Highschool Romance

2. A COMPLICATED ROMANCE

August rushed into the store breathing heavily, having run all the way from school. Several heads turned and stared at him as the door slammed behind him. Despite He however didnt pay them any heed and rushed to one of the shelves.

"The last one!" he managed to breathe out as he happily grasped the only manga remaining on the shelf. With the comic hugged close to him he walked to the counter and waited in line. As his heavy breathing slowed, his eyes drifted to the shelves near the counter that normally held magazines and they finally landed on a particular magazine that left him visibly in awe.

Damn, he managed quietly as he looked over at the cover of one of the magazines. The popular artist had a navy blue bikini. He stared at it for some time before he was drifted from his daze by the receptionist.

Hey kid, are you paying for that?

"Yes, sorry," he said as he handed over the manga in his hands and placed the money on the counter.

Its pretty surprising, right?

Huh, he said as he realized his eyes had drifted back to the Russian musician, or at least he assumed that she was due to her name.

Hazel going for the sexy look, well I dont think thats what they were going for but it came out that way. Probably coz were used to her cutesy look.

"Oh, yeah" August agreed with the guy. Since her look was the cutesy one, her wearing a mature swimsuit came out as a sexy look. Of course, the look couldn't be seen as sexy if compared to other mature models. Her swimsuit also seemed fit for her age.

Shes seventeen now, maybe well get to see more of this side of her. Or maybe the cutesy look will fade over time.

"Yeah, I guess so," he said as he looked over at the magazine once more.

* * *

This will be troublesome, August whispered to himself as he let out a heavy sigh.

Melinda is a huge fan of Hazel, thats why I got it. I went to the store to get the manga and happened to see the magazine, August explained as he let out a tired sigh, he knew what was coming.

So youre saying you werent enthralled by her? Bahari asked as he wiggled his eyebrows and August couldnt help but question why he was explaining himself to them. His eyes drifted to the girl, Hanna, who looked at him expressionlessly. Her demeanor matched the color of her gray eye behind her thick glasses. For some reason, he felt the need to make her understand he wasn't a pervert. He turned to his friend who was still wiggling his brows

Will you quit doing that? Its disgusting, Bahari frowned slightly but stopped wiggling his brows.

Are you trying to distract me? Were not letting you go with this,

Okay Bahari, I agree shes pretty, more than pretty

You mean sexy? Bahari asked teasingly.

Shes beautiful and I was enthralled but I wouldnt go as far as buying a magazine for that reason. Its kind of creepy. Suddenly a thought crossed Augusts mind and his lips stretched out into a smirk.

Well, if you dont believe me, you can keep it but know that Melinda will need an explanation of why you took the magazine that her brother got her. Im not going to help you out with that. August said as he raised both his arms with a sigh and in turn Bahari swallowed hard. He took the book from Caleb who was now focused on his phone. Bahari quickly but carefully shoved the magazine into Augusts bag before pushing it into his hands.

If this involves Melinda, its sure to turn troublesome, Caleb said his eyes still on the phone and his fingers quickly tapping away.

"And as insurance," August took out his phone and texted his sister, "I'm letting her know so that you can keep your prying hands of my bag," he then put his manga in the bag.

Guys, I have to go, Caleb said as he picked up his bag and headed out of the arcade in a rush.

Mhmm?" August turned to Hanna. She had a cheeky face on as she watched Caleb nearly collide with the door frame in his rush.

Im guessing you found something to pry your hands on, Bahari watched her with an uncertain gaze and she nodded in response.

Gotta warn you though, Calebs case isnt your usual high school romance situation. It is beyond complicated. Bahari said as he picked up his own bag.

I have a feeling it will be worthwhile though. Hanna said as she pushed her huge glasses up her face, and you promised me to let me watch yours but they are honestly pathetic.

What do you mean by pathetic, my relationships might be short but they are wholesome. Bahari said as he puffed up his cheeks in feigned anger.

You just dump them once you get what you want, there is no trace of romance in that. So, what about him. she asked as she pointed to August who was watching them with a blank expression.

"Hes loved by everyone with that face and his cool demeanor but you have better hopes with me" Bahari responded with a grin. Hanna turned to look at August. The two just stared at each other for a while with blank expressions before Hanna turned to Bahari. Then why did you bother introducing him to me.

Augusts face twitched a little before he turned and walked away Im going to get something to drink.

The two watched him leave before Bahari turned to Hanna. Hey that was mean. I introduced him coz he is our friend and hes pretty cool.

You mean he is a pervert, A perverted nerd. Hanna responded as she started walking towards the exit.

He does love manga and anime but he is still pretty cool and August is the most innocent dude youll come across, Bahari defended as he followed behind her.

It is weird though, why he didnt he just say he was getting a comic, Bahari muttered to himself as they reached the exit. Hanna stopped momentarily and looked to her left and then kept walking to the parking lot.

Bahari to turned to see August leaning against the wall, the milk packet he was holding was squeezed up and his lips were twitching, his eyes glaring at his best friend.

Did you forget how much my series have suffered at your hands! August snarled at his friend.

"Jeez, no need to get your panties in a twist. They're still readable, right? So what's the big deal." Bahari said as he picked up his pace and went after Hanna

"What the hell do you mean by readable, I had to replace them since the pages were all crumpled up and torn. What the hell is wrong with you!" August complained as he rushed after Bahari. Bahari was however not listening as he run ahead shouting for Hanna.