The Boy Next Door

Outcast

As the three of them walked home from school, Kat couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy as Seth and Lisa chattered excitedly about their upcoming date.

"Aw man! This means that I'd be the 3rd wheeler now!" Kat complained, half-jokingly.
"Shut up, idiot! It would still be the same!" Seth retorted, playfully nudging Kat's shoulder.
"Oooo, look who's shy about it, Lisa!" Kat teased, nudging Lisa's arm as well.

Despite her attempts at humor, Kat couldn't shake the heaviness in her heart. She knew she should be happy for her friends, but a part of her couldn't help but feel a sense of loss. Deep down, she wished it was her going on that date with Seth, but she pushed those thoughts aside, forcing a smile to hide her true feelings.

"I should be happy that they would go on a date together," Kat thought to herself. "I should be happy that he's with her now. I should be happy to see the two people I care so much about being together. But deep down, I can't be happy, somehow."

As they continued their walk, Kat tried to push those feelings aside and focus on being supportive of her friends, but the ache in her chest remained, a constant reminder of what could have been.

        Time passed by, and a few months slipped away like sand through fingers. Despite the changes, some things remained constant. We still talked together, hung out, played games, ate dinner, and did homework together like we always did. I was getting used to how Seth and Lisa acted when they were together, their inside jokes and shared glances becoming a familiar sight.

As we sat together one evening, the topic of their relationship came up naturally in conversation.

"Can't believe it's been 4 months since you guys started dating, time flies. Have you guys been anywhere together?" I asked, genuinely curious. Lisa nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
"Sometimes, but mostly after school I spend my time studying and doing courses." Seth chimed in,
"Yeah, and with soccer practice taking up most of my time, it's been hard to find moments to go out." I nodded in understanding.
"Not surprised. I've been busy practicing for my upcoming violin contest, and you're always buried in student council work, Lisa. It seems like the three of us haven't been walking home together for quite a while now."

Despite the changes in our routines and schedules, our bond remained strong. We may not have as much time together as we used to, but the moments we did share were precious, filled with laughter and camaraderie. As we continued our conversation, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the friendship we shared, even as life pulled us in different directions.

I walked out of the music room, lost in my thoughts until a commotion caught my attention. Down at the football court, Seth had managed to slip and fall while retrieving the ball. Without hesitation, I rushed down the stairs to help him up.

"I can walk by myself, remember?" Seth grumbled, but I ignored his protest and offered him a hand.
"C'mon," I insisted, steadying him as he got back on his feet.
"Fine," he relented, albeit reluctantly. I quickly set to work, fashioning a makeshift bandage for his scraped knee. As I tied it off with a small bow, Seth raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me, ma'am, but can you change the bow to something more ordinary?" he teased.

I chuckled. "Why? It's cute." "Seriously..." he sighed, but there was a hint of gratitude in his voice. "But thanks anyways. When did you learn how to do this?" "Thanks to the Girl Scouts!" I replied proudly, hoping to lighten the mood. However, the atmosphere remained tense as Seth's exhaustion weighed heavily on him.
As we made our way out of the nurse's office, Seth insisted that I go home without him. His determination to train for the upcoming competition worried me. "Just take a break for a few days!" I pleaded, concern evident in my voice. How is that going to affect your competition?"