THESE HIDDEN WINGS

[180.1] A GIGANS CONFESSION

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It just didn't fit.
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MISS MOONSHINE led the way, sunnily whistling a soft tune, as our two groups followed after.

"For a woman named Moonshine, she sure is sunny," Ari commented lowly to her friend who chuckled at the comment.

Lira freely snickered along, whilst grins showed up on every other face.

"I heard that, sweetheart," Miss Moonshine hummed from the front, glancing back at Ari with a dimpled smile and a knowing wink.

Ari only rolled her eyes and folded her arms.

My smile stayed on, I felt lighter despite everything that happened only a few hours ago. And I knew why that was. My gaze lingered on my friend group. I can't believe I was smiling this soon after Harvest.

My heart skipped a beat at the memory, a memory I pulled myself out of entirely before I could sink further in. I couldn't think about his words. I was doing so well blocking them so far.

They made me feel so angry, dark, and - heavy like there was a thundercloud right above my head every time I thought back to that moment.

Deep down I could feel myself brewing with anger, at both him and myself for my evident folly.

There was a lot on my mind, and I knew I had a decision to make, but for now-

My gaze trailed to my friends watching as Lira ruffled Claire's hair as she protested and David laughed whilst Omkara side glanced their way with his arms folded, chuckling slightly.

Watching my friends made me feel a whole lot better.
I had friends. People I could count on.

People who should be able to count on me too.

The thought lingered and I pursed my lips. Decisions- I had a decision to make.

The sudden feel of a tall looming presence came up behind me, a tall shadow shielding me from the sun.

Almost immediately, my mind seemed to still. I could feel everything, including the light breeze that shifted my hair slowly and trailed the back of my neck

The shadow moved beside me and I took a shallow breath out, looking at it.

Lucas.

His eyes bore into mine, soft and kind,  lips pressed.

"Hi."

I smile immediately, nodding, yet I note that it is a rigid greeting. No bestie at the end of the word. My gaze trails him.

His hands were tucked behind his back, a small grin plastered on his face, warm but it didn't quite reach his eyes.

There was something on his mind. Something serious. Or maybe I was thinking too hard.

Still, as the wind blew between us, the atmosphere felt rigid and cold. I did not know why I felt this way.

Hesitant, unsure, Dry, and awkward. I look away, my eyebrows dipping for a moment. I try to shake the feeling off. It's far too unsettling to feel like this when I'm with Lucas.

He clears his throat, and my ears prick up immediately.

"Are...you alright?" He asks quietly, dragging the word for a second.

I turn slightly at how hoarse his voice sounds, voice sounds hoarse and I'm caught off guard at the genuine concern in his shifted tone, slightly downcast and breathless.