You tried to sit with Niffty on the school bus the next morning, but she glared at you and put her bag onto the seat next to her.
"This seat's taken," she hissed.
You decided it was best not to argue and reluctantly sat at the back of the bus instead, alone. When Alastor arrived on the bus, you found yourself ducking behind the seat in front of you so he couldn't see you. You needed to talk to him, but this was hardly the right place to do so.
When you arrived at school, you quickly tried to find him in the crowd of students piling off the bus, but he had disappeared. You let out a frustrated growl, mad at yourself for not keeping a closer eye on him.
"Darling, there you are!" a voice called out. You spun around to see Alastor dashing over to you.
"Morning, Al." There was a hint of sadness in your voice as you braced yourself for the conversation, but he didn't seem to notice.
"I was thinking," he continued cheerfully, "we could go shopping after school today, if you like? I'd love to find a beautiful, elegant dress for you to wear on Friday. Perhaps in lilac? I feel lilac would suit you, but what do you think, my dear?"
"Alastor." You swallowed thickly. "We need to talk."
His smile wavered. "Of course. Is everything alright, my dear?"
You sighed. "Well... I like you, Al. I really do. And I really want to go to the dance with you."
He tilted his head, awaiting your next words with anticipation.
"But," you continued shakily, "I can't. Not when there's someone else who deserves to go with you more than me."
He chuckled. "My sweetheart, what do you mean? You're the only one I want."
You began to tremble. "What about Niffty? You aren't interested in her?"
"Niffty..." He thought for a second. "The name rings a bell but I'm afraid I'm not sure who you're referring to."
"Red hair, one eye... about this tall?" You held a hand up to your shoulder."
"Ah!" Realisation dawned on him. "The girl who sits next to you in class!"
"Yeah, we're always together. I'm kinda surprised you haven't noticed before."
You suddenly remembered Husk's words from yesterday.
'Everyone is too busy popping a boner for that jackass to even notice I'm there.'
Holy shit.
It was your fault Alastor had never noticed Niffty; he was always looking at you instead. Guilt pierced through you with a sting like poison, and it hurt.
Alastor looked startled. "Are you alright, my dear?"
"H-Huh?"
He gently reached a hand to your face and wiped a tear from your cheeks. You weren't even aware that you had been crying.
"Darling," he said softly, "I want nothing more than for you to be happy. If you no longer wish to go to the dance with me, I shall respect your decision."
He was being so kind. After everything you had done, you felt that you didn't deserve such kindness. A croaky sob escaped your throat and tears began to pour down your face uncontrollably.
Alastor pulled you into a sympathetic hug and you softly weeped into the shoulder of his red coat, clinging to him all the while.
"I don't know what to do!" you wailed. "I keep telling myself to do what feels right, but nothing does! No matter what, I'm going to disappoint somebody!"
"You're not going to disappoint me," he soothed. "I promise."
You broke away from the hug, wiping your face with your sleeve. "But you really poured your heart into that letter you wrote me," you sniffled.
"Letter?" He sounded confused. "I'm afraid I didn't write any love letters. Letter writing isn't exactly my forte, unfortunately."
"Really? But then... who..." You suddenly remembered you still had the letter in your pocket and quickly fished it out, handing it to Alastor. "Since you were so good at deciphering my handwriting, could you do the same with this?"
He adjusted his red monocle and peered at the letter, eyes widening slightly. "I see! This is rather unexpected. I didn't have the slightest idea he felt this way about you."
"So you know who it is!"
"Indeed I do!" He handed the letter back to you.
"Please tell me, Al. Who wrote that letter?"
Alastor chuckled, ruffling your hair. "My dear, it was none other than Husker."
Upon hearing that, you could've sworn your heart stopped. It was so unexpected. "H-Husk wrote that...?"
"It would seem so! Although I must admit, I feel rather ashamed," he said, his smile fading. "All this time I spent pining for you, my dearest friend was harbouring these feelings, and I hadn't even noticed."
"I know what you mean," you sighed sadly. "I feel so bad, because Niffty really likes you. I hurt her so much."
Alastor chuckled weakly. "We're both terrible friends, aren't we?"
"Well..." You had an idea, but you weren't sure how well Alastor would take it. "There is a way we could make things better."
He perked up slightly. "Oh?"
"What if... you went to the dance with Niffty, and I went with Husk?"
Alastor's eyes lit up as his usual grin returned to his face. "That's a wonderful idea! Perhaps we could all go together, a double date of sorts!"
You clapped your hands with glee. "That sounds great!" You could hardly believe it, but you were starting to look forward to this.
Mr Pentious clearly noticed your excitement as you bounced into class.
"I'm very pleased to see you've cheered up this morning!" he said with a smile.
Niffty still refused to acknowledge your existence, which was upsetting, but you tried to take your mind off it by focusing on Mr Pentious droning on about some crappy homework assignment. A few reassuring glances exchanged between you and Alastor throughout the class perked you up considerably.
When the bell rang to signal the end of the lesson, Alastor immediately stood up and began to follow Niffty, giving you a smile and a wink as he passed by your desk.
He called out as he approached her. "Niffty, my dear! May I speak with you?"
You discreetly followed them out into the hall, watching from a distance as Alastor spoke to Niffty, her face bright red the entire time. From where you were standing, you couldn't hear a word they were saying, but you kept your eyes fixed on Niffty's face for any positive signs. Your heart sank when tears began to roll down her cheeks, but when she lunged forward to hug Alastor, you knew everything had turned out perfectly. Seeing Niffty so happy, you almost felt like crying tears of joy yourself.
You only hoped this was enough for Niffty to forgive you.