Streaming Ribbons
Ranulf stared at the box in front of him blankly. He bought it as a gift, but he just couldn't get himself to give it to Lethe. She was everything to him. He would tease her from time to time, but it was mostly because he wanted her to notice him.
He knew that Lethe fancied Muarim and that the chances of him ever being with her were slim. Ranulf grimaced at the thought of Lethe and Muarim as a public couple. It would be the headline of the school paper. Everyone knew Lethe was independent and proud, and Muarim was submissive and gentle.
Ranulf knew Muarim was good friend, but he still held a small grudge against him. To Ranulf, Muarim was his arch rival, his competition for the girl of his dreams.
After a long time, Ranulf made up his mind. He was going to give the present to Lethe. He had anticipated this moment for a long time, but he didn't know he would be so nervous. Lethe was walking toward her locker. He didn't budge. He just couldn't. Something was pulling him back. Fear. Fear of rejection. He wouldn't be able to bear it. What if she wouldn't even accept the gift? What if…
"Hey, Ranulf," Lethe said from behind Ranulf," what you got there?" Ranulf whipped around, almost knocking Lethe over. "Whoa, dude, you gotta calm down. It's just me."
Ranulf just stood there and stared at Lethe with wide eyes. He didn't know what to do. He practiced this scene over and over in front of his mirror perfectly; now he just stood like a statue. Lethe looked at Ranulf intently, expecting a reply.
"Lethe, what are you doing here!" Ranulf croaked. He beat himself up inside for coming up with such a stupid answer. All that practice just for that? What am I, an idiot?
"Well, I saw you standing here and I just thought I'd say hello. Is there something wrong with that?" Lethe asked cocking up an eyebrow.
"No! Uhmm…" Ranulf paused.
"What's wrong?" Lethe inquired.
"Lethe, well, today is Valentine's Day, and I got you a present." Ranulf handed Lethe the beautifully wrapped orange box with his head bowed. "I hope you like it. You know what? It's getting pretty late and I need to get home. See you tomorrow!" Ranulf said in a rush. Then he dashed off.
Lethe watched Ranulf's back as he ran. She was confused, surprised, and speechless. For a moment she just stood in silence. When her senses came back, she peered at the orange box. I wonder what's inside, she thought to herself.
She carefully untied the string and lifted the lid. Lethe gasped. It was a silk green ribbon with brass bells attached to the ends. It was beautiful.
She gently took the ribbon out of the box and tied it around her neck. It felt soft and smooth. She loved it. Maybe Ranulf isn't so dense after all. I guess I could give it a try. Lethe smiled to herself.