Had To Be You

Friendship restored | Ch: 18

"What took so long?" I question Liam as he comes our way with a wide smile on his face after he sees me, or maybe just cause he won.

Anyways. I'd like to believe it's because of me.

He wraps his arm around, pulling me in for a side hug and kissing on my cheek "Hello love" eh. Better than last time. "Missing me already?" he said, raising his eyebrows making me blush. He shakes his head and says "They were celebrating the win."

"Alright listen, I'm gonna go and see if Leo's done with Hyde, and Evelyn why don't you fill him in on our little discovery." says Austin, and leaves.

I explain everything to Liam, while he won't stop staring at me with those charming brown eyes. "Liam." I frown with a smile

"Yes." he smirks.

"I'm explaining to you something important here. Stop doing that with your face."

"Doing what?" he chuckles, knowingly exactly what I am talking about.

"That being- all- cute- and- making- me- want- to- kiss- you thing with your face. Stop doing it."

"Well, if it makes you want to do what you just said, I'm not gonna stop doing it."

I sigh. "Okay how about we finish our unfinished business later today, after we straighten things up with Chloe. Please? You know how important this is for me."

He gives me a small peck on my cheek and says "of course I do. Oh. and speaking of later, we're gonna celebrate our victory at a friend's house. Why don't you come."

Knowing that the test went well, maybe I should celebrate. Mum always says that we need to take a little time out for fun that apparently helps us focus even more. "Yeah. Sure thing. Let's go see if Leo's done."

We reach the staff room and find Austin waiting outside.

"They're not done yet?" I ask. "And why is the door locked?" That's weird.

"Yeah. I called Leo a few times and he didn't pick it up. So I knocked on the door. Mr. Hyde came outside and said they'll be over in a few minutes."

Before I could respond to what Austin said the door of the staff room opened. Leo comes out. "Hey you okay?" asks Austin, his voice filled with concern.

"Yea- - "

"Waiting for your friend?" said Mr. Hyde as he comes out just from behind. "I accidentally locked the door. I realized that it was locked when someone started knocking. We were almost done by then so I didn't open it." Hyde puts his hand on Leo's shoulder and says "We had a good chat, didn't we Loe? " A smile curves up on his face.

"Yes sir." Leo's face on the other hand looked a bit pale. He has a tensed reaction on his face.

"Often children get nervous and scared when they find their academic scores deteriorating. But nothing to worry about. I'll help Leo throughout this. And with the star kid by your side you really have nothing to worry about." This time Hyde's arm wrapped Leo by the shoulder, making him gulp nervously.

While we walked out of the hallway Leo was silent and was walking very stiff. He is generally very cheerful even without any reason. Maybe Hyde talking about his bad scores made him nervous.

"Leo. You free tonight? There's this party at one of Liam's friend's place. They are going to celebrate the victory. Why don't you come?

Leo!"

"Huh. yeah, um.... I don't know, maybe." He shakes his head and says "I am not sure if I will be able to make it."

That took me aback. Usually Leo's the most excited guy when it comes to parties and celebrations. He is like the life of a party.