The Artist and the Angel(A Poth story)

Chapter 16: Best Friends...?

Goth's POV a few days later

I smile, walking into a shop holding the Valentines Day pin from Palette. I look at the displays for the summer sales in the cases, then looking at the pin again. I find a nice one in a case and one of the workers notices me eyeing it and the sign saying Customization available!

"Do you see something you like?"They ask

I nod.

"Any customization you'd like?"They ask

"Umm, could the gem locket look like this?"I ask, pointing to the heart on the pin

"Oh yeah! Some emerald and amethyst could definitely do for that."They say, taking a picture of the pin

I smile and pay them in advance.

"We will have this done in three hours. Come back soon."They say

I smile at them, thanking them. Then I head out to the other stores. I wander around and tuck my pin away. I explore other stores, then glance towards the beach that the lines of stores are by. I see some of my classmates playing or running about. I continue walking through the shops and exploring the attractions while killing time. Some kids bump into me as I was admiring a window display. I glance over and they jolt, horrified.

"Shoot! We're sorry!"Some say

"Run! Before Palette sees!"Others say

They all run off quickly.

What even makes them fear Palette? Him of all people? But he is powerful....and also so sweet...

"I heard my name called?"Palette says

I glance over, seeing Palette walking across the sand, completely shirtless. I quickly turn away, my face on fire.

Chill out, Goth! It's just Palette enjoying his time on the beach!

I shake my head, taking deep breaths to calm my soul down.

He's my best friend....Why is my soul reacting like this? It doesn't matter, it's not like he saw me either!

I keep walking , then my phone dings to tell me that the three hours are up. I turn around to head bac

"Oh! Hey Gothy!"I hear Palette say as I walk into the shop

I glance over, seeing him run over but stop at the entrance since it doesn't allow anyone shirtless to enter. I wave to him and turn to see the staff member that I spoke to sitting at the front counter and waving to me. In perfect view of Palette.

Shoot...

I go over and the staff gather near the counter as they smile at me. It was a slow day for business today so it only made me unfortunately stand out to their focus. They each are seeming to catch onto my situation as they each look between me and Palette waiting outside, gazing through the glass. They smile at me with sly glances. The one I spoke to waves them away and hands me the necklace, the gems fused into a heart in a golden locket on the chain, shaping a heart just like on the pin.

"You like it?"They ask

I nod.

"T-Thank you."I say, holding it carefully

They nod and I leave the store, tucking it away.

"Hiya, Gothy! What were you doing in a jewelry store?"Palette asks

I look up at him and feel my face burn. Then it hits me.

I feel love for him....I don't just want to change his life as his friend...Soul racing, cheeks burning, shyness around him, joy at the thought of him, loving the nickname or his voice....I'm gay! Why'd I have to get a crush on my best friend? Sure, he protects me and makes everything brighten up, but at what point is it out of friendship or not? Where does it cross that line? He could, and probably is, doing this out of friendship and doesn't even see me like that! We're best friends! Can't I have a best bud who has my back without falling for him? Is that too much to ask? Did my parents have this issue? Gods, I am such an idiot...