Chapter 33: The Bloom
Kira had betrayed her...he just didn't know it.
For nearly an entire week, Cagalli had successfully avoided Athrun. In science, she sat in a different seat and would be the first one to leave at the ring of the bell. She studied in the library or computer lab during lunch and ate her packed meal during study hall. She also avoided her locker whenever he was at his. All of that was done only for him to be standing over her table, in the cafe, ready to assist her with Algebra. Because Kira bailed on her.
"He said he's sorry, but his mom needed him," Athrun said. "I hope you don't mind me as a replacement."
Holding a poker face, Cagalli stared ahead, out of the window. She tapped her pencil on the table. Her heart was ready to leap out of her chest.
"Cagalli?"
She slowly faced him. "It's okay," she said in monotone. "I was about to head out anyway. I have...errands to run before it gets too late."
Athrun frowned.
"Are you sure?" he said.
"Yes," she said, standing up.
…
Cagalli huffed as she walked, one bag (filled with pastries that she claimed her caretaker wanted her to pick up) in hand. Athrun was a couple steps behind her. She thought he would go home after she stated she had to run errands, but he insisted on helping with any bags she may carry. She also thought he would leave when he realized she didn't have much to carry at all. Cagalli huffed again as she crossed the street, making her way to the Garden Square of the city's shopping district.
Cagalli sat down on a bench, immediately hopping off from making contact with its icy touch. Athrun giggled. She glared at him.
"You don't need to follow me around ya know," she said. "As you can see, I don't really need your help."
Athrun frowned. "Excuse me."
"So, you can go home," she turned away from him.
"What's got you in a bad mood?"
"Nothing," she folded her arms.
"Then why are you being rude," he said. "Is this how you treat guys that you like?"
Cagalli's arms dropped. She became stiff. Silence hung between them for a while.
"Well?"
She took a deep breath. "No," she said. "I was hoping you would forget about that."
"Why?"
Athrun stood beside, but she refused to look at him.
"I was first shocked, but I was happy you said it," he continued.
If possible, Cagalli became even stiffer. Her heart was pounding and she would not budge, but she could feel him getting even closer to her.
"Cagalli?"
It was a whisper, a whisper that caused a tingle up her spine. She slowly turned her head to face him and he was standing only inches away. His gaze emanated warmth; she felt as if— without a care— she could lose herself in it. She took a step back, but his hand wrapped around her arm, pulling her back.
"Athrun…"
"Don't run this time."
She gave a timid nod.
"I really was glad to hear it," he said.
"You...you were?"
He nodded. "Because…"
He fell silent, only answering by grabbing her other arm and pulling her closer. He enveloped her, and, once again, she was rigid.
"I'm glad we met," he pulled away.
They looked into each other's eyes, both of their cheeks red. Both carrying pounding hearts. Athrun titled his head forward, his gaze never leaving Cagalli's. The action shocked her, and she could feel herself going into a panic, but the warmth pulled her back in, and, before she knew it, she was leaning forward. Then he seized her lips.