𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐅𝐐𝐔𝐀𝐊𝐄

12

Valentines day crept up closer and closer, like someone creeping behind you on a midnight walk. Richie was dreading it, in all honesty.

He'd seen red and pink decorations everywhere: in the cafe, in the hallways, even their RA's replaced their door names with red and pink hearts for the upcoming occasion.

Richie hated this holiday, more this year than ever. Though, maybe his hatred lay deep within his subconscious of wishing he could enjoy it the way others did.

He loved the colors and how they complimented one another. He loved the romantic, warm feeling he got when he woke up on the holiday every year. He even loved the decorations, as cheesy as some of them were.

What he hated, however, was that this year, Eddie seemingly had a Valentines date.

One Friday, after Trippy Trio came back to Eddie and Bill's, Ben mentioned how Eddie couldn't hang out with them on Valentines Day. A quick glance towards the shorter boy, and Richie already knew from the discomfort on Eddie's face.

He had a date.

This year they were to watch the Blockbuster rented film 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'.

Strange enough, Eddie had chosen the movie in protest of the overly gooey romance that was in the air. Bev, of course, second it.

But now, he wasn't going to be there at all?

"Woah, woah, woah; Eddie-kins gotta date?" Bev gushed, giving Eddie a sly look as Ben laughed along with the others at Eddie's red face.

"I-t's not a date, per say-" Eddie began, but Bill chuckled from his spot on the floor, cutting him off.

"-Ed's, don't be shy about it, it's okay. We've seen that guy lingering around you before you come to the lunch table," Bill made a kissy face, head falling back into Stan's lap.

Richie forced his eyes to stare at the notebook he had taken out a while ago, trying hard to focus on etching criss-cross lines into the paper rather than seem interested.

"Bill, it's not a date! He asked to see that new movie, Groundhog day, at the movies. That's it. He asked as a friend ," Eddie mumbled, pulling his legs to his chest in defense.

He stole a glance at Richie, who seemed to not even be listening to their conversation.

A part of Eddie was annoyed at Tozier for being so cold, but another part relieved. Maybe Richie didn't think it was a big deal, just like Eddie said.

Richie glared at the paper his pencil was attacking, tearing a hole. Mousy boy, probably Richie thought sourly.

Stan's eyes flickered from Eddie to Richie, who had his legs propped up in a spider-like way, his notebook resting on his thighs as his eyes were the only part of his face visible to Stan.

Richie glanced up and met Stan's eyes, quickly moving the book to stick his tongue out before returning to the same position.

Stan queried a brow.

"Whether or not Christopher asked Eddie on a date is irrelevant. I only mentioned it because I wanted to bitch about how lucky Eddie is to watch a romcom on Valentine's da-" Ben was interrupted with a room full of groans, Mike losing his mind with laughter.

Richie's lips twitched into a smile, glancing at Mike leaning onto Stan's shoulder in support as Ben cutely whined about how bad he wants to see Groundhog day. Bill was watching Mike in adoration. Bev and Stan were glaring at Ben, as if they were betrayed by the very statement.

When Richie's eyes reached Eddie, his eyes were already on him.

A split second of bliss, and Richie tore them away, making note to knock on Daniel's door after this.