Before the start of middle school Kyle noticed a shift in his usual group of Cartman, Stan, and Kenny. The once unbreakable bound the four had seemed to be slipping away and nothing Kyle did seemed to revive it. He tried stopping by each of their houses or calling them to see if they were busy but each time it seemed to no avail. At some point during the first semester of 6th grade Kyle had given up on each of his friends. Even Stan no longer seemed worth the trouble it was to keep their friendship afloat. He seemed too preoccupied with spending his time with Wendy. Which, seems ironic now since Kyle heard through the grapevine that they broke up in the middle of their 7th-grade year. Stan tried to call him a few times after, but Kyle was no longer interested in Stan's friendship. He had entered a new friend group that was keeping him entertained and busy.
Kyle still talked to Kenny every once in a while. There were no grudges between the two as Kenny had been taking jobs around town since the end of 6th grade to help his family through their money issues. Kyle knew that Kenny wanted his sister to have everything she wanted in life, and it didn't matter if Kenny was happy. As long as Karen was. So, now and then whenever the two crossed paths Kyle always made sure to stop and catch up with his old friend. They were still so young. Only just now starting sophomore year of high school and Kenny looks exhausted from life. As if he's already lived every horrible part of it.
Cartman was another story. The two of them never got along, but it was a shock when Cartman started spending his time with the jocks of the school. He dropped his previous weight and traded it in for muscles. He joined the football team once we got to freshman year and for the past few years hasn't uttered anything close to a slur to anyone. There are rumors that his mom put him into some intense anger management and therapy. My theory was that Cartman had been kidnapped and someone alien took his entire identity. My fourth-grade self would never in a million years believe me if I told him his arch-nemesis seems like a cool dude now and is doing pretty good for himself.
Kyle, himself, was always spending every minute with his new group which consisted of Tolkien, Butters, and David. They all started hanging out after being grouped for an assignment. They were the only ones that didn't have a group to be a part of and sort of were forced together. It's something Kyle will forever be grateful for, however, as this group saved him in some of his hardest times. Especially David. He moved to South Park in fourth grade, but Kyle was still hanging out with Stan, Kenny, and Cartman and he never really got to interact with David until a couple of years later. He and David seemed to be the ultimate 'bromance' of South Park High. Always seeming to be connected at the hip and defending the other in any fight started. David is the friend he was with when he tried his first beer, a puff of weed, and when Kyle needed advice on how to approach kissing Red McArthur.
"Dude, you have to help me. I think she expects me to make a move." Kyle found himself panicking. Pacing back in forth in David's room, which he had just previously barged in unannounced just 20 minutes prior. Worked up on the prospect of going any further than light pecks with Red. He's known her almost all his life but had just started to see her in a different light this year.
David snickers, leaning his head on his hand as he watches his best friend pace from his bed. "No yeah, dude, she most definitely is expecting to go all the way tonight."
Kyle freezes and directs a glare in David's direction. "Don't even joke about that you douche," he finds himself grumbling. "This date has to be perfect and if I start thinking about sex I'll spend the entire time fidgeting and stuttering."
David sighs and sits up swinging his feet off his bed. "Dude, you're going to be fidgeting and a fucking stuttering mess either way. Red likes you, Kyle. She has since you ditched that bright-ass green hat." He reminded the redheaded boy.
Red had never even glanced in his direction until Kyle showed up at school one day with a completely new look. He was no longer self-conscience of his red afro. He had finally embraced his red locks and let them flow freely while also keeping them tamed to a certain length. Ditched his orange coat for hoodies and sweaters. Red seemed very fond of this change in Kyle as she couldn't take her eyes off of him for days. Finally, Kyle's friends convinced him to approach her and ask for a date. After many run-throughs, Kyle had gained the courage and now he and Red were about to go on their fourth date. He wasn't stupid. He knew Red was getting frustrated with his lack of making a move, but Kyle was terrified of screwing things up. He needed everything to go perfectly. He's never felt this way before.
Kyle lets out a shuttering breath before turning and facing David directly. "That green hat was cool as fuck, dude."
A snort is heard from David, "That hat was massive and I could barely concentrate in class with that green ass monstrous distraction."
After a wave of dismissal from Kyle the conversation is shifted back to what seemed more important. "Whatever, dude. That doesn't matter. I need to go pick up Red in a few minutes anyways."
"Fucking finally. I thought you would never leave." David moaned flopping himself on his back.
"Fuck you, dude. You love me," Kyle said heading towards David's bedroom door. He almost exited but decided to flip back around and shoot the middle finger at his best friend one more time before taking off downstairs.
"See you later, Mrs. Rodriguez!" Kyle shouts towards the kitchen where David's mother is currently preparing dinner for her family.
"Goodbye, Kyle," David's mother shouts back. Her accent is thick, but she never apologizes. She's incredibly proud of her culture and heritage. Her accent is something she treasures and will never try to change. "You treat that girl well! You understand?" She teases, pointing her spatula at Kyle and playfully narrowing her eyes.
"Yes ma'am!" Kyle replies, letting himself out the front door. "I'll be the perfect gentleman."
Kyle was still months away from turning sixteen, so he would be picking Red up on foot. He does have his learner's permit, but there's no way he was going to risk being pulled over before or during this monumental event. So, he would make sure to never let Red leave his sight until he can walk her back into her house and know she was safe.
David only lived two blocks away from each other, which is why he decided to stop at his house in the first place. So, it only took about 10 to 15 minutes before Kyle found himself knocking on the redheaded girl's house. It almost seemed like she was waiting on the other side of the door because she hurried to swing the door open before Kyle had even finished his first knock.
"Kyle!" Red beamed. She had curled her hair and had on a pink spring dress that went just two inches below her knees. She had a radiant smile and was blushing as she looked at Kyle from head to toe. "I'm so excited for today. My parents are out of town and I've been dying of boredom."
Kyle had put effort into his appearance as well, which Red seemed to really appreciate. His curls were brushed to the sides, and he was wearing a black button-up shirt and a pair of jeans. He wanted to look good but didn't want to overdo it. Tolkien was the one who vetoed his tux idea, and Butters had lent him the shirt.
"You should be," Kyle smiled, holding a hand out towards Red to take. "I've got the whole night set up for us. How does a movie and a dinner sound to you?" He asked, pulling her close as soon as she placed her hand into his.
"Sounds fantastic," She whispered, looking up at Kyle. He had grown quite a bit over the years. While he isn't the tallest kid in class, as that title belonged to Eric Cartman, he did reach an impressive height at 5'11. He was still growing, but being one of the taller guys in school at this age was such a perk. "Wait, it doesn't have those Canadian actors you were obsessed with at one point does it?" She asked, slightly pulling away. She narrowed her eyes in suspicion.
Kyle let out a loud chuckle, pulling her back in towards him. "Oh my god," He exclaimed. Humor is evident on his face. "Terrance and Phillip? Give me some credit, Red. I have managed to grow in the past few years."
"I'm just making sure," Red defended. "I think this would be our final date if I had to sit through that."
"Final date? Over a movie? Ouch," Kyle teased, his smile never breaking. "Better hope you like the one I actually have picked out."
Red shook her head, a smile of her own that seemed impossible to rid herself of. "I have high expectations, Broflovski."
"Of course," Kyle said, "Wouldn't expect anything less."
Kyle moved to intertwine their fingers together. "Come on, we better go. We could miss the previews."
"Oh no, we wouldn't want that." She laughed, bumping her shoulder into his.
Red and Kyle made their way to the movies. Hands laced together, giggles shared, and shoulders bumping together the entire way. They were so young and they were each other's first real crushes. Both hope this moment together lasts forever. That they can freeze time and spend the rest of eternity in the presence of one another. Puppy love at its finest. Not just what Wendy and Stan experienced in grade school when they would break up every week. But, actual infatuation. Wanting to spend hours talking, and even just sitting in silence sounded fantastic. Every bump of the shoulder would cause both of their cheeks to flush. They wanted to move to the next step, but they had no clue how to even get there.
Kyle purchases the two tickets once they get there. Wanting to be such a gentleman. Not wanting anything in return except for time spent with her. They grabbed a large popcorn and a soda to share. He knew Red was obsessed with Reese Witherspoon, so he made sure to make it on time for the annual showing of 'Legally Blonde'. Even as small children, he knew this has always been her favorite movie. He couldn't think of anything more perfect.
They grabbed their seats and Kyle made sure to hold the popcorn in a way that Red didn't have to stretch to get a hand full. He didn't miss the way she only grabbed one straw for their shared soda and felt his hands start to become sweaty. He finally felt a tiny sense of relief when previews finished and the lights dimmed signaling the start of the movie. He could distract himself into the cinematic experience in front of him.
His date seems to have other plans as he hears a heavy sigh before a hand grips his chin and turns him. Before he knows it his lips are smashing into softer ones. He doesn't hesitate to flutter his eyes closed, and reach for Red's cheeks to pull her closer. The popcorn he had been holding between them falls to the floor, but neither care as the kiss deepens. Kyle has no idea what he is doing, but with every sigh of pleasure from Red he learns what feels good and what doesn't.
They stay tangled up together for a few minutes before a loud cough is heard from right behind them, which causes them to break apart. Kyle looks behind them to see an older woman glaring at the two of them. She was folding her arms across her chest, and annoyance was clearly written all over her face.
"Some people are trying to watch a movie if you two don't mind." The woman grinds out.
Both teenagers mumble out an apology, sinking into their seats. Though, Kyle can't stop himself from glancing back at the girl and giving her a soft smile. He tries to hide it behind his hand as he reaches up to scratch his nose, but he knows it's obvious how he felt about that kiss.
The two manage to control themselves for the rest of the movie. Settling for soft touches of the other's hand. As soon as the end credits roll they find themselves both jumping out of their seats and running towards the exit of the theatre. Giggles erupt from the both of them as they try to get as for from the cinema as possible. As soon as they round the corner into an alley Kyle feels Red pulling him to her. Lips connected once again. Her hands slid into his curly locks and his hands pressed into her back. The kiss was much sweeter and slower this time. The fireworks are just as loud and vivid as each second passes. Neither wants to separate, but Kyle had a reservation booked already.
"As much as this is amazing," Kyle sighs, "Like a dream come true."
Red smiles and pushes herself further against Kyle, seemingly not caring what he has to say. She's been waiting for this kiss for three dates. Finally realizing she would have to make the first move. She moves her lips against his even as he tries to express his plans. "Kyle, oh my god, shut up."
A breathy laugh escapes Kyle, but he would be damned if a reservation that took him forever to save up for wouldn't be utilized. "We have that dinner" He finally says, placing his hands on her hips and separating them. Red slides her hands from his hair to his chest with the separation.
"You're right. Dinner is much more important." Red says, giving Kyle a look that expresses she would much rather continue what they were doing.
A playful roll of the eyes as Kyle replies, "I'm not sending you home on an empty stomach. We got a quarter of the way through the popcorn before it was dropped. Plus, I spent a lot of time making sure you would love this place."
Her eyes soften at his words and she surrenders with a smile and a slight nod. Connecting her arm with his and letting him lead the way. It's a short walk before they're walking into the fanciest restaurant in South Park. There is a crowd of people waiting to be seated, but Kyle had these reservations weeks in advance and they are able to get seated almost immediately. Red seems to be almost in a trance as she tries to understand how a 15-year-old boy was able to manage to not only get a table here but afford this place.
"Kyle, are you serious right now?" She whispers to him after he pushes her chair closer to the table. "There's no way we can afford this."
Kyle shakes his head, waving it off. "I've been tutoring, mowing lawns, and even babysitting for the past few weeks every single day just so I can afford this."
At this point, Red is frozen in amazement. No doubt feeling like the luckiest girl in the world. She can't believe how she overlooked Kyle all these years. She used to find him annoying when they were younger. Always associating him with Stan Marsh, Kenny McCormick, and Eric Cartman. The four of them together were always a recipe for disaster. They couldn't go a day without seemingly ruining another person's day with their schemes. Finally, the four of them seemed to stop hanging out on a random afternoon.
Nobody was sure when Kyle started to seem so different, but he was no longer the same hot-headed boy he had been. He flourished with his new friends in his corner. Suddenly becoming desirable not only as a friend but as an actual boy. He was the talk amongst the girls frequently. Red regrets never having her eyes land on one Kyle Broflovski, but she's glad they finally did.
They spend their time at the restaurant talking and laughing. Reminiscing and making new memories. Red voices her thoughts on how they always seemed to overlook each other, and Kyle throws his head back and lets out a deep laugh. This is something he's also thought about often. He had multiple crushes in elementary but Red was never one. He'll also never understand why this is. But, he's grateful that it was in high school they finally set eyes on each other. As Eric Cartman had joy in ruining any potential relationship he could've had when he was younger.
As soon as both of them finish their meals and Kyle pays they are both heading into the night. Both feel like they're on top of the world. As though it's only the two of them. They walk back to Red's house slowly. Neither wanted the night to be over. They would share kisses, and giggles between themselves and would even find themselves not walking at all just to extend the time further.
Unfortunately, the walk ends as they are at the front door of Red's home. Kyle stays behind her as she swiftly unlocks the door and swings it open. Turning at the entrance and facing the boy. A large smile graced her face.
"Thank you, Kyle," She starts, her eyes never leaving his. "This is the best day I've probably ever had." She finishes with a whisper.
Kyle leans closer, connecting their lips one final time. "Thank you for today as well." He says softly against her parted lips.
"You can stay over you know?" She says, gravitating towards him even as he pulls away.
"My mom might literally kill me if I did that," He says, pulling away fully. "I really, really wish I could."
Red sighs, "I know. Don't forget to message me when you do get home."
"Absolutely." He states.
He finally turns to leave. Red doesn't shut her front door until he's made it to the sidewalk and gives her a final wave before he sets off home.
Kyle never hears the scream coming from her house just minutes later. He never hears her cries. He doesn't hear her final gasp of breath. He's too far to hear the police rushing to her house after she panicked and called 911 in her last attempts to survive the brutal stabbing.
He returns home and sends her a quick text to confirm that he made it home safely. Not knowing at the time that she would never respond. That her first kiss was actually her last. That her only knowledge of love would end at what she felt for Kyle Broflovski. She would forever be frozen at 15. Her final thoughts before succumbing to her wounds would be a succession of her family and her feelings for the red curly-haired boy she always overlooked. Her final thought was that she wished she had more time. She wished she kissed him in fourth grade. That they had years together instead of this one night.
Kyle goes to bed not knowing the horror that had just taken place at Red's home. Or, that he would never get the chance to call her his girlfriend.