Note: High School AU

One of the greatest mysteries in high school, for me, is how and why a lot of girls like Naveen?

I am not bothered, jealous or anything. I am just curious.

I have known Naveen for some time. And that some time happened in my childhood days, We were close, honestly. But I don't exactly remember why did we become closer or how did we become friends. Being 17 does not help much.

While walking to our room, I saw Naveen from the end of the corridor. He is talking to a couple of giggling girls. It happens that our rooms are just adjacent.

"Hi, Marina," he said with a wave; the moment his eyes spotted me. An amusing smile plays on his lips as he talks.

"Hello," I greeted.

The class inside the room has not dismissed yet, so I waited by the railings with Stanley and Maren. By the railing's pillar, Naveen left his conversation with the girls and leaned against the pillar. His body faces me.

"How are you?"

I could feel my cheeks heat up by the mere question. "Fine," I replied. It has been a long time since we spoke an actual conversation. "You?"

Naveen is widely known for being cheerful. He did what is normal. It happens so fast that it made me yelp when his face is inches from mine. It wasn't in touching distance, but it was enough to surprise me. The corners of his mouth curves, creating a smile that tugs my stomach.

"You should be great!" he tilts his head slightly like a puppy. "Don't you know you look beautiful?" It could be just the work of the words, but I find sincerity in it.

"Um, no. Sarah helped me with my hair today."

Shaking his head dramatically, I scowl at him. "What?"

"Not what I meant."

Crossing my arms becomes a difficult task because I am bringing two thick books. Naveen eyes me as I struggle to adjust the books on my hand.

He chuckles lightly and takes my things away from me. Quickly overwhelmed by embarrassment and his goodness, I try to take my books from him. "No, let me," he insisted as I keep on begging him not to make me a damsel. I can't help but laugh at his chivalry. Defeated by his being gentleman, I thanked Naveen who just smiled warmly, sending sparks into the air.

For the remaining three minutes, Naveen and I talk about a lot of spontaneous stuff from our childhood memories to pizza. Throughout the conversation, I am oblivious that I was laughing out loud during most of it. Naveen is a wonderful company as always. Even with groups of people stop by to greet or acknowledge his ever charismatic presence, he either raise his brows, smiles at them or two-finger waves them, and he never lets our conversation hang.

Everything with him is strongly nostalgic; I quickly remember when we were chasing each other at his mother's meadow. He was always a fast runner that whenever he catches up to me, he would collide into me and we would tumble together. Then I would playfully push him away and his mother comes in with snacks and would laugh at our crazy games. At fifth grade, after Naveen's mother died, our playing session continued at my dad's beach house or what I called the cliff-side house. Where most of the time, I swim near the base of the cliff. That was when I saved Naveen when he foolishly tried to drown himself. Also the day...

"Marina." He caught my attention. Naveen stares at me intently; he had finally recovered from the jokes and parody. "Would you like to-"

I remember when Naveen asked me a question that started with those words. Although there were hundreds of possible accumulated questions, that one truly has something to do with me.

"Would you like to go with me?" He asked me one day when I was surveying the sea twenty feet below me. Of course, as a wide-minded middle grader, I gave him a quizzical look, but Naveen keeps on asking me the same question with innocent enthusiasm. Would I like to go with him?

I had to admit I had anticipated it because I'd love to go with him everywhere, no hesitation. Naveen dreams of visiting other places, particularly exotic ones. He inherited his love for journeying different destinations from his mother; he wanted to fulfill it for her. The death made the best or the worse out of him. He became obsessed with geography; he was more than fascinated. So he always asked me that question, since I was his best friend. But the question itself has a different meaning, I told him I can't because I am young and he is being a sick child. Naveen accused me that I was not being a friend. That made him angry and drowned himself. That was when I knew how he felt about me.

I could almost hear the first few words after I saved him, repeated in my mind. "I love you, Marina."

I was important to Naveen. But I was scared. I had no idea what to do; I was just a girl. All these feelings stuff is new me. All the more complicated. That fear destroyed our friendship.

But right now that I am old enough to see beyond the walls...

The class from my classroom comes out first. Maren takes my arm, tugging me.

Philosophy was our subject and the teacher hates late students.

"I got to go," I said miserably. "Ms. Adelina." I pointed to the teacher with a grim look plastered on my face. Understanding, Naveen gives me the books with a solemn smile on his face. I could almost sense the disappointment in it. "Later."

He turns without looking back while I entered the classroom with a long face.

Someone grabs my arm. It's Stanley. One of the few common friends Naveen and I share. "Yes?"

"Talk to him, Bright eyes," Stanley said with a teasing wink. I already knew what it means. "For me, please? Naveen's probably beating himself up for being a loser." I was about to protest about Ms. Adelina, but he won me over. "Don't worry I'll stall her."

At that moment, expertly discreet as it is, I officially know why a lot of girls like Naveen. But a new mystery has ascended: I do not know why I love him. But I do, I certainly do.

"Fine," I said and hurried outside.

Naveen hasn't gone through the corner. I scream his name and run towards him. After years, he got his answer.

"I'll go out with you, dummy."

Naveen swivels to face me. The happiest smile I've seen him on his face. It felt like being married. I hope one day, to him.

This AU has been inspired by a real life experience. Um, half of it actually or just a portion. I am very sorry for a late update. I am still sick and wifi is going crazy and I am doing my best to update my stories. Thank you for the support once again. I love you, guys!

updated with minor revision and grammar edits