Can You Look My Way?

C18- US

"Is that why you didn't take Merida away when you could've taken her? B-Because you're...dying?"

Leo wrapped his arms around me tightly and rested his face on my shoulder. I could feel his warm breath on my neck.

"Yes," he replied. "Thanks to that I get to spend my time with you, get to know you and be with you."

"How can you say that?" I sniffled, turning to meet his eyes. "You love her and she probably—"

I couldn't say what I wanted since his lips were suddenly on mine. He moved his head away, the corners of his mouth curved up.

"Only focus on us. I know women tend to articulate and overthink everything but focus on what I feel now." He smiles at me. "Do you really want to stay knowing I'm—"

I kissed him this time. This feels like the bed in our room. So soft and comfortable, I want it forever.

We stayed sitting on the beach, under the half moon, with the waves crashing. All those time I searched for him, it feels surreal to finally find him.

"When did you start liking me?" I asked, locking my fingers with his.

"Hmm..." He inhaled deeply and let it all out. "When I saw you cry."

"Huh? When you saw me cry?" I repeated.

"I don't know." He sobs a laugh. "I must have a thing for girls who cry."

"So, you pity me! That's not love at all!"

"Do you remember what happened on the graduation ball?" He suddenly asked.

"I do," I whispered, recalling how I was ready to risk my life just to dance with him.

That night, I didn't have a date. While Yuri went with Brandon, and Merida with Leo, I could've invited Jacob but I couldn't.

The moment I saw them dancing and stops while Merida cried, I knew then that Leo gave up. And when Merida started walking towards Jacob, I saw how Leo wished it ended differently. He walked away. Yuri was chasing Leo to the parking lot and I followed.

How dumb was I that when I saw his car coming, I jumped on middle of the driveway. The headlights so bright, I closed my eyes, praying it's not the end. I wasn't hit, obviously and then the light went off. I couldn't see anything for a second but I heard his car door open.

"Are you trying to die?" He roared. "Get out of the way, Lisa!"

"No, you idiot!" I shouted. "Why must you leave like this? Why are you such a loser?"

"Just get out of the way, Lisa." Though he said it in a calm way, I know he wanted to speed up and get rid of me. "I'm not in the mood to be dealing with you right now."

"Why? You're finally mad at yourself for dumping someone you could've had? You're mad because you're a loser! You're mad because you're trying to act cool about everything when it's not anymore!" I inhaled deeply. "You're not cool!"

Leo clenched his fist, gritting his teeth. I know how much he is trying to keep it all in and not lash out at me. For a moment, we just stood there, glaring at each other.

"I'm going home," he stated.

"I'm going with you," I said.

He lifted an eyebrow but I don't care how ridiculous I sound. I strode towards his car, opened the passenger seat's door and got in. He scoffed before getting in.

"Give me your address," he demanded as soon as we drive away.

"I'm going where you're going," I replied.