The Distance Between Us

Chapter. 1 (Intro)

Emily?

My friend greeted me, and then I realized I was dozing off again. My food is slowly turning cold in front of me. I sighed at myself and felt embarrassed.

Oh hey, Cole.

His boyfriend was beside him as well, going to me and then giving me a hug. I smiled softly; these two are the best. Cole has been my friend since junior high school. I don't even know how I found this guy, bro just spawned in my life.

My day went on as usual, but today was PE, and it's the subject I hated the most. The subject that always made me feel embarrassed. I changed into my PE uniform and got into the gym. The volleyball team has been practicing since this early morning; how can a human being not be tired after hours? Then I looked down at myself and just sighed.

The teacher was late like usual. I sat down by the benches and just watched the guys practice. My friend brought me water to calm my nerves down when it suddenly spilled all over me as a ball hit me in the face, making me fall backwards on the bench.

I couldn't stand up immediately, as even my own body is too heavy for me. My friend panicked and tried to help but to no avail. I was slowly turning red as I heard the laughs, until a guy went to me and effortlessly helped me up despite my weight.

Are you okay?

He asked with his deep and soft tone of voice. It's the scholar of the school because he's a pro at basketball. I felt dizzy, but I don't want to cause more trouble.

Yes, I'm fine. Thank you.

No, we are sorry that a ball hit you. It was me who threw it.

He said worriedly as he stared at me to look for injuries. I froze and felt my heart flutter. Hurriedly, I walked away as my teacher finally arrived. He walked away as well as it was their break time; I can still feel his gaze on me until they all went out of the gym for the other students to use it.

Here I go again with getting attracted to a handsome voice, even though I have no chance because of how I look. I sighed and just focused on my class, the teacher making us do embarrassing poses for yoga.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shut up.

I said with my tone hinting at annoyance. My friend has been looking at me with that look in his eyes-his eyes that speak I'm having a crush again. I just sighed and rolled my eyes as we entered the school garden.

Sure, he is attractive but.. I'm not going into that rabbit hole again and hurt myself 'again.'

Well.. Yeah, I agree, but you know, Maybe..

I was about to argue back when I saw the guy from earlier in the distance. I stared at him for a second, then snapped out of it when Cole excused himself to hang out with his boyfriend. The guy then slowly approached me and handed me the strawberry milk that I usually buy.

I'm sorry about earlier..

You didn't need to do this.

I said as i slightly turned red. I gently grabbed the bottle from him with a smile. He's nice.. but i should still keep my guard up.

I just felt so guilty earlier. I'm sorry again. Are you okay now?

Definitely. Because you gave me this, it's my favourite.

I laughed at my own sentence, not expecting to earn a chuckle from him, but I did. His laugh was music to my ears. I felt comfortable now. Suddenly he held out his hand, I hesitated but accepted it.

Arthur.. By the way.

Emily.

And that was the start of another drama in my life as I was now sitting in my room, my heart confused. I'm infatuated again, or so I convince myself.

I screamed in front of my mirror as I looked at myself. Fat, ugly, hopeless romantic. It's starting all over again. Liking someone that's clearly not in my league... Hoping I'll feel special to someone again.

ARTHUR POV

My mind is still going in circles because of the girl that I accidentally hit with a ball earlier. She probably felt embarrassed. I knew today was not going to be a good day for me because of the shit i stepped on before i got to school. She's the girl I always see buying a strawberry milk on that vending machine near the school garden.

Weirdly, today i didn't see her there. I still feel so guilty; I'll buy one for her. 'Isn't this bad for your health?' I asked myself as i looked at the label of the milk, I'm restricted from consuming these as an athlete. After 10 minutes of walking around the school garden, I finally saw her with.. a guy? Maybe she's already taken? Though i made eye contact with the guy and looked at her before walking away.

I awkwardly approached her, and in seconds her cheeks gained a red hue, She looked at me confused but flustered? Awkwardly I handed her the strawberry milk.

I'm sorry about earlier..

You didn't need to do this.

Her voice is calm and beautiful, just like her. I cleared my throat and composed myself in front of her, not wanting to scare the girl.We talked for a few minutes before i finally learned her name. Emily.. What a nice name.