𝑮𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝑩𝒐𝒚 ✓

Chapter 23 - Ben

MAL'S FRIENDS SHOWED UP after a while of them getting home.

The group were talking about what happened, listening to Mal and Bryce as they explained everything.

"... So, that's practically everything."

"Wait, so. That day when Dash's picture was posted on his profile, how did you know something was happening at their house?" Ben asked.

"It's called death photography. When you look at pictures of dead people, you feel as though their eyes are faced open and their mouth is formed into this big smile... That's actually something that was pretty popular in the Victorian era in England, and my only guess is, Jake used it so he can tell the whole world that Dash is safe and sound. So he can just turn people's eyes away from what he really did." Mal explained, causing everyone to nod as they tried to process.

"So, where is Jake now?"

"The police are still looking for him. Hopefully he doesn't do anything stupid by then."

After a while of talking and catching up on what has been happening, Nawal entered the room with a tray full of snacks, then set it down on the table. The tray included Pringles, Doritos, Lays, pretzels and a ton of other stuff that Mal was craving for.

"If you guys want to stay, we're ordering pizza. And..." Nawal paused for a moment, "Jake was arrested, like, ten minutes ago, when one of the officers saw him almost throwing himself off the bridge on 9th street."

Mal sighed in relief and dread. "But... He's going to get released, right? He's mentally ill."

"Yeah, but not after going to a mental hospital. I think they'll release him after giving medication, or something. Anyway, I'll leave you all to it."

The woman then left the room, leaving the group with a pile of snacks.

-

"So, we're finally alone." Bryce stated, sitting on the bed next to Mal. Mal smiled and nodded. "Yeah."

"I've been meaning to ask you something."

Mal turned to him curiously. "Go ahead."

"I was wondering if we could like, go out sometimes?"

The girl stopped in her tracks. "Bryce, I... I had no idea you felt that way about me, but I... I like someone else."

Bryce nodded, his heart dropping a little. "It's Beatrice, isn't it?"

"Um, no. I like Ben."

His eyes widened slightly, taken aback.

"Wait, really? I would've never guessed. I... I know he'll treat you well."

She nodded simply.

"Yeah, I know. Thank you, and I'm really sorry."

"Please don't be. I'm happy for you both. So when are you going to tell him?"

"I was actually thinking about telling him tonight, but maybe tomorrow is better."

"No, please. You can go now, and I'll still be here so we can talk about it." Bryce assured, giving her a small, cheerful smile. She eventually nodded at his words, then hurried out of the house.

-

As soon as she arrived at Ben's house, which was right next to hers, she took a few minutes to breathe in the fresh air, then rang the doorbell.

A few minutes later, he opened the door. In her opinion, he looked as cute as ever in his coloured pyjamas. Mal smiled softly, then reached out to hug him. He hugged her back, slightly taken-aback.

"So, I need to tell you something," she began as they let go, "but, you know, you might not feel the same."

"No, go ahead. Please."

She took a deep breath, then shook her head. "Actually, can I show you instead?"

She then stopped closer towards him and leaned in, leaving only a few inches to tell them apart. Then placed her lips on his. Butterflies erupted through his stomach as he kissed her back.

"Would you like to go out sometimes?" she asked after a few minutes. Ben hugged her, thinking he might explode from happiness, and nodded.

"I'd love to! I'm so happy right now, I can't even..."

She hugged him back. "I love you, Ben."

"I love you more..."

-

THE END

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