Maybe it's me, she thought. Maybe I'm ugly. Maybe I'm not smart enough. Maybe I'm fat. What's wrong with me? Why can't he see how I feel? And if I put it out there more openly, just profess my love, what if he doesn't return it? What if he only wants to be friends, like we are now? Wouldn't it be better to just keep quiet and save myself the pain? And what if he does have feelings more me, too, but is as scared as I am? Then we'd both just sit around terrified! Why doesn't he get it?
Maybe it's me, he thought. Maybe I'm gross. Maybe I'm stupid. Maybe I'm just a red-haired, freckle-faced freak? What's wrong with me? Why doesn't she get it? If it I threw it out there, just told her, would we be better off? What would happen to our friendship? And what if she doesn't feel anything back? Then I'd just go through that crushing stage of despair everyone hears so much about. Wouldn't it be better if I just keep my mouth shut and we stay friends? But what if she does, and just sits around, too? Maybe she's scared, like me. Then we'd just both feel as though we had no future. Argh, why can't she just see it?
The two exchanged glances, carefully timing it so as not to let the other one see them staring. She caught him looking, and he pretended to wave to someone behind her. When she turned around to see who it was, he dashed away.
She sighed. Perhaps it's better this way...
He hit his head in frustration. Why am I so stupid? But maybe this is how it's supposed to be...
She walked the opposite direction he had gone, but neither of the two realized the halls joined once again at the end, like a large circle. They soon were walking directly towards each other, but neither had the control of their legs to stop. When they finally did stop, they stood so close that their breath became strained from breathing in the air the other had just exhaled. She glanced up to into his eyes, and he returned the expression.
But... she thought, .... I love him...
God, I love her.. he thought.
After standing there, close together, for a good twenty minutes, they finally both gave into themselves and, at practically the same time, leaned in close enough for their lips to almost touch.
It's supposed to be this way... she thought.
It needs to be just like this... his mind told him.
"Forever," they sighed together in each others arms before they parted, an awkward moment for both of them.
He didn't lean in far enough, she wondered sadly, maybe I've made a mistake...
Did she resist? he pondered, I couldn't tell... Maybe she doesn't love me...
Neither realized that they were on the others mind constantly.