austin announces as they both get on their beds which are adjacent to each other. “so please don’t be loud.”
“Sure,” I reply. Covering myself with a blanket, my eyes scan the hotel room from its ivory and gold wallpaper giving the room a luxurious look to the metallic epoxy flooring complimenting its color. Anywho, this room looks just like a typical expensive hotel room except that there are four beds here.
I take out my phone from my pocket and scroll through my messages, wondering what to do. Actually… I forgot to reply to Lily, didn’t I? Taking my earpiece out of my satchel, I put it in my ear and connect it to my phone. Then, I drop my satchel on the bed, calling her a few seconds later. After a few rings, she picks it up, her voice low.
“Why did you call?”
I turn to lie on my stomach, tapping on the back of my phone. “I promised to and I also forgot to reply to your message.”
“...So you’re calling me for the sake of calling me?”
“No. I miss… I want to hear your voice.”
She’s silent for a split second before saying something unexpected.
“Let’s do a video call.”
I oblige without hesitation, resting my phone on my pillow. Soon, I see her, her hair a messy perfection as she lies on her bed wearing a dog onesie her mom got her. An idea comes to mind and I excuse myself, searching through my luggages. Not long after, I come back to my phone that is still on my bed, fumbling with the cat onesie I quickly put on.
A laugh escapes her lips, her smile as beautiful as a shooting star in a night sky. “You look so goofy.”
I smile, resting my head on my hand. “I just wanted to match with you in some way or another. Or do you not like it?”
“I do,” Lily replies as she looks at me with the sweetest eyes, turning to lie on her stomach. “Anyway, did you have a fun time with your friends?”
I reply with a nod as the memories of today’s events flash in my head. “But I still miss you. Like… what are you up to? Are you thinking about…”
I pause, looking away as I tap my hand on my chin. At this point, if I continue saying whatever’s on my mind, I’ll end up confessing. And I don’t want to risk ruining our friendship with my words again. I… don’t want to hurt her in any way again.
“...Let’s talk about something else,” she says as she lets her phone lean on what I think is her pillow, covering herself with her blanket afterwards. “Like… where do you see yourself in 10 years?”
Letting out a breath, my hand runs through my hair. “...I don’t know the answer yet. I’ve never known.”
“Then follow your heart, even if it’s stupid,” she tells me. “...Life is like a story and since you’re the writer of yours, why let someone else write a story that’s yours?”
“That someone else is my father and… maybe he knows better.”
“You know he doesn’t,” Lily points out as she taps her cheeks in a rhythm. “I’m sorry if I’m straightforward right now but I want you to see yourself doing something you find happy in the next 10 years. I want you to choose a life that you want.”
Her voice is soft but her words are profound, a small laugh escaping my lips. What… would I do without Lily?
“I’ll think about it,” I announce and she frowns as she rests her head on her crossed arms.
“Okay, but make sure you choose one that will bring you joy, but to be honest, I don’t see you becoming a CEO.”
“...Is that a compliment or-”
“It’s a compliment,” she reassures me. “You’re just so carefree and mischievous.”
“Is that a good thing?” I question with a smile.
“Well… it is. Did you want it to be the opposite?”
I shake my head, feeling my eyes go a bit heavy. “Lily, thanks for answering when I called.”
“...You’re welcome?” she answers quizzically.
We lie there in silence before I look to my left and see Brian sleeping without a sound. Actually, Austin and Liam are probably sleeping due to how quiet it is.
“...Actually, let me sing a song for you,” Lily informs. My eyes move to her as she stands up and gets something from under her bed.
She pulls out my guitar, tuning it afterwards. Memories of the day I started putting my guitar under her bed floods my head as I continue to watch Lily. It was when I had first gotten a guitar when I started getting into music. Unfortunately, father wasn’t happy about it and he even asked me to throw it away, saying that it was a waste of time and I should instead better my reputation and my grades. Obviously, there was no way I was gonna do what he said, so I hid it in Lily’s room and practised sometimes when I came over.
“Maybe by listening to this song, you’ll know what choice to make,” Lily states.
I come back to reality, chuckling at the sight and resting my head on my now crossed arms. “I didn’t expect you to say something so random.”
She breaks into a smile as she plays a few notes on the acoustic guitar. “It was inevitable.”
Then, she looks at me, moving so her hair isn’t blocking her face. “I’ll be starting now.”
Lily plays the first parts and not long after, she sings the first lines of a song I’ve heard a few times- Live Your Story. Her voice is soft and angelic as she sings the first verse about the protagonist telling the listener that they are incredibly talented and diligent in what they do. Then she sings the pre-chorus, saying that not only do they overcome and fight through their challenges, whatever they make is impressive and they wouldn’t stop believing in their skill or ability.
She stops at an empty tab, tucking the strands of her hair that covered her face. And a second later, her fingers strum the chorus like she’s playing for a crowd, her voice filled with emotion. This is when the song’s name is told, encouraging the listener to take the wheel of their life and live authentically. It explains that life is a story and as the writer, they should make it theirs and that they have every right to.
Soon, she plays another verse, singing that we have so many choices to make in life and that we should embrace them since we are ready to take them on. Then, she sings the pre-chorus which is different and is now about someone being rare and beautiful and that they shouldn’t hide the skills and talents that they have.
Lily looks up at me this time as she sings the chorus again and I can’t help but smile, humming the song quietly to myself. After a short while, she strums the bridge, repeating the fact that there’s only one life to live, and the listener is special and should show the world their skills and talents since they have what everyone needs. That it’s time that they notice that there is only one life and they should take a shot at it- a shot at showing others what they have inside.
Then she sings the chorus wholeheartedly as her gaze doesn’t leave my guitar, her voice captivating and alluring that I can’t take my eyes off her. Maybe it’s because she randomly came up with the idea to sing and play to me so she can encourage me to follow my heart though my heart is stupid. Or that she is someone I’ve had feelings for for the longest time. Regardless, she keeps giving me reasons to love her and I don’t hate it. I don’t hate that I’m loving her more than I already do.
Hearing Lily strum the last part, her eyes meet mine and I feel my face burn a little but despite that, a smile forms on my face.
“I hope I helped,” Lily voices as she places my guitar under her bed.
“It will,” I reply. And you even ended up capturing my heart again.
She yawns right after, lying down on her stomach again. “I might fall asleep so you can end the call if I do.”
I hum a yes and we don’t break the comfortable silence that comes. At some point, all I notice is how I breathe rhythmically and before I know it, my eyes flutter shut, my world going blank.
•••
My eyes slowly open and I turn to my side, my gaze falling on Brian’s empty bed. Sitting up, I rub my eyes and look over to my phone, our eyes locking.
“Wait- did none of us end the call?” I question and Lily stands up, taking her phone along with her.
“Yep. I realised about a few minutes ago when I woke up,” she replies. “Anyway, I’ll hang up so we can get ready for the day.”
“Okay,” I say and we say our goodbyes before she hangs up, a breath escaping my lips. I can’t believe I slept during a call with Lily again. Though we sometimes slept on the same bed as kids, I still can’t help but feel so embarrassed-
“Are you done talking to your girlfriend?” I hear Austin ask, my eyes moving to him. He’s wearing a robe, a towel in hand as he wipes the bottom of his hair with it.
“She’s not… wait… you knew I was on a call with her?”
“Yeah. I have eyes and I woke up half an hour ago,” he states as he hangs the towel on his shoulder and wears his signature earrings- two silver ones on each ear. “And what’s with the hideous outfit?”
“It’s a gift, remember?” I say, letting my back lean on the headboard of the bed and crossing my legs.
“Oh yeah!” he says after a while. “It was given to you by your mother-in-law!”
“I do not have a mother-in-”
“It’s okay, Mason. You don’t need to be embarrassed about it,” he affirms.
I roll my eyes as Brian and Liam come from the bathroom while wearing robes, sitting on their beds.
“Why are you guys wearing robes? Is this some kind of cult?”
“Yep. It’s called ‘How to hustle for money’,” he says, crossing his legs. “Jokes aside, I need to tell you guys some things about your vacation and the event.”
He begins to explain that though the event only lasts for a few hours on Friday, we are given a one week break from school, but it’s probably so our parents’ business partners think of them as good parents. He then tells us that to enter the event, we need tickets which he was given to by our parents and tells us the major event that happens in the charity gala dinner- a raffle. Events like that are incredibly boring so maybe I’ll just skip it?
When he’s done, we get ready for the day and have fun. Unfortunately, time goes by when you have fun and before I know it’s Friday, the day of the charity gala dinner.
——————————
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
• Live Your Story by Auli’i Cravalho
• N/A
Mason's Playlist
• The Other Side by Hugh Jackman and Zac Efron
• At My Worst by Pink Sweat$ feat. Kehlani
• Live Your Story by Auli’i Cravalho
• N/A