wish list | daerin

❛ Moth To A Flame ❜

⌗ 7

Riley sleeps peacefully with her head on my lap, her hands intertwined with my own. We sit underneath an evergreen tree, hidden away from the sun and the large crowds of students.

"This could've been so peaceful," I mentioned. "But I guess this is okay too..." I turn my head to face the group of girls sitting beside me.

Riley wanted some time away from the crowds, and so we slipped away from the festivities and under our favourite tree situated on the far end of campus where most students often stray away from—and for reasons I'm not quite sure of.

Mara, Mavis and Elly look at me with a glimmer in their eyes. This was a perfect opportunity for them to meddle about and annoy me. If anything, this might even be their favourite pass time...

Being major cockblockers.

"This is absolutely wonderful," Mavis grinned. "What ever do you mean?" She questioned.

I roll my eyes. "With you here... not really."

Mara shakes her head, "Liar."

I turn away to hide my smile. Mara knows that as much as I deny it, the truth is, I love these girls. But I would never ever admit that to their faces. Not in this life time. Unless I slip up...

"So anyways..." My voice trails away. "Don't you guys want to use your time going on rides and eating all the delicious food the school has prepared for us on this lovely day."

"Not while we have the opportunity to annoy you while you're with your girl." Elly smirks.

I throw my empty cup at her head, "Hey," I whisper. "Shh...don't say things like that."

It's moments like these where I'm glad that Riley likes to nap with her headphones on. Perhaps it's a plus that it just happens to be noise cancelling.

Riley often wakes up at the slightest noise. So having heard that would've woken her up for sure. But maybe the heavens are looking down on me today and decided to side with me.

"She won't hear me," Elly teased. "Seriously, what's going on with you two. You're so...giddy all the time and honestly it's a good look on you."

Mara and Mavis nod in agreement.

"It's true." Mavis replied.

"You're slowly coming out of your shell," Mara added. "She's bringing out a side in you that I don't think anyone else could...and I honestly think that's wonderful. That says a lot about Riley and how monumental she is in your life."

A small smile creeps up on my face as I look down to watch Riley for a brief moment. She looks so pretty and at peace. Her chest slowly rising and falling with each breath she takes.

Even in her sleep she's as stunning as ever.

"She's just my something unexpected. I just lived my life as I always have and one day that all changed. I didn't even think it was possible for me to even fall for someone so quickly...and so hard too. It's almost terrifying. The things I feel or do or say...it's all so new but...I love it."

The three of them smile back at me fondly, almost tearing up at this revelation. I've always been closed off and stuck in my own four walls, but having Riley these last few months has changed me drastically.

I find myself in situations I'd least expect. I find myself doing things I'd least expect. I find myself falling for her more and more each day.

"I never thought it was possible for me to like anyone. I didn't have any intention of liking anyone at all to begin with. But she just came in like the wind and I was just free falling..."

"She really got you good huh..." Elly giggled.

"Do you think you'd tell her how you feel?" Mavis wondered. "You must be having some sort of idea about it, right?"

I shake my head slowly, "I'm not too sure."

"Are you scared?" Mara wondered.

I watch the looks on their faces, both keen and curious. "Maybe—just a little. A lot. Like really...I mean I've never done this before so the thought of it already is just terrifying."

"I know. It can get really scary sometimes. Especially when you're racking your brain trying to figure out if they feel the same way."

I look at Mara. And then at Mavis. Alternating between the two before I lock eyes with Elly who I'm most certain is thinking the same thing.

Despite me being the topic of conversation, it was clear, or to me (and Elly) at least, that Mara's little speech was directed to the one and only Hanni Pham. Mara's intense feelings for the girl had been hidden for quite some time now. And it makes me so curious as to how oblivious Mavis has been all this time. They aren't exactly subtle.

For starters, Hanni's a big advocate for her second name. She's Mavis Pham to everyone, and Hanni to a select few. Of course, that applies to me and the girls. But Mara has always been the number one exception. If I called Hanni by her Government name, she'd start a brawl. If Mara called her by that...heart eyes for days.

But that thought alone gets me thinking about me and Riley. If I think about it—we do the same. We all go by different names to our friends, peers and to random people that we might happen to cross every now and then. She likes calling me by Kang Haerin—and unlike my reaction to most, I absolutely love it when she calls me that.

I'm like a moth to a flame—so deeply attracted. She's a body of warmth, comfort and beauty that I could never get tired of seeking. I'm entranced, attracted and confused all at once.

If I'm the moth then she's a flame. And I spend every day wondering over my confusion and the overwhelming feeling I get when she's near.

All my senses start to act crazy.

And so does my heart.

And when I look down at her, my heart stops. There's that pretty smile and those soft hazel brown eyes. I could really drown in them.

"Hey, Sleeping Beauty, how was your nap? I give her a light chuckle as I tuck her hair behind her ear and using my right hand to block the sun away from her eyes.

"It was great," She smiled. "But I know something better." She added.

"Mm, and what's that Mo Dani?"

"Seeing you the moment I wake up." She smiled.