Say 'Kiss'! • bxb

9. Charity work

Tobias' P.O.V.

After classes me and Lina went out for ice cream, since the weather is nice and warm, even though it's September. She always gets strawberry while I love the mint chocolate.

Sitting on a bench and eating, I tell her everything that has happened after the kiss and she gasps, dramatically, after every sentence.

"He's an asshole"

"That's what I'm saying" I angrily clench my fist against my ice cream cone.

"Kick him in the nuts while he's sleeping"

"Ugh... I don't know... He apologized yesterday"

"Fuck, Toby. Don't even think about accepting his apology. He doesn't mean it" she licks her ice cream and waves one of her hands in front of my face, almost hitting me in the process.

I've thought about it. But whenever I even try to accept his apology, one way or another, the scene from the basketball court plays again in my mind. The ball hitting my face, him using all his strength like the frustrated idiot he is, and the pain that followed.

As much as my nose was hurting and my eyes were watering, making it hard for me to see, my anger worked like some kind of remedy. I stood up using all my strength and was ready to punch him square in the face, but instead could only push him slightly.

Then he pushed me back, making me even more over the whole situation. It's all Sarah's fault and that stupid dare. Or no, maybe it's Alex's fault since she shared the photo somewhere. I wish I could wear a T-shirt that says "I'M GAY" in capital letters so they get that I'm not thirsting over her.

But then the scene from the bathroom plays in my mind too. It's like Mateo has two different personalities, fighting every day to decide which one will take over. And I can't help but be frustrated by that. Because I feel anger, but also sadness when it comes to him.

"Okay hear me out... Get him drunk at Greg's party and then beat the shit out of him. You'll have your revenge" Lina snaps her finger, like she discovered the cure to some rare disease.

"That's a terrible plan, Lina. Even for you" I ruffle her dark brown hair, and sigh.

"Then try to find a better solution to this mess"

"Why don't you date Sarah so then it won't be a problem anymore. Nobody will think I'm trying to steal her from Mateo"

"Haha" she lets out a dry laugh and then smacks my back "Watch your mouth"

Before I can respond my phone rings and I see that it's Mateo, making my hands freeze in shock and terror. Why is he calling me? He never called me before. I only have his phone number as a formality, when we first met last year.

"Hello?" I answer, shaking, wondering what could've happened that urged him to call me.

"Uhm... Hey? Tobias... Sorry to bother you out of nowhere but... Did you order a gigantic box of scented candles?"

Lina is asking me what the fuck is happening with her expression and I don't even know what to answer. As much as I love candles I would never buy more than one at once, so where is all this coming from?

"Where is the box now?" I ask after what feels like forever, when I finally have the words and power to do it.

"On your bed. A girl brought it to our room and said you ordered it so..."

"A girl? Describe what she looked like"

"Tall... Like realllyyy tall... Was wearing a pink hijab and was really nice... She said she was Lina's roommate I think?"

Then it all gets to me suddenly. I remember everything, almost miraculously. Two weeks ago I was drinking again and Lina's roommate, Alya, ended up telling me about this new work she's doing.

Handmade candles for charity, an orphanage from nearby. Weirdly, I was so touched that I started crying, congratulating her and acting as if the world is ending. Half serious half joking I said I'll order a big box of the candles, because I admire her noble cause that much. But I think she took it seriously, even though I was all over the table from the alcohol.

So now I have a big box of candles.

"Uh... W-what about the money?"

"I payed for it. Don't worry"

"I'll... I'll pay you back"

Not even bothering anymore, I hang up, being completely speechless. What will I do now? With a big box full of scented candles? Maybe I can give my friends and parents some as a gift, but the rest?

I turn to Lina and sigh.

"I ordered a big box of candles from your roommate while I was drunk and they just arrived"

Lina just looks at me, raising an eyebrow and calling me stupid just by her stare.

I know I'm stupid and sometimes my big mouth gets me in trouble, but now I just want an answer to what I can do with that many candles.

"Don't look at me. She already gave me plenty of them" she almost reads my mind and answers, not letting me get any wrong ideas.

"Damn well... I guess we should go fix this problem" I stand up from the bench, ready to go back to the dorms.

"We?" she crosses her arms over her chest but stands up too.

"I know you won't leave me alone. My best friend" I hug her and pretend to kiss her.

She just stands there, unimpressed.

"Fine" that's all she says as we make our way back to the dorms.

All I can think about is the fact that Mateo payed for the candles, when he could've just not accept them. And now I own him technically. Oh God, I don't even want to think about that.

We arrive at the dorms and I suddenly feel more anxious but still go in, with Lina behind me.