detachment | amour

3.

"That looks bad. ." Serena said dabbing the fresh wound on ash's arm. He fell down while playing and Ash was chill about it because he's an athlete; all these things are common.

"Why don't you come out and watch me play?" He asked and Serena kept the first aid kid aside after applying an antiseptic lotion. She pondered for a bit and she shook her head.

"I'm sorry but. . I'd rather not." She said and he could tell that she was not comfortable enough to be in a place surrounded by people.

"It's okay. But how will you know without trying? Take one small step at a time." He said grinning and her eyes widened. She thought he might get mad because she refused to go, she nodded relieved that he wasn't mad.

After few days Serena did come to his game. Ash was so focused and Serena had never seen this side of him. He was so determined on scoring points and there were cheerleaders shouting everyone's name, particularly his.

Serena had a different perspective about Ash. She thought he was a nerd who finished reading all the books in library but never she imagined him to be an athlete. An amazing one infact.

The cheering was fun, everyone stood up when they scored points and shared the same feeling when they lost few points. It looked funny how people were united, sharing the same reactions, expressions regarding the game.

Few girls befriended Serena, who was hesitant at first but she remembered his words; one small step. She relaxed herself and cheered along with her new 'friends' on top of her lungs. This was definitely fun for her judging by her expression.

"Let's go Ash!" She yelled again and Ash turned to look at the familiar blonde in the crowd. Their eyes met and he felt his confidence boost more thanks to her presence.

He gave a thumbs up and wanted to show her how good he is. After the game, after accepting the trophy, after celebrating, it felt like 100 years to Ash. He was getting impatient.

"dude we are having an after party where are you going?" His friends asked him and Ash cleaned himself up. He was hurrying, just to meet her.

Putting a jacket and a cap so that he wouldn't get recognised by people he made an excuse regarding his health and went out to find her. He looked at the stands and she wasn't there. His legs were paining but Ash didn't care, he just wanted to go and meet Serena, that's all he cared about.

He looked at the food stalls and she wasn't there. He wanted to check in library but heard that it was closed. He almost gave up but then saw a blonde near the cafe sipping drink with two girls.

He was surprised; she looked happy with them, he felt so proud of her finally socialising and interacting with others.

He went near the table and then questioned.

"Am I disturbing you ladies?" To which Serena looked up to see a pair of auburn eyes that filled her with excitement. Her new friends just gasped when they recognised him.

"Ash?" She exclaimed and stood up to greet him.

"I'll introduce you to my new friends. Dawn and may," she pointed two girls who were seated across and he waved at them giving a smile.

"And this is Ash!" Serena said pointing at him. Both of them looked confused because theyalready knew ash. and Ash just smiled at Serena's cute behavior. He thought how clueless Serena is,  whole college knows him, he kept on staring at her.

"Congratulations!" Both May and dawn said getting up. Serena looked confused that they were leaving so early.

"Oh I'm sorry. You guys can carry on!" Ash said feeling bad that her friends are leaving.

"No, you guys can carry on," dawn said linking arms with may who winked at Ash. A tint of red appeared on ash's cheeks and he brushed it off.

"What do you want? My treat!" Serena said going near counter. Ash was just staring at her, a smile never leaving his face. He was tired but somehow being with her reduced all his fatigue.

"Caramel latte." He said and Serena nodded ordering. The whole evening they spent talking about the game and her experience, Ash was so happy to listen she had a great time.

"You looked really good too!" She said beaming and Ash was taken aback by her sudden compliment. He blushed and tried to shrug it off but he couldn't.

Both of them were walking towards their respective homes when Serena called his name again.

"Hey Ash?"  She said so quietly and he looked at Serena. She gave a shy smile and then expressed what she felt.

"Thank you. For being my friend and for showing me new things." She said and Ash couldn't help but notice how the street lights looked like stars in her eyes. Even tho she wore spectacles, he could get a clear view of her eyes, somehow he always got lost in her ocean blue eyes.

"You're welcome." He grinned and they continued to walk enjoying eachothers company.

"You're welcome,"

Ash said to  another girl who thanked him for picking  her grocery bag, carrying it all the way till their apartment. Ash knew her and they did exchange few words. She had pale skin and green emerald eyes, he never remembered her name tho.

"Why don't you come in for cup of coffee?" She asked and Ash smiled declining the polite offer. He had to go somehwere else.

"By the way do you even remember my name?" She asked him and Ash looked guilty. He pursed his lips trying to remembered her name.

She chuckled understanding his problem and she wasn't offended at all.

"It's Lillie." She said and he gave a big smile waving at her. This time he wanted to remember her name carefully.