Clove's POV

I have been having an amazing year so far. My relationship with the people from this town has escalated really quickly. I've only been here for a month but it feels like I've known these people my whole life. Everyone can read me like an open book, even Cato.

Ah, Cato. He has become one of my best friends ever since we spent time together at the party. We're also partners for Mr. Brutus's class, so that helped in the development process too. He often hangs out at my house whenever we have homework so that we can work on them together and help each other out if necessary. I've grown very comfortable around him, although I'm still rather shy at times considering I still have a huge crush on him. Not to mention my mother thinks he's, for the lack of a better word, hot.

One such day, we were working on our science fair project at my house. My parents weren't home yet, seeing as they both still have work and Maddie was still at NYU. We were looking for things around the house that we could use for our project. Afterwards, we proceeded to my room and sat on the floor to start on said project when he spotted my guitar poking out from under the bed.

"You play?"

"Huh?" I asked, turning towards him as I was previously examining what we had to work with. That was when I noticed he was talking about the guitar. "Oh yeah. But not so much anymore." I replied sadly, a slight blush penetrating my cheeks.

"Why not?"

I don't whether or not I should answer. I mean, don't get me wrong, I trust Cato with my life. It's just that this is a bit too personal and I'm not sure I'm willing to share it just yet.

"It's alright if you don't want to tell me." He says, as if reading my mind. "I know your past is a sore subject for you. But Clove, just so we're clear, you can trust me. I'll always be here and ready to listen whenever you need me."

He is, quite honestly, the sweetest boy in the entire world. He may not look much, with his whole pop star/playboy attitude and outward appearance, but deep down he's just a regular guy who would do anything for his friends. I really don't know how I got so lucky to have someone like him in my life.

"Thanks, Cato. That means a lot."

"Anytime. Do you mind if I have a go at it though?"

"Sure go ahead."

He starts strumming the guitar with expertise. That's not surprising though since he's not only the lead vocalist but also one of the guitarists in the band. Actually, he can play any instrument he wants to without much effort. He's just naturally musically inclined.

As he kept playing, I noticed that it's not one of the songs I've heard of before. Not even in one of their gigs that they have every so often nor the occasional practices I've had the privilege of witnessing.

I can feel you comin' from a mile away

My pulse starts racing from the words that you say

And you say so many of them like you don't have a clue

That I'm signed, sealed delivered with a stamp on

He pauses for a second before continuing, this time it's a bit different. Must be the chorus.

Hold, hold, hold, hold me tight now

Cause I'm so, so good to go

Don't say Don't say good night you know

You had me hello (X3)

Don't say Don't say good night you know

You had me hello

I stared at him, mesmerized at his beauty and style. The music flowed throughout the room smoothly. This is probably one of their new songs.

The song ended way too quickly for my liking. As if on que, he said, "it's not finished yet. I'm still working on it."

"Well it sounds great so far. I'm sure it'll be a hit once you guys release it."

He had a small smile on his face, his eyes not wavering from the guitar in his hands. At least he seemed to have appreciated my compliment. That was a good sign. But why did his smile look a bit forced? Come to think of it, the song sounded different from the ones they usually played. I can't put my finger on the reason though.

Before I could think deeper into it, I heard the back door open, followed by a shout. "Clove, I'm home! Hi, Cato!"

This caused us both to laugh. She most likely recognized the car parked out front.

We gathered our stuff before descending the stairs.

We both greeted mom simultaneously. "Hi mom." "Good afternoon, Mrs. Kentwell."

"Hey kids. Are you both too busy with homework or are you free enough to help me make dinner?" Despite her accusing tone, you could tell she was just messing with us.

We helped mom prepare dinner since both Maddie and dad would most likely be home within the hour, seeing as it was already past 5pm. They're always starving by the time they get home.

"Oh my gosh!" She exclaimed suddenly, dropping her kitchen knife on the chopping board in the process. This got both of our attention. "How silly of me to forget! Cato, dear, why don't you have dinner with us?" If mom didn't look so serious, I would think she was joking. You see, despite how many times Cato's been to my house, he always leaves right before dinner since he has band practice every night at Gale's house. They converted their basement into a sound-proof music room just for the band.

"I'd be honored, Mrs. Kentwell. Thank you for the invitation." He answered with a charming smile on his face. I stared at him, wide eyed with my mouth wide open. I swear I felt my jaw drop all the way to the floor.

"Clove, honey, please close your mouth. It's rude and very unladylike." She said, a small smile playing at her lips. Cato just laughed at me before resuming with his cooking.

As expected, about half an hour later, Maddie and dad arrived home. We ate dinner the usual way, albeit the beginning was a bit awkward. After a while, they started to grow more comfortable with Cato at the table and started including him in the conversation. By the time dinner was over, he could have been considered part of the family. That thought sort of made me blush. Luckily no one seemed to have noticed.

He bid my family good-bye shortly afterwards as he was still due at the Gale's. He insisted on helping mom clean but mom said that it's impolite to let the guest clean up or do house work in general. Ironic how she would say that after she turned him into a slave earlier today to prepare dinner.

"You're family's nice. They're really warm and inviting. Not to mention funny." Cato said as we were walking back to his car.

"Yeah they are. I wouldn't want to change anything about them. Well, except maybe their meddlesome attitude sometimes." I said jokingly. He seemed to have appreciated it and laughed along.

After he put his stuff in the trunk, he went back to where I was standing. Suddenly, he leaned forward and kissed my right cheek. I felt myself blush at the contact. I hope it was too dark for him to see.

"I had a great time tonight. Thanks again." He said, making his way back to his car. Before he got in, he bid me farewell saying, "Good night, Clove. I'll see you tomorrow." With that, he got in the car and drove off.

I was left standing there like a love struck puppy, staring at the direction to which he had gone to. Today was definitely one of the best days of my life.

AN: Ok technically I shouldn't be online seeing as I have exams this week but the emails I kept receiving were making it hard to resist. I was planning on posting this on the weekend but because of the positive reviews and follows, I've decided to give you guys a little reward. Big thanks to those who have been reviewing this story! You guys have no idea how giddy I feel whenever I read your reviews and how much encouragement it gives me. At least I know my efforts being put to waste.

Thoughts? :)

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