𝐓𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐬

8

Aria: Hey there, Augustus. How's your day going?

Augustus: Hello, Aria. It's been rather uneventful, but I can't complain. How about you?

Aria: Oh, you know, the usual. Just thinking about how to make you smile.

Augustus: Is that so? I must admit, it's quite the challenge you've set for yourself.

Aria: Challenge accepted! I'm determined to see that genuine smile of yours.

Augustus: Well, I'll be waiting with bated breath then.

Aria: Don't hold your breath for too long. I wouldn't want you passing out before I achieve my goal.

Augustus: Your determination is admirable, Aria. But don't forget to take breaks from your mission to enjoy life's simple pleasures.

Aria: Oh, I plan on enjoying every moment, especially if it leads to that elusive smile of yours.

Augustus: You're quite persistent, aren't you?

Aria: Guilty as charged. But who can resist a challenge, especially when it involves bringing joy to someone as intriguing as you?

Augustus: Flattery will get you everywhere, Aria. But I must warn you, I'm not an easy target to crack.

Aria: Challenge accepted, Augustus. Consider it my personal mission to bring a smile to your face, no matter what it takes.

Augustus: I look forward to seeing you try.

_______________

Augustus couldn't help but notice the one-word answers she gave him at the beginning. He could feel that something was wrong with her, it was like a gut feeling.

It had been two days since he sensed that Aria was not telling him something. Not that she was obligated to, but it didn't sit well with him. He wanted to know, so badly. This desperation was new to him. He couldn't help but ask her what was bothering her. It was her choice if she wanted to tell him, though.

Augustus: Aria.

Aria: Yes, Augustus.

Augustus: Are you okay?

Aria: No (unsent)

Aria: I'm fine, Augustus. Thank you for asking though. I appreciate it.

Augustus: You know you're my friend, and I can tell when my friends don't act like themselves. From what I have observed, I just know you're not telling me something. However, if it is truly personal, you may choose not to tell me.

Aria: The thing is…

Aria contemplated if she should say it or not. They had just started bonding. What if sharing her problems would make things awkward between them? What if he didn't understand?

What if… I should probably stop overthinking. It's not like he knows me, or we will ever meet each other. So it's okay, I guess. Just get it over with. And she proceeded to vent her heart out.

Augustus just knew something was wrong. He could feel it and wanted to know. He wanted to help her, any kind of help. He felt oddly protective of her.

Aria: So, I will start with the worst part and then end with a better, worse part which is not so good after all. How do I explain this? It's like not bad but not good.

Augustus: I'm here.

Aria: I had a terrible experience on the bus. There was this man who couldn't keep his hands to himself. The audacity that pervert had gets on my nerves every time I think of him.

Aria: I confronted him and made sure he couldn't get away with it easily.

Augustus: Well then, how can I make it better? Your situation, I mean. And did he face any consequences?

Aria: I don't know. He got off the bus right after. Also, no need, just you listening is all I need.

Augustus: I see, but I do hope he faced some consequences. If I were there, I would have done everything I could to protect you. Perhaps even more than what you've done.

Aria: Augustus, is that you? I thought you never got angry.

Augustus: Angry? No, I don't think I am angry. I am wrathful.

Aria: Your frustration is valid. I was too, but I can't deny that I was scared and really, really terrified. I was frozen in one place. There were people I knew around me on the bus, but it felt like I was alone.

Augustus: That sounds like a very difficult and traumatic experience. I'm so sorry that you had to go through that. It's important to remember that none of this was your fault, and you did nothing to deserve it. You did what you could to protect yourself and survive, and you don't need to blame yourself for what happened.

Augustus: It is common for people who have experienced trauma to freeze up and be unable to do anything in the moment. This is your body's way of trying to protect you and keep you safe, even though it's unpleasant and difficult.

Augustus: And you stood up for yourself. That itself is remarkable. I admire your strength, Aria. There are very few who can do that. This speech may not be so helpful, but I hope it has a little effect and you feel better.

Aria: I… Thank you, thank you so much, Augustus. You don't know how much I appreciate it. Thank you for listening to me, thank you for comforting me. It did help.

Augustus: I'm glad.

Aria: And the not bad but not good thing was, I wasted all my money on a game card. And I didn't have enough money to afford the costly food at the mall. The reason I had to take the bus, the cheapest option.

Augustus: That is unfortunate.

Aria: The best part was that because I didn't have any money on me, my friends… not friends, we're not that close, let's say tuition mates paid for my food. I couldn't say no.

Augustus: Food is always the best part.

Aria: But I do not like to owe money, so I will give it back to them.

Augustus: Good.

Angry was an understatement. If he could, he would have ensured that man faced severe consequences.

From the outside, he looked very calm. His expression was serene. Nobody could tell he was angry, but the fierce typing gave it away. No, no, no, this was not good. He was getting angry, very angry. The sudden urge to book a flight and go to her was strong, but that was just weird.

This feeling, this attachment was very new to him and it was giving him mixed feelings. So he did what he did best. He started baking, the only thing that could calm him right now.

"Ooh, Augustus in the kitchen, what's the occasion, your highness?" Charles said at a very wrong time. Augustus folded his sleeves and looked at Charlie. "I would very much like it if you maintained silence and minded your own business, Charles," he said politely with a calm voice, basically saying "shut up" very politely.

He kept his phone by his side and let Aria vent while he tried to calm himself. On the other hand, Charles looked at him dumbfoundedly. "What did I do?" he spoke softly with puppy eyes and walked away with a pout.

Lilian, Augustus' grandmother, was sitting in the hall reading a book and was not surprised when she heard him snap at Charles.

Everybody knew not to disturb him when he was in the kitchen. Charles seemed to have Nemo's memory; he always did what he was not supposed to do.

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Any thoughts about how they will meet each other? Who is your favorite so far?

P.s: Updates on every Monday. (Hopefully)