Chapter 4
Lightning's POV
"You're asking me for advice about boys? That's funny Light, but April Fool's Day is four months away," Fang chuckled to herself as she leaned against the wall of girl's locker room.
My face lit on fire. "Fang, I'm dead serious. Have I ever been known to joke?"
Fang shook her head, a smirk dancing upon her lips. "So you're really serious that you have a crush, who is he? That really hot dirty blonde on the soccer team? Or is it that quirky Reno guy?"
My eyes focused onto the floor, my face now a raging bonfire on a summer's day. Forcing myself to draw in a shaky breath, I faced Fang.
"I have a crush on Cloud Strife," I said firmly.
And waited. My ears were braced to hear Fang's laughter but silence hung over both of us. The black-haired teen leaned into her palm against the lockers, amusement dancing on her fine features. My shoulders relaxed and the fire on my face was put out as Fang finally cracked up. It wasn't a soft giggle; it was roaring laughter that echoed throughout the whole locker room (and probably the gym). I could only stand there and glare at her as she laughed, hoping she'd get my hint to shut that little hole in her face.
"I'm sorry Light, this is just too weird," Fang wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. "You've never been interested in boys, and what's makes Cloud the only exception?"
"There's…something about him, it sorta gives him a knight-in-shining-armor feel, especially towards Tifa Lockhart," I replied, my face still burning.
Fang finished pulling on her worn-out sneakers and stood up. "Obviously, because he's her man, hate to break it to ya. And if you're hoping they get into a fight soon, not gonna happen," The crisp air greeted us upon leaving the sweaty (but warm as awkward as that sounds) locker room.
The fire on my face finally burnt out as silence hung over us. Fang was right about Cloud; I had no chance of getting him no matter what. But hey, we could still be friends? My heart pounded a littler harder against my ribs at the thought of us together outside of school. It still intrigued me myself why I had fallen head over heels for this guy. Sure, he was cute and really nice but when it came to Tifa, he was her personal solider.
"Fang, even if I can't be with Cloud how can I get closer to him as a friend?" I twirled a lock of pink hair around my finger.
My dark-haired friend threw her amused gaze towards me. "Find some time you can spend alone together, like this Thursday ask him if he's willing to stay after school to give you some pointers on fencing. That would be a fun way of bonding,"
The force of my pounding heart made my ribs vibrate at the thought. I can barely go within six feet of the guy without my face turning into a bonfire and my heart floating right out of my chest. I sucked in some air, and nodded towards Fang.
"Awesome Light! Afterwards you, me, and Serah should go out for pizza! On me!" Fang grinned. "Well, se ya!"
I gave her a quick wave before my feet lead my tiny apartment. Dropping my backpack on the couch, I enter my private sanctuary and lay on my bed. My room's white walls, coated in dozens of posters and photographs reflected the swirling hurricane of thoughts inside my head, about Cloud and Fang's suggestion. Just the thought of the blonde teen made my heart pound, my palms sweat, and suddenly very self-conscious of my appearance. My fingers combed through my pink locks as tiny smile crept across my lips. So, this must be what it's like to have a crush. It kinda felt good.
The blearing of my alarm clock interrupted my slumber. Growling under my breath, I shut off that annoying sound and forced myself out of bed. Today was the day; the day Fang's idea would go into action. I rummaged through my drawers and dug out a semi-decent outfit consisting of my favorite red v-neck t-shirt, black arm warmers, my only pair of skinny jeans, my favorite necklace, and the armband that Serah had an exact copy of. The scent of eggs greeted me upon entering the tiny kitchen, where Serah had already made breakfast for both of us.
"Mornin' Light, you look good today," She complemented.
"Thanks," I replied, devouring my breakfast.
"You meeting up with any boys?" Serah teased, a single pink eyebrow raised.
My face turned into a bonfire. Damn you Serah for reading my mind. "No,"
Serah smiled to herself and the rest of my morning went by without anything else worth mentioning. The high school was dusted with frost, a sign of the coming winter storm. The normal mob of teens outside had moved inside because of the coming cold. The only two people that were outside were Yuna, from my bio class and a senior named Lulu. Lulu was dressed in black from head to toe and her cluster of key chains attached to her jeans jangled whenever she moved.
"Hey Lightning! How are you?" Yuna chirped.
"Good, you and Lulu?" I zipped up my jacket a little more.
Lulu nodded and I headed into school. Swimming through the sea of kids, I searched for the blondie that I was in love with. His familiar blonde spikes made my heart pound loud enough for the whole school to hear. He was casually leaning against his locker as he chatted with Tifa. I filled my lungs and strode towards him, my combat boots now feeling a little tight.
"Hi Cloud," I greeted, trying to sound as casual as I could.
Cloud nodded towards me. "Hey Lighting, you know Tifa right?" He gestured towards her.
"Yeah, we have," I smiled towards Tifa, who repeated my action. "I was wondering…" How could I say this without sounding like a total idiot? "…Could you give me some pointers on fencing after school if you're able to?" Don't let my face be red, don't let my face be red.
"Sure, I'll meet you in the gym after school," Cloud agreed flashing me a thumbs-up.
I smiled towards him and headed off to first period, with probably the dumbest grin on me face. The morning went by at a rapid pace, much to my liking. The sooner the day was over, the sooner I could be with Cloud. My obsession with Cloud reminded me of the song 'Obsessed' by BoA. Only because Cloud is the only boy I've ever had a crush on, and I was turning into some crazy luck-struck teen because of it. It felt weird, but kinda good in a way. I felt normal, for once. The lunch bell rang, much to my pleasure, and Fang wrapped her arm around my neck as soon as I got into the overcrowded hallway.
"How'd it go this morning?" She whispered, her breath tickling my cheeks.
"We're hanging out after school for fencing reasons, I've been daydreaming about it all morning," Damn, my face was bonfire.
Fang smirked. "You're cute when you blush,"
I elbowed her in the ribs, making my friend release me. "Shut up,"
The rest of the day went by without anything else worth mentioning. After the final bell, I ran out of calculus and went straight to the gym. I dumped my junk onto the bench and changed into my fencing clothes. Upon entering the gym, I laid eyes upon my blonde crush who was sitting on the bleachers examining his Epee.
"Hi," Man, I sounded so stupid!
Cloud look up. "Hey Light," He stood up and pulled his mask over his face. "Wanna show me what you got?"
I smirked and pulled my mask over my face, holding out my Epee as well. "I'm ready,"
Cloud attempted to jab at me, but I quickly blocked. I tried to jab with my shaky arm, but Cloud jumped back. Stepping forward, I tried to jab at him again, but the blonde easily avoided me. Damn, even thought this wasn't a real match I couldn't fight against my crush. Cloud jabbed at me again, but I jumped out of the way just in time. I took a step forward and the ground rushed towards my face. Smooth Lighting, trip over your own feet in front of your first crush.
"You're a little shaky, but other than that you're not half-bad," Cloud complemented as he pulled me to my feet. "Try to keep your weight even,"
I picked up my Epee and dusted myself off. The next thing I knew, Cloud was standing behind me, his hands gently wrapped around my wrists. My grip tightened on my Epee at Cloud's touch. His blonde spikes tickled my cheek and his breath whistled in my ear.
"Relax a little," He guided my arms forward into a jab.
We didn't really do much fencing after that, we just hung out on the bleachers and chatted about our lives. I soaked up every word and my eyes couldn't break the allure of his perfect blue eyes. Oh god, I really hoped he didn't notice my frequent blushing, which was EXTREMELY out-of-character for me. My phone buzzed in my pocket, ruining the moment. Flipping it open, a text from Serah was waiting for me.
U have the keys? I lost mine. Srry :(
I rolled my eyes, typical of Serah.
"What's wrong?" Cloud wondered.
"My little sister lost her pair of keys to the apartment and she can't get in. I gotta go," I reluctantly dragged myself away from Cloud.
"It was nice to get to know a little more. Well, I'll see ya tomorrow!" Cloud waved before he gathered up his stuff and headed towards the locker room.
I pulled off my fencing clothes and changed back into my street clothes. Throwing my backpack over my shoulder, I headed out of school. Damn, I forgot to thank Cloud for the fencing tips. May not seem like a big deal to you guys, but I wanted to at least show him I was grateful. My pace quickened as I hoped he hadn't left the school yet. Bursting through the front doors, I spotted him at the bottom of the steps.
"Cloud!' I called out, making the teen turn around to meet my gaze.
"I, uh," I struggled to spit out as I walked down the steps. "Just wanted to say thanks for the fencing ad-," The Klutz fairy paid me a second visit today and I tripped. Again.
I shut my eyes and waited for the pavement to kiss my face. But the pain that was scheduled to be inflicted upon my face never came. I opened my eyes, only to come face-to-face with Cloud. Not only that but…
…Our lips were touching.
We just simply stood there, frozen in time. My heart was pounding like a jackhammer against my ribs and my face may as well have the center of the earth, it felt so hot. Cloud only stood there, shock filling his eyes to the brim. As surprised as I was, I hoped that his moment would drag on forever. Sadly enough, it didn't. Cloud pulled away from my lips, stuttering and clouds of red forming across his face.
"Uh, w-well…" He stuttered, running a hand over his blonde spikes. "I, um, g-gotta go,"
"M-Me t-too," My voice trembled. "Bye!" After that, I bolted. Me, the new transfer student, had just accidentally kissed Cloud Strife, one of the most well respected guys at school. Not only that, it was also my first kiss.
It's a crime, it's a crime,
It's a shame, it's a crime
I'm climbing the walls, losing my mind
It's all your fault
I'm breaking the rules, don't really care
If I get caught
Can't you tell that I'm in love, love, love?
Can't get enough of you
Need you night and day
When you're not around, I'm tested
I could get arrested
Carrying on this way, ay ay
I'm going crazy here by myself!
I want you and no one else
Sending out a signal of my distress
I confess, I'm obsessed
Uh-oh, oh, oh, oh
It's a crime, it's a shame holding your love from me!
Uh-oh, oh, oh, oh
It's a crime, it's a shame, it's a crime
I'm obsessed! I'm obsessed!
I'm obsessed! I'm obsessed!
Obsessed by BoA