The Smile That Made Me Smile

Chapter Eight

After about a 20-minute drive, we finally arrived at Silverleaf Mall. The place was very popular, probably because it was a Friday afternoon. The mall itself didn't open too long ago so some of the stores were still very mediocre.

Before we went to get ice cream, Kim wanted to shop for some new clothes for next semester. I honestly wanted to see what kind of stores Kim shopped from since she doesn't wear what other girls wear at our school. It honestly felt good walking into all of these different stores that I normally don't walk through. We walked through about a couple of stores. Apparently, she really likes Vans and Zumez and Spencers. I'm honestly more of a Nike guy but she wasn't a fan of that place, so we never went, which was okay with me.

After about 2 hours of shopping and looking at all of the expensive stuff we couldn't afford, we went to Retro Cones. I've never been there but Kim really loves this place. Ironically, the interior of the parlor was all retro, almost like something out of the 80s. They had the most popular songs from the 80s and 90s playing and neon lights strung around the ceiling, although it gave the ice cream weird colors.

Kim was fascinated by all of the flavors even though she's been here countless times, almost like a little kid on Christmas.

I didn't know what to get here since it was my first time.

"What's the best flavor to get here?" I asked her.

She got really excited over that question and gave me the biggest smile ever and started pointing out all the flavors that she thought I would like. The one that really got my attention was Retro Raspberry which was the one she didn't point out. I really like raspberry flavored things, especially raspberry ice cream. Kim noticed what flavor I was staring at and gave me a look.

I asked out of pure curiosity, "What's with the look? Do you not like raspberry ice cream?"

While snickering and smirking to herself, she wrote, I hate raspberry flavored anything and I don't like people that enjoy it.

She stopped writing for a moment and wrote again.

I suppose I can make an exception for you since you're hanging out with me.

I was embarrassed but I found her response funny. I decided to order my raspberry ice cream anyway and she gave me a look again and ordered Blast back Blueberry.

"Is that your favorite flavor?" I asked her. 

She nodded and gave me a smile full of blue teeth. For some reason, that smile gave me butterflies. It was a perfect smile, one that could make anyone smile, even if they weren't in the mood to.

After about a minute of awkwardly staring at each other, we grabbed a seat at some benches near a fountain. With the loud water hitting the concrete behind us, it still felt too quiet. I wanted to act just a little cocky to get back at her at Retro Cones.

"So, I bet you weren't expecting to enjoy hanging out with me for the first time, were you?" I asked her.

She started smiling and was embarrassed at the question. She pulled out her notebook and started writing.

First off, if you're trying to get back at me for my comment on raspberry flavored items, it's not working. Second, yes, I am enjoying hanging out with you surprisingly. Don't try to be cocky with me.

I was embarrassed at my poor attempt. Usually, I'd be able to get anyone off track with my ways, but it was like she had the same mindset as me, which was exciting to see.

After we finished our ice cream, we went to the second floor that overlooked the first floor of the mall. The mall was absolutely huge and livelier at the bottom than the second floor. The second floor has barely any stores or people, it was quite boring.

It was really quiet, and I kept catching Kim staring at me. I wanted to stare back at her, but I think either of us would be embarrassed. I decided to let her stare at me one more time. I leaned in for a kiss and she did the same. I could taste her strawberry chapstick and the blueberry ice cream and for a second or two, I could feel her hand on my cheek.

She backed out first and we kind of just stared at each other for a minute, redder than we've ever been. I've never been more entranced staring at someone like this before.

"So, are you ready to go?" I added weakly and awkwardly.

She nodded her head with a smile. We grabbed our stuff and started walking down the stairs. We started to walk out but we're stopped by Erza. I was definitely nervous, so nervous that my hands had become clammy and sweaty.

Erza took notice and sarcastically said, "Aw, it's so cute. It's such a shame that Noah liking you isn't even real", he added while chuckling, "I'm sure he could tell you all about it later tonight. Anyway, have fun guys! We miss you already."

While they were walking away, Kim let go of my hand and gave me a look, a look of betrayal and utter sadness.

I was ashamed to look at her now because I knew she wouldn't believe me. Once I had worked up the courage to look at her, I took her by the hand to a nearby bench.

I took a deep breath.

"I'm sorry. At first it was about a bet to talk and hang out with you, but I slowly started liking you during that whole thing. I got attached fast and I'm honestly glad I did. I told Erza to fuck himself after he wasn't treating you right because you showed me you were a sweet person. Whatever memories I made with you today, I'll never forget." I said. 

She quickly brought my head to hers. She let go and grabbed her notebook and started writing.

I already knew from the start. Listen, I'm glad you enjoyed our time. Wyatt told me and I wanted to see how far you would take it and I'm really glad you ditched the bet, but it doesn't excuse the fact you still accepted it. After this week, I will not be hanging out with you anymore. You can take me to prom and all that but only as friends if you want but I do not want you around me anymore after that.

She was right. I should've just gotten to know her normally and with no bet. I shouldn't have listened to Erza and taken it.

Still nervous about Erza, I added shakily, "Can I at least still take you home? It's the least I can do now after your day being ruined."

She nodded her head, and we walked back to my car, no hand holding and completely awkward and pissed.