Don't mind this message! It's sole purpose is to keep 'Joshua's POV' aligned with the others! That's all! So, in order to keep the next chaps like that as well, get used to this nonsense, ye? Here's another shortie! I'll try to make longies in the upcoming chaps! Oh! And I happen to google the word longie, afraid of what it may possibly be and shamelessly say it to you guys, but its just apparently long baby pants! Hooyay! Have a nice day, you guys!

Joshua's POV

. . . . She had to.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . She had to.

Why did she have to. .?

. . . . . . Why . . . . . .?

. . . . .Am I not happy, then. .?

I should be, I should.

But.. I shouldn't.

Oh, for so long that I have been longing for someone. . . out there . . . to tell me, I even matter. . . even just a simple gesture of aknowledgement..

Which she has finally given me.

But, being happy. . . is a bit . . . selfish . . . isn't it?

I had hurt her, because she did.

I don't want to worry her. . . she is already troubled than she is . . .

I don't want to hurt her, even more.

That's all. . . I've ever done. Hurt everyone, with my existence.

I don't want to do that to her anymore. . . no more.

She needs to care for a better person, more worthy than me.

But. . . I really am. . . selfish.

Whenever, I see her worried face. . the more I want to do something dangerous.

As her soft, squeaky voice shakes in terror. . I find myself wanting to tease her to the extent that she'll cry in fear for me.

I know, I'm a sadist. . . yeah. I get that.

But, being cared about. . is something. . I've always wished for. Something. . . I thought. . . of dying. . . just to get.

And now, here it is.

Yet, it comes off with a large price to pay.

Is being cared about, really hard...?

Or is it just because.. I wasn't meant to be cared about..?

Ngh, I almost cried in front of her too.

Man, that was really scary..

If she wasn't there. . I could have. . and that's why. . . she had gotten a. .

Why was she there from the first place?

She could have just left.

Stupid. That's what she is.

For making me stay up all night,

For giving false hope,

For making me very selfish...

She even had the guts to ask me. . . why. . .?

Hahaha. . . Seriously!?

Wait. Why the heck am I laughing..!?

She's REALLY messing me up!

I was interrupted from my thoughts, when teacher suddenly peered inside my room.

"Joshua, what happened to Chelsy?"

". . . Just ask her."

"I tried, but.. she would just shake her head."

Argh, why is she being stubborn..!? That bruise can get worse!

". . .I fell on her."

"I see. How bold of you. But, remember to take it slow.. okay?"

"Teacher, it's not like that!"

I rushed to my bed and grabbed a pillow to cover my ears. Teacher is at it again.

"Now, now.. Joshua.. it takes time. You have to take baby steps.. start by impressing her,"

"Teacher, you're mistaken. It's nothing like that. It's my fault and now she has a bruise. So, please treat it as soon as you can."

". . .Kids. Okay, I'll get to it. Why don't play outside? It's still a nice day."

"No thanks, teacher. I think, I've had enough."

"..If you say so. I'll be on my way to Chelsy's room. Feel free to drop by to check on her, alright? I'm sure, it would mean a lot."

And the door closes, as teacher's footsteps fade away.

Teacher. . . you know. . . don't you?

Even. . . . I don't.

Grrr... raaah!

I bite onto my pillow, hard enough to make the edges open up.

I don't know. . . I don't know.

My chest really aches now, and I'm still dying to hunt for frogs outside.

But, my conscience just won't let me.

Right now, it's telling me to smack myself, get up, go to her room, and watch her until she gets better.

. . . .I CAN'T DO THAT.

The first one is acceptable, though.

Maybe.. I'd hang out here for awhile.. and later on, I'll check up on her.

That is, if she's asleep. If not, I'd wait for her to.

It's not like I can fall asleep with what I've done.

In truth, I can't even make myself. For the past few nights, no matter what I do, I just can't drift off to sleep.

My mind is wide awake and my eyes are just stuck, staring at the ceiling.

Then, my mind keeps on playing those scenes where she tells me to be careful, that I might hurt myself.

I can't say it bothers me at all, but I wouldn't mind it getting off my head for once.

I didn't know when it started, of why she became suddenly protective of me, but I can't possibly say that I'd want it to unhappen.

All I have to do now, is wait.

And I still want to get my hands on some frogs.

Gaaaaaah.