The Best Friend Equation

Chapter 24 - The Butterflies

"He did what?" We had a free period and the teacher did not make a fuss unless there was unnecessary ruckus in the corridors. Mason and I stood by the lockers as I filled him in on the wonderful time I'd had with Luke on Saturday. Before he turned it to muck.

"Exactly my reaction," I agreed. "I mean, you told me he liked me and I believed you. But obviously his feelings are purely platonic. And not only that, but he made me look like a complete fool!" My voice speeded up to the point where I wondered if Mason could understand what I was saying. But his frown told me he did.

Mason rubbed his neck in exasperation. "I overestimated his brainpower. He's so stupid."

"He's not stupid," I snapped. I was in a particularly foul mood today. "He's just not interested. Admit it, Mason. You were wrong."

He shook his head, his mouth turning down into a scowl. "No. I'm not wrong. I know love when I see it."

"Yeah, platonic love," I retorted, my lips curling. "He probably thinks I'm like his kid sister or something." Ugh, just the thought of it was disgusting. And I felt like such an idiot for imagining the sparks and magic flaring between us all evening. Luke was probably wondering what was wrong with me.

Mason laughed in disbelief. "Are you kidding? He definitely doesn't consider you a sister. Remember how much he looked like he wanted to break my face when I said it?"

I sighed. This was just too complicated. "I don't know what to think anymore."

"Hmm. I have an idea. But do you trust me?" The sudden resolve on Mason's face should have warned me.

"Wha—?"

Before I could react, he spun me and pushed me against the lockers. "Don't look but Luke is at the end of the hallway," he whispered, looking down at me.

Since he towered over me, there was no way I could look. Unless I peeked from the side. But that would seem weird.

"I wonder..." he said, his voice soft as silk. His free hand traced my jawline in a feather-light touch.

"Wonder what?"

"Don't hate me, okay?" he muttered.

"What are you—?"

Then he kissed me...

On my nose.

"Um... what are you doing?" I asked, feeling incredibly uncomfortable.

He pushed away a little, grinning. He still hadn't released me, though. "I didn't want to steal your first kiss."

"So, that was for Luke's benefit?"

"Yup." He looked over his shoulder then turned back to me. "Looks like it worked."

When I managed to see for myself, the hallway was empty.

Luke had disappeared.

Somehow, Mason's smirk annoyed me. "There's no need to make him jealous now, Mason. He doesn't have a girlfriend and he still hasn't confessed to me. Last night, he had a chance to kiss me for real and he didn't."

Mason lost his grin. "I don't agree, Aria. He needs a little push, that's all."

"No." I shook my head, my voice like steel. "We're done pushing him. I think we need to end our agreement."

He frowned. "Are you sure?"

"Yes. It's time to admit that the plan failed."

Mason studied me for a moment before he nodded, his face somber. "Okay. Can we at least continue to be friends?"