*It's still Mason's POV*

"What is up with you?!" my teacher screams with fury. Tapping his finger against his table, he gives off a glare that could make someone shriek in fear. But that someone isn't me though, since I'm used to all this.

"I'm tired of giving you warnings. I'm just... saying what's best for you," he says with a much softer tone. "I know you have your reasons but I don't want your grades dropping. It will affect your future sooner or later and what you'll pursue."

"Future?" I iterate underneath my breath. The future I've been running from has already been decided. And if I follow that path, I will lose my freedom... or even myself.

After the harsh scolding, I exit my history class yet again, not learning anything from all of his warnings. It's like a routine that I've gotten used to and it probably will stay like this. Normally, I would've been sent to detention but my goody-two-shoes of a teacher caught me secretly crying in a corner one time. I never told him the reason for my heartbreak but he realized it came from my so-called home after my parents had done nothing when informed of my detention records. In all honesty, it's way better to just skip class. I'd rather have bad grades than face people I have no genuine care about since it has less of a disadvantage. But ever since then, I've never stepped foot in detention which is... actually heartbreaking.

Due to skipping the last four of my periods, it gives me a free ticket to just go home. Walking up to my locker, I throw some random necessities into my bag for the next day.

As I close my locker with a sigh of relief, I hear a high-pitched voice shout my name from across the hall.

"Mason!" Sarah calls out before running and tackling me into a hug. Considering this is the second time she's done this, she must really like hugs. She pulls away, crossing her arms with an annoying smile on her face. "Aren't you playing basketball?"

I pause, remembering the agreement I had made with my 'almost friends but will always stay as apprentices' friend group. I couldn't really reject them since they are popular around the school; the girls going wild with their so-called handsome faces which I kinda disagree with and is one of the reasons I'll never understand them.

Sarah pulls my hand to my school's outdoor basketball court and another problem arises. What about my entire speech I planned to tell Lily? Technically, I didn't make it, just planning to on the way. I come to my last result and quickly think of the weight of the consequences to doing both. I come to a decision; choosing the latter and let Sarah escort me to the court.

*Lily's POV*

Sitting at my desk, I do my homework but lose the motivation to do it and instead, think about Mason. He would've been annoying me or trying to make me laugh with his silly jokes. I envision him standing next to me, his hands on my chair with a huge grin on his face. My thoughts then wander off to what he had said that day and I can only assume that all his smiles and polite gestures were fake.

My hands fiddle with my pen as I try to focus right back at my work which is a total failure. My thoughts continuously drift off to what had happened today. Was I a bit harsh with my reply? I remember seeing a glimpse of his face; sadness and a tint of disappointment written all over it. Even then, I couldn't tell if he was disappointed because of himself or me.

I take a quick glance at a flower pot on my desk, remembering the time when Mason had gotten it for me like it was yesterday. It was around a decade ago when he had arrived at my doorstep, holding a flowerpot with his tiny hands. Upon looking at it, it was still a sprout and Mason insisted that I took it, saying that it reminded him of me. After further investigation and not finding out how he managed to get it, he had gotten one that will last for more than a decade; knowing that most lilies don't have a long lifespan. So, he got me an indoor peace Lily. The Lily which has now blossomed looks beautiful but it soon reminds me of Mason... again.

If I had let him explain, would we have gotten a different outcome than growing apart even more? A sigh escapes my lips and I bite my nails in frustration. How can I now apologize for my actions?

*Mason's POV*

I turn my attention towards Liam; from the 'almost friends but will always stay as apprentices' friend group. His wavy hair which is messy in a perfect way probably makes him the most handsome in the group. It's also quite funny how he doesn't try to be perfect which actually just makes him seem perfect in the eyes of his admirers.

The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

"You did well," Liam says as he passes his fingers through his dusty-blonde hair. His dark brown eyes look directly at mine as he scans my face for a reaction.

"Thanks," I say, wiping my face with a handkerchief. If I were with Lily right now, she'd be doing her homework while I would be constantly annoying her. Wait- why am I even thinking about her? Bettering my reputation should be my current priori-

I feel a cold bottle lightly touch my head and look up at the culprit, his figure a bit taller than mine.

"What is it?" Liam asks and I'm left confused.

"What?"

"What?"

"Huh?" I question, flabbergasted by our exchange of words. Liam sighs, removing the water bottle on my head and sits next to me, placing the bottle beside his foot.

"What are you thinking about?"

"...It's nothing serious," I answer, fully conscious of the things I say now. I shouldn't have answered Sarah when I wasn't even listening, nevertheless should I trouble my father.

The silence stretches and I'm starting to wonder if I should just leave. But honestly, Liam is the best to be around in the group due to the fact he doesn't get in scandals and has a calm nature.

"If you want to talk, I'm here," he says. His monotone voice makes his words come off as a joke but for some reason, I know they're true. My fingers tap against the bench, as he waits patiently for my answer.

"I'm alright," I reply after some time; a polite smile forming on my face. I guess opening up isn't really my thing.

Ryan, a member of the friend group, walks over to us with this grin that makes me want to punch his face. He is basically the definition of a bitch. He even looks like one. His long black hair that was finally cut after long persuasion, is no longer packed up. His dark brown eyes matching with his angular fringe, and him surprisingly liking it, makes him look like a guy from a popular group. And he is, which is ironic.

The other problem I have is how I even ended up wearing the same jersey as him. It happened when I was forced to tag along for some shopping which is a once-in-a-lifetime thing for me when he suggested that the four of us wore it. All he cares about is his popularity and impressing the many girls he goes out with and due to his bratty personality, we had all agreed as we knew conflict would arise if we denied his offer. Even if I had had the guts to deny him, father would've been mad.

He sits next to me, wrapping his right arm around my shoulders. "What's up?"

"Nothing," I say coldly. Maybe I should've gone to see Lily. Just then, I see Brian from the corner of my eyes cross his arms, a stern look on his face. "You're worried about meeting another bitch, aren't you?"

"...No?" I reply, my eyebrows raised. What the heck is going on in his head?

He then lets out a sigh at my reply, knowing full well that I didn't really get what he said. "If you keep that attitude, you're gonna be staying single 'till you die a sad and lonely death," he states out of nowhere, leaving me confused again.

After a few seconds of complete silence, Brian stands up, stretching his arms out "Anyway, isn't it time to see the ladies?" he mentions with a smirk and I wonder what was the point of him sitting down in the first place. I then remember that some admirers, which is what Brian calls them, watch us play basketball together and root for their admirer who could be any of us. It isn't something I hate doing since I know people look up to me and not because of my looks and all.

"You're... really cool Mason!" I hear a gentle voice say and turn to my front to see a girl; a rose in hand. She seems troubled finding her words as she bites her lips. Her cheeks flush red when she notices my gaze on her and stretches her hand towards me.

I take the flower, fully grateful for her comment. "Thanks," I say softly as a smile forms on my face. She squeals happily and runs back to her friends, as they all giggle about something.

Suddenly, I sense a few glances at me and look at a couple of girls. They shriek, turning their faces away as they go red. From their reaction, I knew they're the girls who support me because for some reason, they're all incredibly shy.

A few meters away from me is Brian: flirting with his soon-to-be-exes. I personally feel bad for them as all Brian does is use and just dump them like trash. If only they knew.

Tired of seeing that bitch's face, I glance over to Liam's way, watching another one of his admirers' dramatic confessions.

"I'm sorry," I hear Liam say. "I'm not mentally or emotionally prepared to be in a relationship."

The girl pouts, crossing her arms, "But last time, you told me that you already have someone in your heart."

Liam, stunned in shock and his face neutral has always, glances everywhere but at her. "Well... I changed my mind."

Watching the beautiful scene before my eyes, I hold in my laugh. No wonder he's my favorite in the group.

Once the girls leave, I realise Sarah had left earlier for reasons I do not care about. The only important thing is that she isn't here to ruin my day like she always does. I still do need to fix that misunderstanding though but I should wait for the best moment to... which is after Lily stops ignoring me. As I try to ride my bike home but I'm stopped by the two; which is just Brian insisting that I get my own driver and Liam offering me a ride. I choose the third option and ride my bike home.

The cool evening breeze blows my shirt in a gentle manner and the coolness gives me a peace of mind as I cycle. If Lily were here, she would be writing her ongoing song but at this time, she should be there. I go home and at a normal pace, wondering what surprises the future holds.

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Lily's Playlist

• Windy Day by Helios Relaxing Space

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