Astral's POV:
"Well, it's getting quite late." My friend said as he smiled. "I should get going."
"You know we have plenty of rooms right?" I chimed in as I sat on my couch. "You could stay if you want."
He laughs. "I wish I could but my parents are expecting me to return. I did leave in quite a hurry after all." Knowing him, he probably stormed out of the mansion.
I chuckled. "Let me guess, you stormed out of the mansion again?"
His eyes widen. "Astral!"
"What?" My best friend said. "He's only saying the truth."
"Over the years you had a reputation of storming out of the mansion," I stated as I took a sip of water. "Not to mention, you always came to find me when you're in trouble or need something."
He rolled his eyes. "You make it sound like I'm in trouble all the time or something."
I stifled a laugh and shook my head. That's because of your impulsive nature.
"Anyway, I need to ask you something." My friend said as he sat opposite of me. Ask me something?
"What is it?"
He glanced at the girls then looks at me.
"Is it something private?" I ask as he bit his lip. Is that a yes or no?
"Seriously?" Star asks. "What's so private about a question that we can't hear?"
"It's not private." He started and took a breath. "I want some advice."
I raised a brow. "Advice?"
He nods as my best friend holds my hand. "Advice on what?"
"Advice on women." He mutters quietly as our eyes widen. Women?
I blinked. "Um…" I stared at him. Why would he choose to ask me out of all of the people?
"You're asking the wrong person, Zach."
"Yea," She said. "Why are you asking him of all people?" Was that an insult?
"I mean like he doesn't even know how to interact normally with people."
I turned to my right. "Excuse me?" I ask getting a bit offended by her words.
She smiles and ruffled my hair a bit. "What I'm saying is true, honey. You go out of your way to avoid physical touch with strangers."
"True, but that doesn't mean that I don't know how to interact with people of the opposite gender," I said as she giggled.
"Physical touch is a key component to any conversation."
"Yes, and I have been working on it but it takes time," I explained. "It won't just magically happen overnight."
"No," He said as I directed my attention to him. "I am asking the right person." How?
I blinked. "You sure?"
My friend nods. "You've broken many hearts before so you must be an expert at this." I'm an expert because I break hearts?
I sighed. "Zach, you make me sound like I enjoy breaking others' hearts when I don't."
"Exactly," My friend said with a grin. "Even though you break woman's hearts, they somehow keep asking you out on dates and stuff." Ok…
"Where are you going with this?" I ask slowly as he leans forward.
"What's your secret?"
I blinked. "Huh?"
"What's your secret? Why do they keep asking you out on dates and flirting with you?"
Oh… so he's asking for dating advice? Um…
"Well," I started as he looks at me in anticipation. "Uhhhhh…" How am I supposed to know this? It's not my fault that women keep flirting with me.
"Come on, Astral." He said after a brief moment of silence. "You have got to let me know, what's the secret to attracting women?"
I shrugged. "I don't know…"
He blinks and slowly lets out a laugh. "You're kidding right?"
"I'm not," I confessed. "I have no clue why they are attracted to me."
"Really?" My friend asks in disbelief as I nod.
I turned to the girls. "Do any of you have advice for him?"
My best friend blinks. "Astral, I thought that you would know this considering I had to bail you out a couple of times."
"So?"
"Don't you flirt with them?" She asks as my eyes widen. Flirting?
"Why would you assume I of all people would flirt with people?" I ask as she giggled and poked my forehead.
"Since you flirted with me this morning remember?" She winks with a smile.
"That was different," I stated. "I don't go around flirting with people."
"Yet you seem to have no problems flirting with Lily," Star muttered as she gave Zach a high five. Seriously?
I let out a sigh. "She's just my best friend."
"Yup!" She kissed my cheek once again. "That's our thing."
They rolled their eyes with a smile. "Sure…"
"So, Zach," My best friend said as he directed his attention to her. "Why would you ask for advice about this?"
Star's eyes lit up. "Do you have a crush?"
We all leaned forward as he blinked and laughed. "A crush? I wish but he keeps hogging all the ladies." He pointed to me as I leaned back in confusion. Me?
"I hog the females?"
"Remember the Emma incident?"
She gasps. "Oh yeah!" Seriously?
"What happened?" My friend asks.
"I was in a bit of trouble so-"
"I pretended to be his lover to help him escape her." She interrupted me.
"Huh? How were you in trouble?"
I groaned. "You have no idea how determined those ladies were. Let's just put it that way for now."
"See?" My friend said. "This is exactly what I'm talking about."
"You're hogging all of the women."
I stifled a laugh. "It's not my intention to steal them from you."
"Just let me in on your secrets. What is it that attracts women to you so much?" Beats me.
I shrugged. "I don't know."
He narrows his eyes at me in suspicion. "Really?"
"Yea, I don't know why."
He sighs. "Well, I better get going." My friend stood up and opened the door.
"I will figure out your secret to attracting women."
I chuckled and ruffled his hair as he made a face. "Good luck with that."
"Hey!" He removed my hand with an angry expression. "Don't ruffle my hair."
I rolled my eyes with a smile. "See you next time."
We stood up as my friend walks towards the door. "It's also getting late."
"Of course."
I stood there and slowly turned to my best friend who is waving and holding my hand. Why is she still here?
"Ahem," My friend cleared her throat. "Lily, don't you think it's bedtime?"
"Yea," She turns to me with a slight smile. "Can I sleep with you tonight as well?" Uh…
I blinked, not knowing how to respond. "Why?"
She pouted. "Don't you like sleeping with me?" The way she phrases it…
I stared expectantly at her as she sighs.
"Because once you get married, we can no longer share a bed."
"You know?" Star said. "She's right."
I groaned. "Don't remind me." I'm dreading that wretched day.
"Yea, pretty soon you're going to sleep with your wife." He said with a wink as I chucked a pillow at his head. He ducked, making it hit the door. Seriously?
"Don't put it like that."
He blinks innocently. "I'm only saying the truth."
"That's not going to happen," I muttered as everyone had confused expressions.
"Huh?"
At everyone's confusion, I decided to clarify. "They can force me to marry her but can't force me to sleep with her."
A look of realization crossed my friend's face as I said that. "True."
"Anyway," My best friend shook my hand, swinging it back and forth. "Can I sleep with you again?"
Hm… It's just harmless sharing a bed so it should be fine I suppose. After all, nothing happened yesterday…
A smile graced my face as I ruffled her hair. "Sure."
An ecstatic grin graced her face as she gave me a lingering kiss on the cheek, hugging me tightly while jumping up and down. Is she that excited?
"Are you that excited?" I ask as she hugged my chest tightly and nodded.
"Yup!"
"Why's that?"
"First of all, I rarely get to share a room with you let alone share a bed so, of course, I'm excited." My best friend exclaimed happily.
"Secondly, you make such a comfy pillow to cuddle with."
A laugh escapes me as she laid her head on my chest holding my waist. That's the first time anyone has told me that I'm a comfy pillow.
Her eyes widen a minute later. "Oh, I never bothered to ask. Are you comfortable with me cuddling you?"
I cracked a smile and patted her cheek. "What do you think? If not then why did we share a bed yesterday?"
She lets out a slight giggle. "I knew that you wouldn't mind."
"I'm heading to the restroom first, okay?"
"Ok," I replied as the door gently shuts.
"I just don't understand how you two are so comfortable with each other," Star said as Zach nods.
"I mean Astral," My friend looks at me. "Not only are you sharing a bed but you are also snuggling with her. Do you not feel anything?" Oh… he's talking about…
"We're friends, Zach," I started out saying. "You act like I'm going to take advantage of her or something."
He shrugged. "Sometimes hormones take control…" Yea but I don't act on them.
I sigh and shook my head. "She's only my friend." I started as the restroom door opens with a click.
The guy in front of me shakes his head. "Sometimes I wonder if you're even a guy."
"Why you-"
"I mean how on earth can you not feel anything when she's pressed up against you in the middle of the dead night?"
Well…
"Two words." I hold up two fingers. "Self control."
She came out wearing a spaghetti-strapped black crop top that showed a bit of her navel and revealed a tiny bit of her cleavage. Matching her top is black sweat pants.
I blinked as Zach slowly stared at me. She's a friend.
"You sure you don't feel anything?" He whispered with a slight smirk as I glared at him.
"She's my friend," I responded with a sigh as she held my hand once again with a grin.
"What are you two talking about?"
"Oh, we're just talking about some things." He replied vaguely making her wonder.
My friend coughs. "Well, goodnight you two."
Liliana's POV:
"Well," My friend examined me from head to toe. What is with his gaze?
I raised a brow. Hm… A smirk grew as I came closer and stroked his chest lightly making his eyes widen.
"Like what you see?" I slyly winked, wrapping my arms around his neck with our faces inches apart.
A faint tint of red grew on his cheeks as he gulped. "I…"
"Hey, Astral, Lily," The door opened as Star came strolling in. "Have you seen my…"
Her eyes widened as she noticed me wrapping my arms around his neck loosely and touching his chest.
…
A seep of red flowed onto her face as she closed her eyes. "S-Sorry for the interruption." My friend stuttered hastily as she closed the door loudly. I could hear conversations outside as footsteps fade into the distance.
"Why did she mean 'Sorry for the interruption'?" I ask as he shrugged.
"Beats me."
"Anyway…" My hand trailed down his chest, winking at him. "Like what you see?"
He chuckles and gently pushed me away by the forehead. "Very."
Hm… Let's try this… "Whatcha wanna do now?" I ask as I tilt my head a bit with a smile, leaning closer to his lips.
His eyes lit up and grab me by the waist pulling me closer with a smirk. "It depends."
"What are you in the mood for, my love?" He whispered in a low voice that made my heart skip a beat. Wow… his acting is incredible but…
I gently pushed him onto the bed with my hand on his chest and my face very close to his as a light shade of red showed on his cheeks.
"We're in your bedroom… at night… all alone," I whispered as I stroked his chest in circles softly.
"What do you think I want?" I gently pulled my spaghetti straps down a bit and winked.
I placed my full body weight on him as his blush rises to an unhealthy shade of red.
Huh… my acting must be very good to make him speechless like this.
"I never knew you were such of a flirt, darling."
I giggled. "I'm not but when it's you, I make an exception, honey."
He chuckles and pats my cheek. "Ok, get off me."
"Mmm…" I hugged him tightly around his chest as he lets out a sigh.
"Come on, I need to change first." True…
I reluctantly let go as he used his power to change into casual clothes. More specifically, a white T-shirt and black pants.
I turned off the lights and crawled in bed next to him, placing one hand on his chest and nuzzling my head in his chest. Such a comfortable pillow!
"Wow, you like cuddling."
"Mhm. You make a great pillow."
A brief silence passed through as we stayed quiet. I'm going to miss this.
"I'm going to miss cuddling with you," I muttered softly as he glanced at me.
My friend wraps his arms tighter around my waist. "Me too."
My eyes slightly widen as I looked at him. "Really?"
A smile graced his face. "Of course, we have been sleeping on the same bed for a few days now."
"Yea, I can't imagine what it would be like without you next to me in a couple of days." I bit my lip. Sleeping alone again… how I'm dreading it.
He chuckles and pulls me closer as I buried my head in his chest. "It would take some adjusting to get back to the old routine of things."
"But I don't want to sleep alone!" I whined. "I want to sleep with a person next to me."
"That's an easy fix then," My friend said after a moment, making me lookup. There's a fix for that?
"You could get Maria and/or Star to cuddle with you." Hm… I guess that would work… but…
I hugged him tighter. "It won't be the same," I muttered quietly as he stroked my hair with a smile.
"I know it won't but I can't be by your side forever." My friend said softly as I blinked. Huh?
I raised a brow and looked at him with confusion. "What do you mean?"
He stayed quiet as I grew even more confused. "My love, what do you mean by that?"
"Are you planning to go somewhere?" I guessed as he bit his lip.
"Lily, what if…" He trailed off avoiding my gaze. What if what?
"What if…" I urged him to continue as I cupped his face with one hand, staring directly into his eyes.
"What if I someday can't be by your side anymore." He whispered and took a steady breath. "What would you do?"
Why is he saying that? I gulped as my heartbeat rapidly in my chest. Why is he…?
I stared at him. His eyes…
"Why are you saying this?" I said as my heart quickened. He just doesn't say things like this without a deeper meaning to them.
"This is purely hypothetical but what if-"
"Stop talking." I gulped as I put a hand over his mouth.
"You're not leaving me," I said after a moment.
"I-"
"You are not leaving me." I reiterated looking into his eyes.
"Why are you saying this?"
He doesn't say things like this without a reason. Most importantly, this sense of dread and sadness that I'm feeling? Is it mine or is it his? Why is it so overwhelmingly powerful?
"Why are you saying this?" I repeated as he stayed quiet. Calm down… I have to calm myself. This is suffocating!
"I'm asking a hypothetical-"
"Do you think this is the first day I'd known you?" I questioned. "You don't ask anything without a reason."
I reached over his body to turn on the lamp.
"Now," I held his hand. "Why do you ask that question?"
"You're overthinking things again." He said with a laugh as I stared at him.
"Am I or are you just not telling the truth?" I ask as his laughter fades.
He sighs. "I'm telling the truth. I didn't mean anything by that question."
Why do I still feel like you're lying?
I looked at him in great hesitation and launched myself on top of him, hugging his neck.
"What are you-"
"You're not leaving me," I said firmly as I nuzzled up against him.
"I don't know why you're asking this but you are not leaving me." I'm sorry but I'm selfish. I don't want you to leave.
My friend sighs and rubbed my back. "It was just a hypothetical situation."
"Well, I don't like your 'hypothetical situation' that much," I responded, burying my face in his neck.
"Why not?" He reached his hand to turn off the orange lava lamp with a click as the room darkens. It doesn't sit right with me. Combine that with all of the emotions I felt radiating off of you… something isn't right here.
"I don't want you to not be in my life," I whispered as he stroked my hair gently.
I cupped his face with a hand, staring directly into his eyes. "Promise me that you won't leave. That you will stay with me." I said seriously.
"I…" My friend trailed off. Why won't he promise me this?
"Promise me." I reiterated as he stayed quiet. That question… why would he ask such a thing? Am I overthinking? Is he right? But why… why do I feel so… tense and uneasy when he said that?
"I promise." He uttered out to my great relief.
"Really?" Hope bloomed in my chest as he kissed my forehead.
"Yes."
We gazed at each other without blinking as I tilted my head. Hmmm…
"Have I ever lied to you before, darling?" Well no but still… what is this odd feeling? It feels as if… there is a sense of… I don't know…
I let out a smile as I grabbed his arm. "Nope!"
He shook his head and ruffled my hair as I wrapped my arms around his neck tightly. "Then you should believe me."
Right. I should believe him… but what prompted that question in the first place?
I nod as peaceful silence settles in. "Can you remove your hands from my neck?" He asks after a minute of silence as I pouted.
"Why's that?" I blinked. "Don't you like my arms around your neck?"
A laugh escapes him. "Yes but remember, it's late and we have to sleep."
"Mm…" I reluctantly removed my arms from his neck.
I repositioned my head so that it lay on his chest. My hand intertwined with his tightly.
"Better?"
"Yup."
Silence settled in once again as a thought flew into my mind. Hm…
"Astral?"
"Yes?" He grabs my waist gently with one hand as I gripped his hand tightly. Here goes nothing.
"I love you," I whispered, avoiding his gaze with my heart hammering. I can't believe that I said it…
Silence passed as I gulped. Why is he taking so long to respond? Was I too abrupt? I knew I should've added some context!
He tilts my head to meet his gaze and smiled, locking eyes as we stared at each other. "I love you too." He whispered gently as my eyes widened. Ok, calm down. He means it platonically.
My eyes lit up. "Baby, want to see their reactions?"
A confused expression flashed on his face. "What do you mean?"
I giggled. "It's a secret."
"Come on, don't leave me in the dark like this."
I kissed his cheek. "Tomorrow you will find out."
He sighs, tighten his grip around my waist, and glanced at the clock. "It's 1."
Seriously? "We have been talking for almost an hour?" I exclaimed in shock as he grinned.
"Time sure flies huh?" He stated as I nodded, snuggling closer to him.
"Night, Lily." He kissed my cheek gently with a smile.
I gave him a lingering kiss as I rolled on my side to face him. "Night, Astral. I love you!"
My friend laughs and kisses my forehead. "I love you too, darling."
I closed my eyes with a small smile and drifted off to sleep securely in his arms.
If only things were different. Would I perhaps have a chance with you? Even though he denies that he likes Maria… I… Am I jealous of them?
The next morning:
"Lily," I felt a hand, shake me as I rolled over on my stomach, pulling the blankets closer. Why is it so loud?
"Time to wake up."
"Mmm…" I groaned as I hugged him closer, wrapping my leg around his.
"Hey wake up."
"What's the rush?" I ask sleepily.
"It's late."
"Who cares. This is my room."
"Actually," He said after a moment of silence. "This is my room."
"Your room, my room, our room. It's all the same." I muttered as a yawn escapes me.
"It's time to wake up." He shook me again. Ugh! Why can't you let me sleep?
"Why?" I whined, hugging him closer to my body. "Can't we stay like this?"
My friend let out a sigh. "No, come on, get up."
"Ugh," I groaned as I opened my eyes a bit to notice his face inches apart from mine. He's handsome.
My heart hammered as luminous gold and silver eyes bore into mine with an emotion that I can't decipher. The scent of sandalwood and jasmine fills my nose as it intoxicates me making me gulp. We gaze at each other as an unconscious force draws our faces closer and closer. His… lips…
"Astral… I…" An audible whisper escapes my lips as I stare into his gold and silver eyes.
Without a second thought, I gently place my lips on his and shut my eyes. His lips are soft, silken smooth against my own. An arm pulls me closer by the waist, deepening the kiss.
He tilts his head to the side and opens his mouth as a tongue protrudes the inner makings of my mouth.
"Mmm…"
A soft moan escapes my lips as he suddenly rolls on top of me, pressing down on my body as I wrap my arms around his neck pulling him closer.
I gently nibble on his lower lip as a tiny growl escapes his mouth making my heart flutter. He did the same to my upper lip.
Just as we are running out of air, he breaks the kiss, breathing heavily not taking his eyes off mine. I… kissed… him…
My eyes slightly widen at the sheer horror of my actions. What? How could I have kissed him? He's my best friend. Plus, he doesn't like me like that… at least I think not…
Oh my god… what if this kiss ruins our friendship? What if he hates me? My face pales. This kiss can ruin two of my closest friendships! Why did I?
Ok, calm down… getting worked up isn't going to solve anything. Best to play it off as if it never even happened.
"Morning." I shot him a smile as my face heats up.
A moment of silence passes through the room as he stares at me with a calculating gaze.
"Morning to you as well." A smile appears as he nuzzles his face in my neck.
My eyes widen as my heart practically leaps out of my chest at our very close proximity. "A-Astral,"
"May I lay like this for a moment?"
"O-Of c-course." I manage to stammer out after a moment in shock.
Act like the kiss never happened… ignore it so it doesn't affect our friendship… just ignore it. Make sure Maria never knows about this! A few minutes pass as my hands stroked his hair tenderly with a smile. It's sure soft!
"S-So, why did you wake me?"
"It's 12."
My eyes widened as I glanced at the clock. "It's 12?!"
My friend nods. "Yup."
My eyes drifted down to his head still buried in my neck. "S-Shouldn't we get going then?"
He stays quiet, muttering something under his breath that I can't seem to catch. Huh?
"I'm sorry, what was that?"
"Ah, it was nothing." Right… like I would believe that.
The ticking sound from the clock is all we heard as I gulp. His lips are so close to my neck… His breathing makes a shiver crawl down my spine as my toes curl slightly. Why is he acting like this today? Not that I mind though… but why the change?
"I'm going to miss this." A muffled voice makes my ears perk up.
"Miss what?"
"Sleeping with you of course." He said while nuzzling closer to my neck.
His lips accidentally brush up against the side of my neck as an involuntary moan escapes.
My eyes widened in disbelief as my face starts to heat up. Why did I…
"You're doing this on purpose, aren't you?" My eyes narrow as a thought crosses my mind.
"Whatever would give you that idea, my wife?" He asks in a teasing tone that causes my face to heat up even more and butterflies to flutter. He's doing this on purpose. No doubt about it.
"Ah, um… we should be heading down now…" I squeak out in a tiny voice as he whines a bit.
"No."
So he knows how to whine? I blinked. Go figure…
"B-But it's-"
"You're staying with me!" He insisted like a child as I softly giggle.
"I don't mean to laugh but the tone you said that in… hahahahaha!" I squirm under him trying to control my laughter. Never in a million years would I imagine the all-powerful Astral sounding like a little kid!
"Hahahahahahahaha…!"
My eyes widen as he stares at me with a piercing gaze that sends shivers down my spine. All of the laughter ceases at an instant and I nervously gulp. Uh-oh… I'm toast.
"B-Baby," I put on a sweet smile hoping to get out of this scotch free.
All my hope ceases when he smirks and leans down.
"W-What are you do-"
"Hahahahahahahaha!" I burst into a laughing fit as he tickles me gently.
My heart pounds as I try to stabilize myself but is quite unsuccessful for he keeps tickling my armpits with a gleeful expression.
"Oh my god, my stomach… hahahahaha!"
I shift under him flailing my arms and legs in numerous directions as he keeps tickling me more and more. If this keeps up…
I gasp for air as laughter fills the room. Tears leak from the corners of my eyes as my stomach feels as if it will burst. "Hahahahaha… please, I… surrender!"
"Hahaha! Have mercy on me!"
"Astralllll!" I squeal as more tears and laughter escapes my lips. "I give… I give!"
I let out a labored breath as he stops tickling me. Oh, thank goodness!
"Mmmm… Why did you do that for?" I furrow my brows and pout as he stifles a laugh.
"You know," He whispers leaning down closer as my heart thumps. "You're really cute when you get angry."
C-Cute? I blink as he gently rubs our noses together with a slight smile.
"I love you."
Those three words again…
I gulped looking at him. "And… what do you mean by that?"
He tilts his head to the side. "Huh?"
Should I just ignore it or… "D-Do you mean it p-platonically o-or the other sense?" I stammer out as I feel the heat rising from my stomach to my chest.
"You mean romantically, right?"
I nod as he smiles. "What if I told you that I love you romantically? What would you do?" He whispers in a low voice making shivers crawl up my spine. R-Romantically?
"I-I…"
"That is what you have to figure out, baby." He winks as I can feel his hot breath on my lips. O-Oh my…
My toes curl as he once again buries his head in the side of my neck. He likes my neck huh?
On another note… does he mean it platonically or romantically? He never offered me a straight answer… at least not just now…
"Hey, shouldn't we head down now?"
No response.
"I'm serious, they will wonder what we are doing up here."
Silence.
Seriously?
I gently shake him earning a groan as he snuggles closer to my body. His lips touch the side of my neck yet again as my breath hitched. My heart thumps violently as I try to resist a moan but he shifts his lips causing me to let out a soft cry of pleasure.
Hopefully, he didn't hear that… Soft rhythmic breathing hits my ears as my eyes widen in realization. Is he sleeping?!
How could he sleep during a time like this? Not to mention the position we're in…
"Wake up." I shake his arm gently earning no response from him.
"Come on, wake up." I tried again but was still unsuccessful in waking him.
At this rate… "At least let me change my position." I sigh as I very carefully remove his arms from my waist.
He groans as I remove his arms. Just as I was about to get off the bed, however, a hand firmly pulls me back in as two arms hug my chest from behind.
I lay in bed with him practically spooning me. The only difference is that his arms are under my breasts, touching them slightly as I bit my lip. Don't you dare let out any noise! He's asleep. He doesn't know what position this is or where his arms are.
His light breathing makes my toes curl as he presses his body against mine. I stiffen as my heart rate skyrockets. Calm yourself. Calm yourself… I need to calm myself.
"A-Astral, w-wake up." I stutter nervously as his lips touch the nape of my neck.
I let out a gasp as my whole body tenses up.
"I-I'm serious," My heart hammers as I stifle another moan from escaping.
I take steady breaths to prevent myself from dying of a heart attack. Deep breaths, in and out. He's asleep. It's not like he's doing this on purpose right?
My friend groans as I cautiously feel his forehead pulling back instantly at how warm it is. Why is he so… My eyes widen significantly.
His odd behavior… does he have a fever?
"Astral," I manage to turn to face him as he groans pulling the blankets up. "Wake up."
"Sleepy…"
"I'm serious, you got to wake up!" I exclaimed a bit louder as he covers his ears with a pained expression.
"Stop yelling at me!"
(Knock)(Knock)
"Enter." I hollered as he wraps his arms around me once more.
"Hey, you two…" The four of them all stare at us in silence.
"Good morning, Your Majesties." I greeted nervously.
"Are… we interrupting something?" His mother asks as my eyes widen.
"No! It's not what it looks like!" I shout hastily with my face probably as red as a tomato.
"Ugh… stop being so loud!" My friend whines hugging me closer to his body.
My face is touching his chest as he wraps his legs around my waist, not leaving his side.
"You got to wake up."
"Tired…"
"I know that you're tired but-"
"You are not leaving me." He responded adamantly with a soft giggle.
How can a fever cause a personality change?
"Is he okay?" Star ask as I directed my attention to her.
"I think he has a fever. His forehead feels warm."
"Uh-oh…" His father exclaims as we look at him curiously.
"Uh-oh?" Maria asks as they sigh.
"Well, whenever he gets a fever, he starts to act abnormally." The Queen stated.
"Like what?"
His father shrugs. "It varies differently from each fever but according to what we saw just now,"
They directed their gazes onto us as I try to get out from his tight embrace with little success.
"Astral, can you let go of me?"
"No!"
"Why?"
He whines and hugs me closer causing me to stiffen. He was fine yesterday. How did he catch a fever?
"Lily, when did he start to act abnormally?"
Hm… "This morning."
"Did he do anything he wasn't supposed to?" His mother asks gently as my face turns red. Well… there was that kiss… Arg! Stop thinking of that!
They glance at each other then back at me.
"N-No, he didn't do anything he wasn't supposed to." I stammer as she eyes me in suspicion.
"Are you sure?"
I nod. "I'm positive."
"So… um, is there any way for his fever to disappear?" I ask as his father bit his lip.
"There is Tylenol but regarding past circumstances, it hasn't helped that much…"
So medicine doesn't help with the fever he's having… then what else is there to do?
"The best thing is for him to sleep it off." His mother stated. "Of course with the proper care to make sure the fever doesn't rise."
"Looks like that is the best solution there is," Maria said.
"And he's already fast asleep." Star pointed out as I glanced up at him.
Here's my chance… if I could just slowly-
I carefully remove his arms from my body but he whines, wrapping his arms even tighter pulling me in so that my head buries into his chest.
"Stay with me."
"But-" My limbs are numb from the lack of movement.
"Stay…" My friend whispers as I sigh in defeat.
I pet his hair gently with a smile. "Alright, I'll stay with you."
"Just sleep."
He snuggles closer as his intoxicating scent makes my heart skip a beat.
"Oh, how long until the fever goes down?"
"Let's see… it shouldn't last too long… about 5 to 15 minutes tops." That fast?
"That fast?" Star exclaims in disbelief as the King nods.
"He has amazing regeneration abilities so a fever like this can't keep him down."
That makes sense… that also explains quite a few things and how his injuries heal so quickly after sword fights.
My eyes shift towards his peaceful expression as beads of sweat drip from his forehead.
"Better get comfortable because you're going to be laying there for a while," Maria said stifling a giggle as they sat on the couch.
"It's not like I can switch positions or anything," I mutter as he pulls me closer. You're squishing me to death!
"Baby, can you loosen your grip a bit?"
His arms tighten around my body.
"You're squishing me!" I whined but he pulls me closer.
Giggles erupted from the people on the couch. "I apologize for my son's actions."
"Don't worry about it, Your Majesties."
Might as well sleep a bit.
A while later (Roughly 30 minutes):
What time is it? I adjusted my vision and glanced at my best friend.
"Looks like you're finally awake." Hm…
I cautiously felt his forehead and grinned. "You're back to normal!"
I threw my arms around his neck joyfully hugging him tightly as he coughs. Yay!
"You're choking him." My friend points out as I loosened my grip a bit.
"Oops…" I grinned sheepishly as he sighs.
"Before you say anything about me accidentally choking you, you had it coming."
He raised a brow. "How?"
Doesn't he remember? "Let's see… you practically squeezed me to death with your iron grip."
My best friend blinks sporting a confused face. "Really?"
Looks like he doesn't remember… I nodded. "Yea, you wouldn't even let me go or loosen your hold."
"So… you don't have the right to scold me for accidentally choking you." I stuck out my tongue as he smiles.
"Of course."
My two friends suddenly got up and walk outside. "We will meet you two downstairs."
"Don't take too long," Maria said with a smile as she shuts the door. What happened to his parents?
"Astral?"
"Hm?"
"What happened to your parents?"
"Oh, they had a meeting to attend to and left about 10 minutes ago."
That explains it.
His arm wraps around my waist gently as I lay on his chest listening to his steady heartbeat.
"Lily," He said after a moment of silence as I look at him with an arm on his chest. Why is he so serious all of a sudden?
"Yes?" I tilt my head a bit to the side as his eyes stare at me gently.
"Tell me the truth, did I do anything out of line with you while in my feverish state?"
…
…
…
He… doesn't remember? "You don't remember?" I ask with a lump in my throat.
His eyes widen at my reaction. "What did I do?" His complexion pales. "Tell me."
"You don't remember anything?" I sniffle as he shakes his head with a concerned look.
"I honestly don't remember." He utters softly as my teeth clenches. "I'm sorry for whatever I did. I…"
He's… apologizing for that kiss… I finally muster up the courage to kiss him yet he forgot it ever happened?! How is that fair? And does he regret it? Oh yeah. No. I guess he doesn't regret it because he couldn't even remembered he kissed me!
"I'll make it up to you."
You idiot. You can't just make up a forgotten kiss.
"Don't worry about it." My lips strain a smile as I pinch his cheeks. "You didn't do anything noteworthy for me to hold against you."
His gold and silver eyes blink blankly at me. "Really?"
"Really." This is for the best. After all… he doesn't view me as a romantic interest so why bother make things awkward? "All you did was hug and refuses to let me go."
He chuckles a bit. "Sorry about that."
"Not a big deal." I peck his cheek. "We're sharing a bed so I don't mind."
"Well," He got up and went to his closet to fetch new clothes. "We should wake up."
"They are waiting." He shut the restroom door with a click as I sat up in a daze.
Tears flowed down my cheeks as I tried to blink them away.
I took slow and steady breaths to compose myself while wiping my face with the back of my hand. Ok… calm down. Calm down… this is the road I chose to take.
I sigh and went over to his closet. Hm…
"I knew I saw it in here yesterday…" I muttered as he walks out of the restroom in a dress shirt and pants.
My friend raised an eyebrow. "Um… is there a specific reason why you're raiding my closet?"
I nod, not looking back. "Yea, I saw a sweatshirt in here yesterday." Where is it?
My eyes widen as I finally found his light blue sweatshirt and pulled it over my crop top. Looks pretty good.
"How's it look?"
"Attractive but is this going to be a habit from now on?"
I grinned and latched onto his arm. "Maybe."
He poked my cheek as I gently closed the bedroom door.
Act like this kiss never happened…
We walked downstairs to find my friends all chatting about something as his parents sighed. What are they speaking about?
"I'm telling you," Star said. "That happened!"
"I knew that they were hiding something!" My friend said in excitement. "If only there was some way to get them to admit it." She ponders with a hand under her chin.
"Hey," I whispered to my best friend. "Any idea what they're talking about?"
"I haven't got a clue." He whispered back.
"Finally," The King said as they all looked at us. "You seem to enjoy waking up late these days huh?"
"She wouldn't let go of me."
I shot him a look. "Oh sure. Pin the blame all on me." I rolled my eyes and looked at him.
"Did you forget your promise yesterday?"
"Of course not."
I grinned and gave him a peck on the cheek. "Nice to know that you haven't forgotten your promise, my love."
He chuckles and poked my cheek. "Why would you assume I would forget such a thing?"
I giggled. "Just making sure that's all."
"What promise are you two talking about?" The Queen asks as I latched into his arm.
Hmm… this gives me a great idea. "My love, wanna tell them?"
He blinks in confusion. "Huh?"
Inside the mind link:
"Astral, play along with me."
"To what am I playing along to?"
"Want to see their reactions when we say we love each other?"
A beat of silence passed through us.
"Ok. Sounds interesting but we have to be subtle. Follow my lead."
"Okay!"
"Let's make this a bit more interesting."
"What do you mean?"
"How do you think they will react?"
"I would say they would be shocked."
"I think they will freeze."
"Isn't they the same as shocked though?"
"We will see…"
Outside the mind link
"Anyway, she wouldn't let me get out of bed this morning."
I rolled my eyes. "Again, you're my heat source for the night."
He laughs and shook his head. "Isn't that what the blankets are for?" Yes but…
"Yes," I started and wrapped my arms loosely around his neck. "But all the blankets in the world don't compare to you."
My friend smiled at me and shook his head slowly. "Why is that?"
Now's probably a good time to say it.
"Isn't it obvious?" I ask, pulling him closer by the neck as he wraps his arms around my waist, staring into my eyes.
He tilts his head with a confused expression. "How can I know if you don't say it?"
I sigh, locking my eyes with him. "I love you, Astral," I whispered as my heart pounded in my chest.
My best friend blinks and puts a hand on the top of my head. "I love you too, Lily."
I gulped as my heart thumped even faster.
Is he saying it platonically or romantically? I honestly can't tell anymore…
"What?!" All of them shouted as we looked at them. Looks like I won.
"W-Wait a second," My friend with her eyes wide and an unhealthy shade of red. Why on earth is her face so red?
"L-Last night…" Huh?
"What do you mean?" Maria asks in confusion.
"T-They… s-she… h-he…"
"Huh?"
"Star, are you okay?" The Queen asks with concern as she felt her forehead.
I blinked at my best friend in confusion. "What are you talking about?"
The King's gaze snaps towards him. "Astral,"
"Yes?"
"Tell me the truth, did you…" He trailed off as we blinked in confusion. Did you?
"Did I…?" He removed his arms as I hugged his waist tightly.
His father blinks as his mother gasp. "Son!"
"You two didn't do that, did you?"
That? I blinked as he raised a brow. What does that mean?
His eyes slowly widen as he quickly removed my arms from his waist in rapid succession. "What are you people thinking?!" He yelled as his face turns bright red and took a couple of steps back. Why is his face so red?
"Did we misread the situation?"
"Yes!"
My friend buries his face in the palm of his hands with a groan. Misread the situation?
I tilted my head in confusion. "Misread what?"
"That did not happen." He said after calming down a bit.
"But last night I saw-"
"Nope. Whatever you saw was untrue."
"Really?" My friend glances at me as I knitted my brows in confusion.
"What are you people talking about?" I ask finally as my friends all stared at me.
"Oh, we were-"
"Maria," My best friend said sternly. "Don't." Don't?
I glanced at my friends in confusion. Are they hiding something?
"Why not?"
"She doesn't know what you're implying."
"So?" Star asks. "Then we should let her know."
He shook his head. "Nope."
"Why not?"
"She doesn't need exposure to that or knows about that at a time like this." Exposure?
Maria sighs. "Astral, she's 18 years old."
"Yea, you can't just keep protecting her innocence like this," Star said as he blinks.
"I-"
"Eventually, she will know about this." Know about what?
"Yea, but-"
"I agree," His father said. "Son, you can't keep treating her as a kid." Treating me as a kid? Is that how he sees me?
"Father, when did I ever treat her like a kid?"
"Well, you're protecting her from the knowledge that she should know for her age." His mother said as his eyes widened.
"I'm just trying to protect her innocent mind from getting corrupt." Corrupt? From what?
All of them sigh deeply. "See, this is exactly what we mean."
"Excuse me," I spoke up in a meek voice to interrupt the conversation between them. "What are you people talking about?"
He smiles. "You don't need to concern yourself with this matter."
I furrowed my brows in confusion and looked at him. "Do you see me as a little kid?"
"… No…"
"Why did you hesitate?"
"I didn't." He replied calmly as I latched onto his arm.
"You hesitated just now."
"You caught me off guard with that question."
Right… when will he start seeing me as a woman?
"Hmm…" I narrowed my eyes in suspicion as I playfully ruffled his hair. "Did I?"
He laughs with a small smile. "Yes, you are too suspicious of people." Me? Suspicious of others?
I giggled. "Me? You're the one who is always on guard." I pointed out as he lets out a huff.
"Not always." He muttered as I stifled a laugh.
My eyes widen as a smirk crossed my face. "I won the bet by the way."
He blinks and lets out a sigh. "You won fair and square. What do you want?"
Hm… what do I want him to do… should I have him buy me something? Nah, he already buys me things… it has to be something else…! I got it!
I smiled sweetly as he slowly backs away. "Hey, don't get any bright ideas or anything."
"I won the bet so you have to do what I say for a whole day," I stated.
"I know but it has to be something ideal and be in my capabilities."
"Well-"
"And nothing to destroy my reputation as the Prince." He added quickly. Darn it!
"Which also means humiliating me in front of a group of people you can't do."
Looks like I have to go with plan B.
"Ok-"
"And no physical or manual labor."
Seriously?! Can he read my mind or something?
"Are you done?" I ask as my patience wore thin.
He nods. "I'm done."
Plan A and B are out the window…! That could work!
I smiled gleefully as he gulps. "What are you planning on-"
"Carry me!" I exclaimed happily as his eyes widened like saucers.
"What?!" Everyone shouted in alarm and shock.
I blinked and look back at him who is blinking rapidly. "What do you mean by carrying you?"
Hmm… do I want a piggyback ride? Nah, he gave me a piggyback ride before… it has to be something that he would never do unless in an emergency… Ah-ha!
"Isn't it obvious," I fluttered my eyelashes as I latched onto his arm. "Carry me in your arms."
He stood there with a mouth-dropping a bit blinking ever so often.
"For a whole day?"
I nodded. "Mhm!"
Silence passed through the room as he thought it over.
"How about a piggyback ride?"
"Nope."
He tilts his head. "Why not?"
"You've already given me a piggyback ride before." I started. "Plus, I'm quite curious how a girl feels when being carried bridal style."
"Why on earth are you curious about such a thing?"
I shrugged. "I don't know. I guess I want to experience what it would be like."
"You guess?" Maria asks in disbelief as I nodded and turned back to him.
"Can I not?" He asks cautiously as I shot him a look.
"Why is that?"
"People might get the wrong idea…" I guess…
"But you lost the bet between us."
"Hold on," Star said. "What bet are you two talking about?"
"Oh, I guessed that you all would freeze when I said I love her."
"And I guessed that you would go into shock," I said as they blinked.
"I won so I get to make the demands," I command pointing at him with my index finger. "And I demand you to carry me bridal style."
He bit his lip with a conflicted expression.
"After all, you carried Maria before so why won't you carry me that way?" I ask as his eyes widen.
"You carried me in your arms before?"
He nods. "Remember last night?"
Her eyes widen as he walks over to her with a smile. "I… I kissed you?"
"Almost." My friend chuckles. "I reacted in time so that our lips never touched."
She lets out a breath of relief. "Did I do anything else out of line?"
"Hm…" A smirk crawls into his face as he leans closer. "You don't remember, my love?"
They are just friends… friends… we are friends. Act like that kiss never happened.
She stares at him and pokes his chest. "What don't I remember?"
"You sat on my lap."
…
My friend tilts her head. "I did?"
He nods. "Yup."
Her face flushes beet red as her eyes widen. "Ah… I uh… A-Astral… I… didn't mean to…"
He chuckles shaking his head a bit. "Don't worry about about it," Her hazel eyes look up at him. "You weren't in the right state of mind so it wouldn't be fair if I held it against you."
"Really?" She squeaks out as he nods with a slight smile.
"Yeah, it's fine. Plus, it was nothing like you're probably imagining currently."
Imagining right now? My friend's face grow more red. What on earth is she thinking?
"T-Thank you."
A hand pats her shoulder as she once again looks up at his gold and silver eyes. "I mean it. Don't think too much about it."
"Then…" She furrows her brow. "You carried me to bed and… kissed my forehead?"
So she does remember.
"Exactly. 10 out 10." He claps as she pecks his cheek.
"Anyway, I'm assuming you haven't-" A hand clamps her mouth shut as she eyes him. Are they keeping some secret that we don't know about?
"Nope."
My best friend removes his hand from her mouth. "Geez, I wasn't going to say it out loud."
He chuckles and rolls his eyes. "Better be safe than sorry."
"About last night-"
He waves a hand dismissively. "You were drunk."
A sigh escapes. "I told you not to drink that much."
"Well, I was happy that you were there with me."
"Luckily, I was there or else there would be no way you would've gotten home safely."
"Ok ok, it's all thanks to you alright?"
"I'm the best!"
She scoffs. "I never knew that you were so full of yourself."
"Only you can unleash this side of me, Mia." Mia?
She giggles and leans closer staring at him.
"What's up?"
"Don't move," She commanded as she lean closer towards him. A tiny pink tint flashes across his cheeks.
That pink tint… I bite the inside of my cheek. He's blushing. Why is it when other woman gets close to him, he blushes yet when it's me, he doesn't bat a single eyelash and just laughs it off? Why does he treat me as a kid yet when it comes to Maria, he treats her as a woman? What's the difference between us?
"H-Hey," He stutters as a thumb slowly runs across his cheek. "What are you…"
She giggles softly with a head shake. "There was a piece of dust."
"Thanks."
"Don't mention it." She leans back throwing him a smirk. "What did you think I was going to do? Kiss you?"
My best friend blinks trying to regain his composure with a slight cough. "No. I was not thinking that."
"Sure you weren't," She winks at him with a sly look as she leans close to his ear. "Sexy."
S-S-S… did she just call him… s-sexy?!
My jaw drops as I look at my friend who are in equal shock with eyes bulging from her eye sockets.
The fact that she calls him that… was I wrong? Did they somehow get closer over the span of two weeks? My face pales. Did they go as far as sleep together?! Are they in some sort of secret relationship like in one of those romantic shows?
My best friend rolls his eyes gently pushing her away stifling a laugh. "Why thank you for the compliment, gorgeous but if I may add," He blows a kiss in her direction. "Save that pet name for the bedroom."
"Then," Her finger tips lightly run across his chest with a seductive gaze. "Care to follow me to the bedroom, handsome?"
"I don't know," His fingers lift her chin. "Are you ready for me?"
A pause flows throughout the room as they stare at each other unblinkingly. I knew he was a flirt but to this extent? Wow…
Giggles erupt from both of them as their faces grow more and more red. My friend pants as she bursts into another round of laughter hunching over with tears prickling her sight.
"Hahahahaha, oh my goodness. I never knew you would play along."
His laughter dies down a bit. "You should know me by now, since when have I ever refused to go along with your teasing?"
So… My eyes drift back and forth as both of them burst out in another fit of laughter leaning on each other for support. They were… joking when saying all of that?
"So… What difference would it make if you carried me that way?" I ask getting confused as I latch onto his arm.
"I guess it wouldn't hurt to carry you." He finally agreed as I pecked his cheek with a grin.
Yes!
"Ok, stand, still." He gazed at me with a critical eye, suddenly wraps one arm around my shoulder, one arm under my knee, and lifted me off the ground as my eyes widened in fear. Don't look down. Don't look down.
I gripped his shirt tightly as I heard a sigh coming from my friend. "Open your eyes."
I shook my head rapidly. "No."
"Are you that scared?"
I let out a laugh. "Me? Scared? Hahaha…"
"Then why won't you open your eyes fully?" The Queen asked as I carefully opened my eyes with a gulp.
I clutched his shirt even tighter in response. "It's unusual to be off the ground," I responded.
"Ok, stop gripping my shirt so tightly." He said as he carefully pried my fingers from his shirt. !
"Do you want me to fall?" I ask meekly as he stared deadpanned at me.
"If you keep gripping onto my shirt, I won't guarantee your safety."
"But then where am I supposed to grip you?"
"Don't you watch shows?"
"Of course I watch shows."
"Wrap your arms around my neck if you don't want to fall."
Hmm… I carefully released his shirt and immediately threw my arms around his neck as my body touched his chest making him stagger a bit. I shut my eyes tightly as I could feel his body tense.
"Lily, you're holding him way too tightly," Maria said.
"Loosen your grip a little," Star said as I opened my eyes to find my face inches from his. Wow… he's good-looking.
He tilts his head to the right as I did the same not leaving his gaze. He tilts it to the left as I repeated that motion.
"Are you done staring at me?"
Uh…
"Can you back away a bit?" He asks after a moment of silence as my eyes widened and retreated.
I giggled and shot him a smile. "Don't drop me."
He rolled his eyes. "Like I would ever drop you."
I stifled a laugh as I stared at him as he blinks. Is this how a girl feels when getting carried by a guy? It's such a warm sensation…
He stared at me shifting his eyes a bit. "What are you staring at? Is there something on my face?"
"Can't I stare at you?" I ask innocently with a head tilt.
"I mean you're allowed to but…" Huh?
"But what?"
"Never mind." He looks away as I raised an eyebrow. How weird…
Star's POV:
"Are you sure nothing is going on between you and him?" I ask as she sighs for the hundredth time today.
"I'm positive, nothing is going on between us that would indicate a romantic affair. I see him as a friend and vice versa."
She turns to me curiously. "You are reading way too much into this." Am I?
"You said I love you multiple times to him and he said it back."
"I was drunk yesterday and besides, a man and a woman can love each other without romantic feelings associated." I guess.
"But you called him um…" My face grows warm as my friend blinks raising a brow.
"Sexy?"
I nod as she huffs with a smile. "You're right. I did but he knows what I meant by it."
"Does he now?" What other interpretations are there when a girl calls a guy sexy?
"Mhm."
"And I thought Lily and Astral has a weird relationship." I mutter beneath my breath. "You're a close second."
A laugh rings through my ears as she rolls her eyes. "Well," I said looking at my friend carrying her walking down the halls as we trailed behind at a distance. "This is interesting."
"It is very interesting…" My friend trailed off narrowing her eyes.
"What are you thinking about?"
She turns to me. "Does she not feel anything for him besides friendship?"
I blinked and looked back at them. "I can see what you're getting at. He's carrying her in his arms as we speak."
"Exactly." She let out a sigh. "We got to do something."
I nod. "I agree but what can we do?" He is carrying her right now. I mean that's pretty close.
Unless… there is some way to…!
I slowly turned my head towards her with a grin as she smirks. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
"Do you even need to ask?"
"Let's do it!"
"But we got to make sure not to injure them."
"Don't worry," I summoned up a small rock. "I know how much strength to use." Ok… so…
I narrowed my gaze and flicked the rock sending it soaring towards the back of his knee. Yes!
The impact made him fall as a thump radiated from the ground attracted the attention of the nearby servants.
We quickly hid in a corner. "That looked like it hurt a lot." She said with concern as I giggled.
"No need to be so worried. I've done this numerous times before."
Her eyes widened. "You have?"
I shrugged. "I suppose so." Not that I remember doing this.
"Let's watch."
My friend fell on top of her with one arm supporting her head and another planted to the side of her head to prevent him from dropping down squishing her.
They are so close. There is no way that they don't feel anything.
She gives me a thumbs-up as I returned that gesture.
Now, getting back to them, my friend's face was crimson red shutting her eyes tightly. Darn it! Why are her eyes closed?
All of the servants stood in shock as they laid eyes on them, blinking, not daring to interrupt. Huh, looks like they want romance to bloom between them as well.
"Am I dead?" She asks meekly as he lets out a chuckle. So dramatic. How can a fall like that cause you to die?
"Open your eyes. You're not dead."
My friend cautiously opened her eyes and stared directly at his gaze with a seep of red on her face.
"Are you okay?"
She gulps and nodded a bit as her face grew redder by the second.
They stared at each other without blinking and we noticed the King and Queen walking in our direction. Uh-oh!
My friend and I nodded knowingly as I grabbed them and pulled them to the corner where we are standing.
"What are you-"
"Shhh!" I made a shushing motion as we looked at my friends.
"Are you sure you're okay?" He asks gently in a concerned tone still laying on top of her with his face inches apart.
"I-I'm fine." She stutters out as her face grew even redder.
He narrows his gaze and leaned down closer towards her lips. Is he…!
"W-What are doing?"
He leans down even closer as she shuts her eyes tightly. "A-Astral, w-what are you-"
My friend raised a brow in confusion. "Why is your face so red?"
Our jaws dropped as we slowly glanced at each other. Is he seriously asking that question?
She opens her eyes and gulps. "M-My face is red?"
He nodded. "Do you perhaps have a fever?"
You have got to be kidding me! A fever?!
"N-No, I'm fine."
He looked unconvinced but didn't ask any further questions as they intensely stared at each other.
"Hey," The Queen said diverting our attention. "Was this your doing?"
I nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty."
The King lets out a chuckle. "Good job you two."
My friend blinks. "You're not angry?"
They shook their heads. "Why would we be angry?" He asks.
"If this makes them realize their feelings for one another, it's a good thing." She said as we looked back at them.
"A-Astral, um…"
He tilts his head to the right. "Yes?"
"C-Can y-you…"
"Can I…?"
"Can you get off me?" She finally said shutting her eyes as her face is beet red like a tomato.
His mouth curves into a smile. "Of course but first…" What?
"First what?" She opens her eyes again to meet his as he leans down towards her and kissed her cheek.
Her face grew to an unhealthy shade of red. Her eyes widened as she sputters out nonsense.
"Y-You-"
"That was to make up for the morning kiss you gave me." He said as he got up.
She snaps from her shock and grabbed his hand to help her rise.
They immediately swerved their heads in our direction with a deadpanned gaze. We're doomed.
Maria's POV:
In Astral's room:
All is quiet except for the ticking clock on the wall as we gulped. They are angry… if there's one thing I learned over the last few years, is don't get him angry.
He crossed his arms over his chest and stares expectantly at us waiting for someone to answer.
"This was your doing, right?" She asks us as my friend and I flinched.
"We didn't mean to…" My friend said in a meek voice.
"Oh?"
She glances towards me for help as I sigh. "Ok, we intentionally made you fall," I said glancing at my friend.
"Why?" He finally spoke up as the room grew quiet. Hmmm…
My friend glanced towards the King and Queen for help as they smiled. "We have been through this before." The King started.
"You two like each other." The Queen said as my friends sigh in frustration.
"Your Majesties, you are mistaken."
"Mother, how many times do I have to tell you that we do not have that kind of relationship?"
His father shook his head. "You two just don't know it yet."
We nodded in unison as they blink not knowing what to say. "Why do we even bother with them?" He mutters as she smiles and kissed his cheek affectionately.
"Baby, I already told you, they won't believe us." Of course, we won't believe you.
He turns to her as she intertwines her fingers with his. "What did I tell you about calling me that in public?" She giggles nervously. She calls him such an intimate pet name.
"Well," I clear my throat. "What are we supposed to think when you refer to him as 'Baby'?"
"I-"
"Yea," My friend chimes in. "Lily, when you referred to him as 'Baby', I thought you two were dating and a couple."
"My thoughts exactly!" I agreed with her as she blinks.
My friend turns to him. "Can I not refer to you as 'Baby' without them misunderstanding our relationship?"
A minuscule smile graced his face. "Well, it's just when a woman refers to a guy as 'Baby', it comes with an assumption that those two are a couple/lovers." My friend explains softly as the corners of her mouth drop a tiny bit into a small pout.
A startled expression crossed his face as his eyes widen. "But, we're best friends so feel free to use that term of endearment. I don't mind." He explains hastily as her expression brightens significantly. A pout from her can make him react this much?
My friend flashed him a smile, holding his arm close and leaning on his shoulder. "Really?"
He ruffles her hair. "Really."
I leaned closer to my friend. "Psst, not lovers indeed," I whispered as she giggled.
"I know right?" She replied stifling a laugh.
"You two realize that we can hear you, right?" My friend said as she looks at us.
We simultaneously look away and heard sighs. "Think whatever you want." He said as he started coughing into a tissue violently.
"Are you okay?" My friend ask with concern radiating from her eyes as she touched his arm.
He held up his hand as he hunched over and hacks into the tissue once more. I narrowed my eyes as I saw something red dripping on the ground. Is that… it's not what I think it is right?
My friend immediately got free from her grasp, still coughing as he got another tissue, and looked at his parents with a subtle nod. Uh-oh…
He closed the restroom door with a click as we heard continuous coughing from within. That cough… I guess he hasn't told them yet. Should I give them hints?
"Is it just me," I stated as everyone looks at me. "Or does his cough sound serious?"
His parent's eyes slightly widen as I said that.
"I agree with you," My friend said after thinking things through.
"I have a feeling he's hiding something…"
The Queen laughs while taking a sip of her tea. "You girls and your imaginations."
"She's right as if he had something to hide." The King said as we directed our attention to him.
"But then why is he coughing like that?"
"It's just a cold," The Queen stated. "He will get over it with time and medicine." A cold? Yea right.
"But I have never seen him-"
"Lily," The King said seriously. "It's just a cold."
"His coughs-"
The Queen sighs. "There are some things that are better to be left to the unknown."
Her husband's eyes widen. "Enna, why did you-"
She shook her head sadly gripping his hand. "They are catching on." Indeed I am.
"Yes, but-"
"We can't keep hiding this from them. They will find out sooner or later."
They let out a sigh and turns towards us. "It isn't our place to tell you."
"If he wants to tell you then he will but please, don't force him to." The Queen said softly as we nod in agreement.
Just then, a click can be heard as the restroom door opens and my friend glided towards the couch sitting next to his best friend. "Are you okay?"
He gave us a small smile. "I apologize for worrying all of you."
We glanced at each other and blinked. "Don't worry about it," Star said as I nodded.
(Flash):
"If he wants to tell you then he will but please, don't force him to."
(Flash)
I let out a soft sigh as he looks like all the life has been sucked out of him. Astral, you're going to have to tell them sooner or later.