The Boy Next Door ||eremin||

✧ch.2; that boy✧

I was woken up by my grandfather calling my name and shaking me softly.
"Armin," I heard his voice say, "Armin, we're here. It's time to wake up."
I flutter my eyes open and rub them, "What time is it?"

"Nine." he replied, "You slept the whole three hours." I smiled weakly and got out of the silver Mercedes Benz. The first thing I noticed was that it wasn't completely dark. The sun was still setting, leaving the sky a melting orange color. The houses on the street were at least two stories and only a couple one story houses making it seem like a very rich neighborhood. Better then mine at the least.

I followed my grandpa to the trunk of the car where he unlocked it and handed me a lightweight box, "Here, take this. I'll show you to your room." I nodded and he walked to unlock the door. As I followed him slowly, I saw a brown headed boy that looked about my age sitting on the grass of his front lawn with earphones blasting music you could hear from a mile away. He had a black t-shirt with some band, skinny grey jeans and multiple wrist bands with different animes. His eyes lock on mine, his skin was a mellow tan color, and the color of his hair was a chocolate brown swept over his forehead like a swirl. His eyes were gorgeous. Ever see a model on a page of a magazine and see how unnaturally enhanced their eyes are? Well he had those eyes that seemed to glow a radiant green color.

His eyes then look down to his iPhone screen. Huh, maybe he'll be my first friend here. I thought, not that I cared either way. I'm used to being alone, and I surprisingly don't mind it. Sure, it gets lonely but it also gives you a sense of peace.

I walked in the house and noticed how organized everything is. The couches had a soft blue color, and the flat screen was mounted on the wall. The walls were a light cream color and the hallway had photos of my grandfather and his wife along with my parents and I.

I notice the stairs and quickly climb them, knowing that my grandpa was probably worried about me. They had about three guest rooms, possibly more downstairs. Yes. Their house was that big. I found my grandpa in the room with walls the color of the boys eyes. "You can put that box here," he pointed to a corner, "and the rest of your stuff is in the car, call me if you need any help."

"Okay." I watch my grandpa sluggishly walk into his room as I made my way down the stairs.

I came to the trunk and picked the heaviest box, almost as if to prove to myself that I wasn't weak. With all my strength, I lifted it. Unfortunately, I only got a few steps away from the car before I had to put it down. I took a quick peek at the front lawn next door to see if the boy was there. He wasn't. Oh well..
I bent over to pick up the box and once I placed my hands on the side another pair of hands cover mine. I look up and see the boy, his face a few centimeters from mine.
"What's a cute girl like you picking up something as heavy as this?" His breath hit my face but thankfully it smelled like peppermint. "Uhm.." Was all I could say.

"Here, let me help you." I nodded and let go of the cardboard box. He lifted it with ease. "So, what brings you here?" I looked down and played with the strings of my hoodie. It was uncommon for me to make eye contact with a stranger, let alone start a conversation. "Huh? Oh, well uh- I just thought a new experience would be nice."
He smiled at me, showing his perfectly white teeth.

"Sweet." He tightened his grip on the box, showing that it was beginning to get very heavy, "Where should I put this?" I blinked a few times before comprehending what he just said. "Oh that! Follow me, I'll show you." Feeling a pang of guilt for having him carry a box, I reluctantly show him my room. He set the box down, turning my way.
"So, do you need anymore help?" I shook my head, not wanting to owe him a favor later.

"Hm," he bit his lip, "would you mind if I stayed and hung out with you?" I was taken back. Nobody in their smart mind would want to "hang out" with Armin Arlert by choice. The only reason I had friends back home was because Jean introduced me to them. And the only reason I met Jean was because