*Lily’s POV*
It’s been several days since Mason’s left and I can’t lie… I miss him. Twirling the pen in my finger, I look up at the board as my math teacher explains a math formula, preparing us for our midterms and finals. Though it’s still September, specifically the 16th of September, he said that preparing for our test early is better than preparing late which I do agree to. Maybe I’ll start studying when I get home this afternoon.
Abruptly, I almost jolt at the sound of the school bell, my teacher explaining he’ll continue to help us revise in our next class. Honestly, I’m just glad it’s recess now.
I swing my beige mini bag on my shoulder, heading to my silver grey locker. Once I get there, I unpack all the subject books of classes I had earlier today from my bag. Maybe after this I’ll head to my usual spot at lunch- the library. And maybe I’ll find out what 831 means-
“Hey,” I hear a voice call out and turn to my left, an annoying person in sight. After a brief staring contest, I go back to unpacking my bag.
“Do you know how rude it is to look away when I’m talking to you?”
I look back at her as I zip my bag and close my locker. “Okay, Sarah.”
I turn and head to the library, the sound of her white platform sandals clanking on the floor getting louder the closer she gets to me.
“Hello? Did you even comprehend what I said earlier or are you just deaf?” Sarah questions, looking at me like I committed a great offense.
Stuffing a hand into my pockets, I enter the library after a while, heading to my usual spot at the back. I take a random auto-biography and sit down at a table there, Sarah sitting vertically to me.
“So what’s up with you and Mason?” she asks, arranging the sleeve of her white mock neck sweater as she stares at me intently.
I let out a heavy sigh as I try to read the book, gripping it tightly.
“Are you really not gonna tell me-”
I shut my book instantly which cuts her off, my blood boiling.
“Sarah…” I call out, mustering the most polite smile I can. “Can you be quiet?”
“But I’m curious,” she states, twirling her curled blonde hair with a finger. “Well, probably ‘cause he never tells me what you two have going on.”
“...Fine, I’ll tell you,” I say in defeat, putting the book down on the table. “Mason and I are… best friends.”
“Friends?” Sarah questions, looking at me in disbelief. “There’s no way you two are just friends.”
“Why ask when you already have an answer in mind?” I point out and she rolls her eyes, crossing her legs.
“First of all, watch your attitude. Secondly, there’s no way he sees you as just a friend.”
I scoff at her statement as I lean back in my chair tiredly. “And what makes you think that?”
There’s a silence in the air as she twirls her hair, seeming to be deep in thought. Honestly, if she’s disturbing me just because she’s jealous, then she should really find better things to do.
“...There’s a way he looks at you,” she answers after a short while. “Like you’re the most precious thing in the world. And when he talks about you, his eyes light up or when someone says something he doesn’t like about you, he gets pissed, either defending you or angrily staying silent.”
Her light green eyes meet mine as she folds her hands on the table. “I think Mason likes you. Actually, I know he does.”
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
My eyebrows furrow as I try to rack my head around what she just said. Mason… likes me? Well, if I compare Mason to his younger self, he hasn’t really changed. I mean… he is more mature in how he takes responsibilities, he makes an act to make the best of everything, even to the things he knows he can’t control. And when he was younger, he used to hug me out of nowhere, intertwine my hand in his and swing it in the air happily. Now that we’re older, would someone like Mason continue to do that to me if we’re just friends? Then there’s the fact that I’m the only girl his age he spends time with. Wait… why is Sarah even telling me all of this?
I look at her shady eyes, tapping the sleeve of my knitted beige sweater. “Why would you tell me that if you like Mason?”
Her eyes wonder, brushing her hair behind her back. “I lost feelings for him.” …Huh?
“But really,” she begins again with an annoyed look. “why should I be interested in someone who has their eyes on someone else? And someone like me obviously deserves someone who gives me attention, so there’s no reason to like him.”
I can’t help but listen to her nonchalantly, though she does have a point. She and Mason aren’t a great match.
“Anyway, do you like Mason?” Sarah asks as she turns her head to the side.
“Why should I tell you?” I say almost immediately.
“Because I’m curious,” she says as she twirls her hair again. “I want to know if Mason will get the girl of his dreams.”
My eyes squint at her words as I sit up and lean on my hand. “You may guess.”
At that, she smirks, pointing her finger at me. “So you do have feelings for him too.”
I open my mouth to object but shut it, Sarah giggling at my action. “And I guess that’s that. It was nice having a chat with you.”
Sarah stands up and arranges her brown pleated mini skirt, the bell ringing a second later. “We should head to class now.”
Afterwards, I put the book back on the shelf and we both head to our designated classes. On the way there, a thought comes to mind, my fingers fiddling with the strap of my bag.
“Sarah, aren’t you meant to be at the gala dinner?”
She glances at me, a proud smile now present on her face as she humphs. “And why do I have to go to that stupid event? Most just attend it for the money or connections, but I already have those so why bother wasting my time?” …Okay?
Once I quietly get back to class, I sit on my chair and take out one of my notebooks and pen from my bag and flip to its last page.
“Let’s see,” I mutter to myself, sketching whatever comes to mind. If what Sarah said was true and Mason and I like each other, why haven’t I noticed we do? And since Mason is very honest, I should’ve probably known by now or… were there signs?
Taking my phone out of the pockets of my cuffed blue jeans, I check through our past messages, putting my phone in my bag after a short while. Mason… hasn’t really changed since he was a kid so it’s pretty hard to tell. But even then, risking our friendship is not something I want since… he’s my favourite person.
My thoughts are disrupted when my classmates quickly rush to their seats. I look up to see the teacher starting the class, my gaze moving to the window on my left. If… I go with a scenario where Mason does happen to like me back, I can’t lie that I’d be overjoyed. Though I’m into a goofy and mischievous guy, I want to hold onto those feelings, even if I never get to confess them.
At the corner of my eyes, I watch some green leaves get carried away by a gentle breeze. They dance randomly, swaying from left to right and moving up and down. The sight reminds me that it won’t be long until it’s Autumn, a new season that will come by and go in a matter of months. Nevertheless, it’s always nice to cherish it, and just like my friendship with Mason, I’ll continue to cherish it in the years to come. With a smile, I doodle pom poms, resting my head on my hand. Right now, he’s probably gonna be bored at the gala, but he has his friends to accompany him so I shouldn’t be too worried. Or does that mean I miss him a lot?
My focus shifts to the board and I copy down notes, twirling my pen in my hand. I wonder what the future will hold for us Mason, and I hope I soon get to know if you like me too because I’ve slowly but surely started to fall in love with you.
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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