Scattering Lilac Ashes

Chapter One Hundred and Five

Out of her 10-day timetable schedule, 'Day 2' was one of Lila's favourites. It started off with English and then Study – both of which, of course, featured Asher.

She was still rather giggly after watching Elise and Isaac head off for their Maccas shift together yesterday afternoon, and couldn't wait to brainstorm with Asher once they had a chance.

He definitely caught on to her cheerful mood that morning in English as she took her place next to him, grinning from ear to ear. He mirrored her grin, though with a hint of confusion in his eyes.

"What's got you so chipper this morning?" he asked, inclining his head curiously.

"I saw Elise and Isaac head off for their Maccas shift together yesterday afternoon and they were so cute," Lila whispered fervently, her eyes sparkling. "It's getting more and more obvious that they like each other. We've gotta make this happen, somehow."

"Well, we're going to the museum as a group," Asher said thoughtfully. "We could probably slip away, you and me. Probably Grace, too. Watch them from a distance. You know, what they've been doing all year."

Lila laughed. "That sounds like a plan. The more they hang out, just the two of them, the more likely they'll want to date, right?"

Asher's eyes darted to hers before returning to his desk just as quickly. "... Probably."

Suddenly, the question of when Asher would ask Lila to be his girlfriend burned the back of her throat. While envisioning Elise and Isaac getting together helped to forget her woes, it was moments like these – where Asher seemed to be thinking of something entirely different to the context they were in – that reminded her of the predicament she was in. After all, they'd hung out, just the two of them, for many weeks – months, even – now. And yet...

Lila shook her head fiercely. She needed to exercise some patience. Besides, she had lots to focus on now. Perhaps it was a good thing that they weren't together yet...

Once English was over, Lila and Asher strolled towards the library for their Study class. It wasn't raining today, but it was still cold enough for Lila to tremble despite her layers.

"Did you want my blazer?" Asher asked, looking down at Lila in concern.

"I-I'll be fine. Thanks, though," Lila replied meekly, holding her bookbag to her chest.

Asher sighed, and she glanced at him. He seemed bothered by something, with the subtle way his brow was creased and his hands appeared clenched in his pockets.

"... Everything okay?" Lila queried, pulling at her scarf to give her more coverage – not that it did much, due to the wind.

"Yeah. Why?" Asher responded, blinking at her in surprise.

"You just... seem bothered by something."

"Ah," Asher sighed again. "Guess so. But it's fine."

"How can something bothering you be fine?"

"I mean, you'd be the expert in that field, wouldn't you?" he countered, though not unkindly. It did still sting a little, though.

He must have sensed this as he immediately swore under his breath, roughly running his hands through his hair. Then he let out a groan of frustration, stopping entirely in his tracks. Lila halted as well, looking curiously at him.

"Sorry. Fuck. I don't know what to do," he confessed.

"No need to be sorry," Lila replied, avoiding his intense eyes. "It's true, after all."

He folded his arms across his chest before shaking his head. "Fine. I'll tell you what's bothering me. But... it's really my own fault. Nothing for you to be concerned about."