Boundary

Scarlett barely made it to her early morning class on time, zoomingthrough the halls and into the designated room for Math. She sat in the back row to avoid interacting with the others, opening her notebook as the professor walked in. She listened to the lecture for each class diligently, but her mind kept wandering back to Vash and his words from last night. They were resonating inher brain, trying to dissect his words for a deeper meaning. The only reason she began to ponder about last night was simply due to his somber demeanor. Sure, he's shown a side of vulnerability towards her, but the event of the late evening brought immense doubt to her heart. She could sense something was changing between them, however, Scarlett is still attempting to understand her eccentric neighbor now friend. Vash was puzzling to her; his ongoing happy attitude and mixed signals becoming quite the conflict in her daily life.

Scarlett twirled her pen as she flipped the pages of her textbook to find the correct page. She could've chose not to interact with him. Yet, here she was, worrying over his mental state when hers wasn't the most stable either. They were both struggling, she could see from his eyes he was searching for something unattainable for the years to come. She shouldn't assume such accusations from her curious speculation, but Scarlett's heart was screaming whenever that presence of anguish began to cloud his beautiful eyes. The same anguish she held towards her mother for being so involved in her indecisiveness.Deep down, she knew better than to think ill of her mother who only wanted the best for her daughter.

She placed a hand over her aching heart as she questioned her willingness to befriend him. Was it because of the estranged relationship with her mother that caused her to crave his kind touch of affection? Or was it merely the silent cries for help hidden in his face when she asked for his opinion in the world they lived in? The same cries for unanswered questions they couldn't fathom in the first place. It dawned on her during their first day together that they weren't truthful to each other and to themselves; his responses to her statements further clarifying why they clicked so quickly upon meeting.

They didn't want to deal with their crippling reality alone; finding comfort in the other's indecisiveness and game of cat and mouse, wondering who would be the first to spill their secrets from the depths of their bitter hearts.

In truth, she didn't know much about her neighbor. They didn't dive into the past or future, relishing in the quiet present they shared together. From that thought, she concluded that she and him will never, ever step over that boundary of their lives. He appeared content with their current friendship and she could only respect his unexpressed wishes.

Scarlett released a deep sigh. She's never been this worked up like this in a long time over someone's wellbeing. Since she's moved here, all she's worried about is college and paying for rent, although her mother is paying most of the rent due to their agreement. Now, a different concern is her neighbor. They both seemed to get along despite the obvious differences in personalities. She also recognized how fast her demeanor changes in Vash's presence, the cold and moody mindset cracking from his sincerity he displayed towards her. It was an odd thing too, his sudden move into the vacant apartment. It was last minute and quick, the owner of the building usually putting up a post about the newest additions.

As she thought more and more about Vash, there were other several things that caught her attention. Sure he's got that infectious smile that melted her to bits and pieces, but she pondered about his covered hands. Scarlett noticed his tendency to wear gloves, more specifically on his left hand. Did he cover up due to insecurity? Or did he simply enjoy wearing leather gloves on the daily? She couldn't pinpoint which would be the most plausible to suggest. She didn't know him long enough to deduce the correct answer to her lingering curiosity on his choice of fashion. Vash wore long sleeved shirts in spite of warm temperatures. This random thought correlated to the fact that he has that peculiar red coat that he wears out. The left side has the most interesting detail of the thick black straps wrapping down his whole arm in extension to his hand, making her wonder of why it chose to highlight that side of his body. She didn't think upon it too deeply before, but his whole existence was on her mind now. She could totally ask him all the questions that plagued her everyday life since they met, but that might be pushing the current unspoken limitations of their funny friendship. She'll muster the courage to ask him sooner or later. For now, she could only wonder how different they were. They met in the oddest way ever, yet the two got along like the moon and the stars shining their old wisdomon Earth and the surrounding planets. He spoke in an odd formulation of verbage that she thought he was some sort of alien when he proposed the start of their philosophical reason to be here. Though, she noticed he never specified his true reason for coming here. Like she said, there was that invisible boundary between them that was created the moment aspark of familiarity was lit. She'll never forget the shiver that crawled up her spine when comfort and discomfort morphed into a singular emotion.

She saw herself leaning on him, depending on him in the smallest ways that made him feel so special to her. The familiarity wasn't good, or was it? That they've clicked only from feeling lost ontheir path to a successful life? Or was it because they wanted to be real friends? The hug from the other night conflicted her greatly--well, she shouldn't lie to herself now. Vash was impeding on her life more than she anticipated and she wanted real answers from him. She hated feeling so useless and unknowing of the answers to the questions she needed to uncover. Scarlett desired to resolve her mixed emotions and cross that boundary that separated the two from being truthful to each other.

However, her stubbornness and inability to actually get along with others will slow the process by miles. She's always had to fend for her own wellbeing. Why does she need to build on thoseskills now? She doesn't need others, yet she's got this man in her life who is slowly breaking down those high walls of hers. If only she knew that Vash was hiding himself in his own territory, hiding a past full of secrets and pain that echoed in blinding silence all around his smiling facade.

"And I think I'm crazy enough to ask if you'd stay with me for as long as I'm here, Scarlett."

"The way he said that... implies he won't be here for long." She muttered quietly.

The aching pain in her heart increased tenfold, but she chose to ignore it and pushed her textbooks into her bag. "Don't forget, Lettie. You've got a degree to earn, so no boys until you can manage yourself first." She whispered the oath, a hand over her throbbing chest where her heart resided.

It was now 3PM and Vash wandered through the busy streets of Kingsville. He didn't have a particular plan in mind, but he was trying to make use of the rise in temperature as the day progressed. He didn't bother to wear his red coat. Besides, there were no high winds that blew scalding sand into his face and clothing. He kept his gloved hands tucked in the pockets of his jeans, his attention on the bustling streets. He actually did some research about Kingsville before settling into the his new apartment. He didn't mind when Scarlett showed him around, but he knew the city by exact memory. He solely decided to move here because of the high population, needing to blend into the crowds to avoid suspicion. Vash tries to stay under the radar, but trouble always follows him when he's found a new spot. However, he's got a good feeling about his new home. Just thinking about Kingsville brought up the image of Scarlett's smiling face. It brought his own smile to resurface on his lips. She was a pleasant surprise even if she was grouchy at first. Scarlett isn't a bad person, he knew that from the moment he noticed the small acts of kindness she displayed regardless of her initial hesitation. Well, he did follow her to the rooftop and gave her a fright. He was minding his own business when he spotted her climbing the fire escape like it was second nature. Vash was lowkey worried for her, but his main reasoning to see what she was up to...

...is simply because he can't resist attractive women!

A lecherous grin laced his lips for a second as he thought about all the women he's gotten to see during his travels. They all turned him down, but that never stops him from flirting away. That is, until he met Scarlett. She honestly brought him to silence the moment he saw her.

She appeared to be a regular woman who had atypical struggles that everyone faces alone as an adult. However, something deep within his heart told him to approach her. They had a shaky start at the cafe, but it expanded his yearning to understand who she is as a person. Her response to his grimness left him in total awe by her profoundness. He's had heavy conversations previously, yet the simplicity in her complex thinking shook his core in newfound curiosity. She's different. Clearly, he found himself to be interested and continued to recall her features. The way she carries herself around him by acting strong and vulnerable reminded him of himself. She showed a genuine side that began to unravel when they continued to hangout more. She's playful, kind, and oddly affectionate when she chooses to be.

Vash stopped at a light, waiting for the icon on the light to signify they can cross the street. He took this moment to glance down at his hand, remembering how small her palm felt against his.

Different. A word that applied to her even if they had similar thoughts on certain topics. He has met so many types of people yet he continues to gravitate towards Scarlett, a young college student who began prioritizing to humor him. He admired her ability to be down to Earth and letting out her sudden thoughts and opinions. It meant she's beginning to feel comfortable with him, and that's what he wanted. Maybe he thinks of her as different because he likes her? A warmth spread from his neck to his ears as he crossed the street, his tall stature hidden amongst the citizens.

Of course he likes Scarlett! She's so cool and is always amusing him in ways most women wouldn't try to entertain. The way her long, dark hair hung down her back in a thick braid reminded of a Greek Goddess' long tresses. Her glasses framed her face perfectly to show off her chocolate eyes that mesmerized him greatly whenever he caught himself staring at her. She was just so pretty to him, so easy on the eyes and genuinely interesting to get to know. However, he could only hope this feeling wouldn't grow to be more than what it is. He knew getting attached to someone would be detrimental to both him and her. So, Vash happily concluded that he likes her for who she is, not because of a crush or fling. He couldn't do that to her and ruin their friendship. But, his heart ached at his limitations, wondering what could transpire during his stay.

He was desperately simping over a girl he just met, and he didn't mind it too much.