It was a normal day in the cafeteria as you sat next to your friend, like normal. And much like normal your attention wasn't on the conversation at hand, but it was focused on a certain girl, like normal. You watched the auburn-haired girl who keeps her long hair in a single braid with a red bow with the rest falling down her shoulders. Her bangs, which she was currently moving to the side, sat above her gentle green eyes that were focused on her art pad that she was doodling in. Her pink dress stopped at her knees where her white long socks met at her knees and ended in her boot. She also had her signature red leather crop jacket. She accessories with her gold bracelets that clinked as she moved her arm.
You watched as she sat alone at the same table she always does and has since you both entered high school, her tray with partially eaten food to the side, backpack next to her as she continued her drawings. You never understood why Aerith sat alone but you hated it every time. She wasn't someone who should be alone.
"So you going to talk to her or keep staring a hole into her?" Your attention was drawn from your starting as you met the red eyes of Tifa who was giving you a knowing smile. She and Cloud sat next to each other and with you at your table. The two had been friends with you since freshman year and were the only ones to notice the massive crush you had on Aerith. Cloud was usually the quietest out of your trio much like he was now just silently eating his meal. Tifa however after finding out you pinning for Aerith hadn't hidden the teasing but was always pushing you to go and talk to her. Which was something you were planning to do…at some point.
Tifa giggled at your flustered expression,
"You know she's hard to talk to. We all know how nice she is. She's even friendly to Cloud here," she said. Cloud gazed at her for a moment before looking at you,
"I'm not that hard to talk to," he said after a moment of thought. Tifa rolled her eyes playfully while you sighed,
"Sure thing Cloud," you anf Tifa said in unison. This got an annoyed grumble from the Blond as he went back to his food. As he did your gaze went back to Aerith who was as busy as ever in her drawings,
"Ya know she won't bite,' your eyes went back to Tifa's pleading expression, "Come on what's stopping you from at least talking to her?" she asked,
"Oh I don't know, maybe the fact that she's Aerith and I'm me? She way out of my league," you said followed by a sigh,
"That's not true and you know it. You gotta believe in yourself more," she said. You only considered it for a moment but resigned at that thought,
"As if. Plus I don't stand a candle to Zack," you responded. Tifa tapped your arm which was still with enough force to sting a bit,
"Ow! You know your punches even light hurt," you said rubbing the spot and looking at her. But you were met with her angry eyes which wasn't a good site,
"I know you aren't comparing yourself to her ex. She and Zack broke up before he left and that was a long time ago. And you know Aeirth wouldn't compare you to anybody but yourself. It's not in her personality to be like that," she said. You put your hands up in surrender,
"Ok, ok you're right. Aerith isn't like that. But still, Zack had a lot more going for him than I do. The guy was awesome while me? I'm just me," you said with a sigh. Tifa pouted at you though you didn't notice as you looked at the food that you'd barely touched. She nudged Cloud who snapped out of his own thoughts to pay attention to the conversation. He met her annoyed eyes and your downtrodden expression,
"Hey you can't give up before you start," he said getting an approving nod from Tifa. You played with your grapes moving them around with your fork. Tifa and Cloud looked at you concerned and took each other wondering what they could say. Yet before they could speak the two looked up at the new person approaching the table and sly smiles spread to their faces. You were wrapped up in your thoughts as you felt a tap,
"Not now Tifa. Can't you see I'm sulking," you said,
"I'm not Tifa," the new voice said. Your heart hitched at the voice as your whipped your head up fast enough to get whiplash. Before you stood Aerith who just looked at you with curiosity in her eyes,
"You ok?" she asked her voice sounding sweeter than anything you've ever tasted. It took you a full minute of silence before you realized you hadn't talked yet. You should probably do that,
"Ok? Me? Y-Yeah I'm uh, yeah I'm good, good. W-What about you?" smooth. Your behavior got a giggle out of her as she smiled,
"Me? I'm good. I just noticed you looking down and was curious. I'm not interrupting anything am I?" she asked as she looked at Tifa and Cloud. Tifa smiled and shook her head,
"Of course not. Hey, why do you sit with us today? We got plenty of room for you," she offered. You felt your heart jump again at the thought of her sitting here,
"Really? You don't mind?"
"Of course not we'd love to have you, right Cloud?" Cloud gave her nod which was much like him saying yes. Aerith's eyes lit up with glee,
"Great I'll get my stuff," and she was back at her table quickly. In the moments of her gathering her things, you looked to Tifa desperately,
"What are you doing?" you said in a harsh whisper. Tifa smiled that familiar mischievous smile you've learned to hate,
"You'll thank me later," she said. Before you could reply Aeirth had returned and placed her tray next to your filling up the seat on the other side of you effectively trapping you between her and Tifa. You watched her get comfy placing her bag down and then looking at you with that smile at point-blank range. If her being so close wasn't dangerous enough that smile at this range would be the finishing blow. Unconsciously you scooted a bit away and yet to your surprise she scooted closer giving you a similar mischievous look as Tifa,
"Don't tell me I scare you?" she said teasingly. You felt the heat on your neck raise at that,
"No. Why would you scare me?" you managed. She didn't lessen the distance if only inching a bit closer,
"I don't know you tell me since you scooted away," she responded. Your words were caught in your throat as she was close enough to get her scent, She smelled like flowers and the earth. When it felt like your heart was going to explode she relented moving her face away to go into her bag and pull back out her art pad. Though she never did scoot back over. You looked at Tifa for a moment but noticed that conveniently she and Cloud were in the middle of a conversation,
'Of course, you are.' you thought. Realizing the futility of fighting back so you took a silent breath to calm yourself. You looked back over to Aerith to see was wrapped back up into her drawing. You've seen her drawing from a distance for so long that seeing it up close you could see how focused her eyes were as she sketched. The way she slouched when working on a specific part which caused her bangs to fall in her eyes which in turn caused her to move them. Or how at times she'd stick her tongue just a bit as she worked which only added to her cuteness. You felt your blush rising and she wasn't even talking to you. But you couldn't help it for this was Aerith.
You felt a nudge to your side and you glanced to see Tifa and Cloud eyeing you. You didn't need them to speak to know what they were telling you and you internally sighed for they were right after all. Looking at Aerith your mind quickly went over all the possible ways to start a conversation. It's not like you hadn't ever spoken to her in fact you have a few times. But they were mainly in passing or for the times she was inviting people to join the gardening club. In fact, Aerith had initiated all of those interactions.
'Time to change that,' you thought as you steeled yourself,
"Hey Aerith," you began but her eyes focused on you too quickly giving you their full attention and causing you to freeze,
"Yes?" She asked and you just looked at her too stunned to speak yet again. A few seconds rolled by of your awkward silence and staring until Aerith took the lead and bopped you on the nose effectively resetting you. She smiled as you focused in,
"Good to know a simple bop to the nose and you're back," she said in a teasing tone. You chuckled off some of the nerves,
"Y-Yeah that is good to know," you said. She nodded and turned her full body to accidentally touch your knees but not seeming to care,
"Now then what was it you wanted? Or did you just want to stare at me?" She asked. You felt your knees touching, noticed the close proximity, and had her full attention on you. It was a trifecta of things to get you close up with nerves. But you felt the eyes of your friends burning on your back and knew if you messed this opportunity up they wouldn't let you live it down. Ever.
"W-Well I was wondering…what it is that you're drawing? You looked so focused on it," you said finally. Aerith's eyes brightened in excitement at the question,
"Let me show you," she quickly got her pad and showed you the picture she was working on. It was incomplete but you were surprised to notice how good of a hand she had as you could easily make out that it looked to be a flower of some sort. In fact, it was several flowers sitting in a vase on a table. It looked like she was going for realism. At least that's what you remembered, your art teacher called it,
"Woah, this is amazing. really good at drawing," you said as you looked at the picture closer. You didn't notice the slight blush that came to Aerith at your compliment,
"Thanks, I have more if you want to see," you nodded and that started the rest of your lunch. Aerith flipped through the rest of her pad showing you the dozens of sketches and drawings she's done. They were a mix of styles ranging from realism to more anime style. Your favorite was the dog she made. At least you think it was a dog and features of a cat as well yet it these tribe-like markings on its arm and the number 13,
"Why 13?" You asked her when looking it over. She shrugged,
"Cause it looked cool?" You wanted to ask her more but the sound of the bell disrupted the pleasant conversation between you. She sighed as she put away her things,
"Sadly classes must resume," she said as she stood with her tray, "It was fun sitting with you guys," she said with a smile. Tifa smiled back,
"Your welcome to sit with us anytime Aerith," she said with Cloud nodding. That only made her smile brighter,
"Thank you. I might just take you up on that offer," she said. Then her eyes fell on you once again, "It was fun going over art with you," she said her tone sounding a bit sadder yet you didn't know why,
"Yeah, it was," you said in response. There was a pause as she just stood there her gaze locked on yours and you could swear it looked as if she was waiting for something, or for you to do something. When you didn't respond she kept her smile and turned to leave. And when she did you felt weight press down on your chest as you felt that you missed something, missed some quiet cue. So without thought, you stood,
"Hey Aerith,' she paused and looked back to you curious yet again. You felt your face flush with nervousness as your heart hammered away yet you couldn't stop now, "Um if you ever want I'd like to talk more art with you and see any more of your drawings. I think there really cool," a smile so genuine spread on her face you couldn't stop the blush that you had been holding back,
"I'd love to! Maybe I could get you to draw something as well," she said. She gave a wave and you watched her walk off. When she did you fell back into your seat as your brain was slowly catching up to reality,
"What just happened?" you asked quietly before placing your hand on your head. Tifa was practically bouncing with excitement,
"You were great! I'm so proud of you!" she said. You just looked at her confused,
"W-What?" She gave you a playful shove,
"Don't what me. With Aerith. I saw you two going over and talking about her art. It was cute," she said. It still hadn't sunk in that you basically invited Aerith to share her art with you whenever she pleased, but also that you had a pleasant conversation with her as well? It was too much to take in at once but here you were getting confirmation from your friends that all of that happened. And that you survived it,
"Woah," Tifa laughed while Cloud gave a half smile,
"You did good," he said as he gathered his things. Tifa followed his lead,
"I think you got a real chance here so don't mess it up," she said as the two went to their classes. You sat there for a few moments longer just processing. It wasn't until the second bell range did you pop out of your daze to gather your things to make it to your next class quickly.
***The last bell of school rang and like most teenagers on a Friday their first thought was to get as far away as possible from the prison that is school. And while typically you were the same this time however you got pulled after class by your homeroom teacher. You weren't in trouble or anything but she wanted to go over some future prospects for your next level of education and if you needed a recommendation she'd be happy to give you one. Of course, you were polite to listen but your mind couldn't be anywhere but here.
After your talk, most of the student body had left except those in extracurricular activities. And you weren't in any clubs or sports so no reason to stay. Tifa and Cloud messaged you about meeting up online tonight. It was something you guys did daily so you never really knew why it was always discussed. But they were your best friends and it did little to argue with a set pattern. Plus you knew that they wanted to talk about what happened at lunch with Aerith. And you couldn't lie talking about it would help you figure everything out.
After a trip to your locker for some books for homework you set your sights on home. As you made it to the entrance the sounds of struggling caught your ears as the voice sounded familiar. Walking out the door you were met with the sight of Aerith struggling with what looked to be several large bags of either dirt or fertilizer. She had a cart but there were a lot of bags to stack up. You paused and watched her for a few moments as she heaved the bag on top of the others with effort. She took a moment to wipe her brow and you noticed she was wearing an apron and gloves. Very much looking like a florist. Very cute. But when you saw her go for the next bag you didn't hesitate to walk over. She didn't even notice your approach as she started to lift the bag. You noticed the struggle and before she could drop it you caught the other end surprising her,
"Oh nice catch," she said as you both lifted the bag onto the others,
"Yeah, sorry I didn't mean to startle you. I just saw you heaving these bags and thought you could use a hand," you said. She looked genuinely surprised at that but it switched to a just as genuine smile,
"My knight in shining armor. I thank you for the help," she said. You felt a blush threatening to show at her words but masked it with a cough,
"I-i wouldn't say all that. But I got time so I could help you with the rest of these,"
"As long as you don't mind getting a bit dirty then I welcome the help. Even with muscles like mine these can get a bit heavy," she said and then proceed to flex her arms showing small muscles. You couldn't help but chuckle at the display which seemed to be her goal as she giggled with you. The two of you got to work and quickly packed up the bags into the cart,
"Cool. So where is it that you're taking these?" you asked,
"To roof top silly. Thats where the greenhouse is after all," she said. She then started to push the cart. Yet with all the bag's weight, it was barely moving. So doing your next courageous act you moved next to her and helped her push the cart getting it rolling. You didn't see the slight blush on her face as you both pushed the cart. It took you both a bit of time to move them all but with some effort, you both got the bags up to the rooftop greenhouse. After placing the last bag down you sighed as you felt sweat on your brow,
"Man those bags were no joke. I worked up a sweat," a rag entered your view and the hand holding it was none other than Aerith who had one herself,
"This should help," she said. You gladly took the rag and wiped off the sweat feeling a bit of relief,
"Thanks,"
"It's the least I can do for all your help today. It would've taken me a lot longer to get these all up here. I only learned of the delivery coming early after classes," She said as she took off her apron and gloves placing them back in their spots. You readjusted your bag and took a look around the greenhouse. While there was a considerable amount of beautiful and maintained flowers you could feel a sense of loneliness. There was only one set of gloves and apron, one water can, and one set of gardening tools,
"Aerith why didn't you ask the other members to help?" you asked as you looked at her. She was finishing messing with her jacket when she turned to you,
"Well there would have be members for that to happen," she said with a smile. You felt a pang in your heart at hearing that,
'She's been doing this alone?' Aerith noticed the change in your demeanor and looked at you curiously,
"Everything ok?" You didn't respond right away which only added to her curiosity. Without thought, you took a step toward her getting close enough to catch that scent of hers, flowers and earth,
"I-I wanted to know if it'd be alright if I joined gardening club," you said. She just looked at you for a moment,
"As much as I'd like that gardening doesn't really seem like something you'd be into and I'd rather not waste your time. I appreciate the thought though really. " the rejection, even though it was sound, hurt a bit. Yet you noticed the small glimmer in her eyes at the offer quickly dimmed and you wouldn't stand for it,
"W-Well would it be ok if I stopped by to…hang out?" you asked. She just stared at you for a moment. You knew those eyes were reading your expression for anything hidden, anything you weren't showing. You noticed she did that often, yet you were honest with the question so you stood your ground and held her gaze. A silent moment passed and when her eyes widened you saw a faint blush on her face as that wonderful smile of hers came back,
"Since I am the president of the club I think guest visits can be allowed. We meet every Wednesday and Friday after school. Though the space is open whenever," she said. You smiled at that,
"R-Right! Wednesday and Friday's," Aerith then did something you weren't expecting. She strolled up and poked your nose once more confusing you,
"What was that for?" you asked. She just gazed at you fondly a moment before shrugging,
"Don't know. Just felt like it. Come on let's head out. I'll go through the sorting next week," she said turning to get her bag and leave. You paused a moment as your hand went to your nose as you could still feel where she touched. But at her voice, you snapped back to reality and jogged to catch up. You two returned to the entrance exiting the main gates. Aerith stopped at the entrance and turned to you,
"Welp I gotta this way,' she pointed to the opposite direction of your house, "And I rather not take you out of your way," she said. You felt that sadness again at the thought of splitting but a different thought came to you,
"Wait, you know which way I live?" you asked. She quickly grew flustered at that,
"I've just noticed that you go that way when leaving is all. Nothing creepy,' she said with a pout. You grinned at the cute display, "But that aside seriously I can handle myself till home. Thanks again for helping. It means a lot,"
"Oh, yeah of course. If you ever need help again just ask me I don't mind," you said. She just smiled and nodded signaling the end of the conversation. Yet neither one of you moved as if your feet were glued to the spot. It didn't that neither of you talked either and as the silence lingered the one thing you feared began to happen. It got awkward.
You had a feeling about why it got this way you felt, no knew, it was because you wanted to ask for her number. But being who you are was a task on par with climbing the tallest mountain. You met her gaze and she yours and there was a moment of her looking at you curiously almost waiting and yet you wanted to ask but again nothing came out only adding to the awkward air between. After another moment you gained the strength to speak,
"W-Well I best get moving. See you next week," you said awkwardly and turned away. You took a few steps and already began to mentally chide yourself for your cowardness,
'And just when everything was going well,' you thought as you walked. But the sound of quickening footsteps and her voice stopped you,
"Wait up a second," you turned back to see Aerith stopping before you, "Give me your phone," she said and you did without question unlocking it. You watched her a few moments as she typed something in and once satisfied she gave it back with a smile,
"Ok now see you later!" she said as she jogged away from you. You stood there and watched until she was out of view confused,
'What just…' your thoughts ended as your notification sound rang. Without thought, you figured it was Cloud or Tifa wondering where you were but when a new name showed on your screen you felt your heart skip a beat. It was Aerith and she said,
Hi!