PRETTIEST THINGS | A.K

18

Sleeping is always easier when Awsten's with Hibiscus. As someone who's just constantly been tormented be anxiety and ADHD related insomnia, Awsten could never just calm down and fall asleep. Yet, as he lays with Hibiscus in his arms, he feels the most peaceful he's ever been.

Hibiscus stirs, looking up to see Awsten.

"You're, like, the handsomest boy ever," she mumbles.

"Thank you," he laughs. "I'm glad you're here." They spend a few minutes quiet as they enjoy the fact that they're finally with each other again. "I love you."

"Hm?" Hibiscus asks.

"I didn't say 'i love you' back when you texted me yesterday. I think I was just too excited to see you."

"Stop being so cute."

There's a knock at the door to force the two out of bed. Awsten answers the door with Hibiscus sitting on his kitchen counter.

"Someone bought you flowers," the person says with a wide smile. "Happy bithday."

"Oh, thank you," Awsten mumbles softly as he looks at the bouquet.

He shuts the door, eyes on Hibiscus.

"Happy birthday, Aws."

He doesn't say anything. Instead, he wraps his arms around her, burying his head in the crook of her neck.

"You are simply an angel, Hibiscus."

"I just wanted to do something nice for you," she says, running her hands through his hair. "You mean the world to me."

Awsten pulls away. "I love you."

"I love you, too."

Neither of them have the courage to tell each other that they mean that more than platonically.

"So, my friends are having, like, a small party type thing tonight. Would you be okay with that? I know that a lot of people you don't know can be overwhelming so I don't want to put you in a situation like that."

"I'd like to meet your friends. If they're anything like you, I'm sure it'll be great," she assures.

She fixates on his hands as he talks to her. "I'm so excited for you to meet them. You'll love them I think. Maxx is really excited to meet you."

"You talk about me that much, hm?" she teases, lifting his face to look at her.

"Maybe I do," he replies.

They stare at each other fondly in a way that friends shouldn't look at each other. Hibiscus studies his face quietly, running her thumb across his features as though she's memorizing his face. As Awsten's eyes flutter shut, his eyelashes hit the tops of his cheeks. His small freckles make constelations, and she kisses one on his cheek.

"So handsome," she sighs.

When Awsten opens his eyes again, he smiles. Hibiscus feels her stomach growl so she hides her face.

"Someone's hungry," Awsten laughs. "Let's go get breakfast or something. There's a place nearby I'd like to show you."

Awsten can hear a mumbled "okay" from Hibiscus. He shows her where the bathroom is so she can shower, then he sits on his bed, letting Hibiscus consume his thoughts as she always does. The softness of her fingertips and lips against his skin is engraved in his memory.

Hibiscus takes a little longer than usual to get ready. She decides to curl her hair, which is an hours long job at least. By the time she's ready, Hibiscus is starving. Fortunately for her, Awsten wastes no time taking her out into LA.